Havies should win against Cops, but not after a battle
The strong, silent and shrewd coach of the Havies, Sanath Martis, has ensured that his players do not lose sight of their objective. His team has to continue training their sights on the champions, and by winning their games, with the bonus point, be in a position to challenge Richard Dharmapala's men in a winner takes all final games.
They exceeded expectations in a 50- 32 defeat of the Army to get their second round off to an optimistic start. In their subsequent games, they went over the thirty marks. So it could be said that their attacking game is in order. When they take on the Police at the Park this evening, the Havies will be seeking confirmation that God's in his Kingdom and all's right with the world.
The Havies have received a blow with the suspension of their tough number eight Lasindu Ishan. They did not expect the repercussions, but being a good side, they should cope. Props Dushmantha Priyadarshana and Liston Flatny have been doing their utmost. Sharo Fernando continues to play his usual spirited game.
Shawkat Lahir scored three tries in an excellent performance last week and hopes are high that he will continue to excel. Shenal Deelaka and Sithum Pieris are also two prominent forwards who give the game their best shot. Azmir Fajudeen keeps turning up when try- scoring opportunities surface.
The Havies back four of Sandun Herath, Iranga Ariyapala, Dinuk Amerasinghe and Chamara Dabare, is quite impressive. Dabare's name keeps coming up in the list of try scores. He is deadly, given a bit of room. Dinuk Amerasinghe has not scored the tries expected of him. It is time for him to break tree of the shackles.
Reza Mubarak, the full back, has done what was expected of him, and has proved to be source of strength to the Havies.
The Police is a team that has improved thanks to the untiring efforts of Shamly Nawaz. The accent is on attack, characterized by sudden bursts down the middle or along the wing. Sachith Silva is the star of the show, and his impressive performances have stood out. Iroshan Silva is a tough centre. Gihan Silva is another willing runner who is quite prepared to take on his man.
The Police forwards led by lack Udara Suriyapperuma play a robust type of rugby. The skipper gets the pace by jumping well in the lines out. Front row players R a s i t h S i l va, Danushka Edirisuriya and back row forwards Vageesha Weerasinghe and Shanaka Harischandra have shown up well in their matches.
The Police has excited their supporters, as well as disappointed them. They have not been beaten by a mile. The Navy beat them by a point, Kandy by nine. More to the point, the Havies won the first game 31- 26. Beating CR in the scored round opener was a feather in their cap. Not so, an unexpected defeat to the Air Force in their next game. All told, the Police play entertaining rugby, but there are elements of unpredictability and inerrability.
Sticking may neck out, I feel that the Havies should win, but that it will be after a fight.