Kandy SC in close win over Havies

After a lacklustre yet strenuous first half, where only a penalty was put over by the host team, defending champions Kandy Sports Club took a different approach and record a close 19-15 win against Havelocks in a Cup Segment match of the SLR Nippon Paint Club Rugby League played at Havelock Park yesterday.

Despite trailing 0-3 at halftime, Kandy SC managed to turn tables on the hosts to land three tries, out of which two were converted. Havelocks too, were no pushovers as they threatened the visitors by almost nailing them down, if not for failed efforts, but ended up with a tally of two tries and one each of a conversion and penalty.

Both teams were cautious during the first half, playing safe, but Kandy SC made five attempts to breach their opponent’s territory, only to fall short by few yards or by their own mishap. Havelocks, on the other hand, gave their opponent’s a run worth the money by holding them from going pass their territory, and even forcing to commit errors.

Eventually, the plan worked out for the Havies, who earned a penalty just before the halftime. Winger Janith Chandimal put over the threepointer to have his team in the lead 3-0 at halftime.

However, Kandy’s approach was totally different from the outset of the second half. They played open and wide, confusing the hosts, and eventually found the much awaited breakthrough in the 42nd minute as winger Suranga Tennakoon finished a quick three-quarter move by bracing a try. Centre Tarinda Ratwatte, who missed out a vital penalty in the first half, made it up with the conversion and put Kandy in front 7-3.

Kandy continued the pace and moves intact and found another breakthrough to have a similar move as their first try, but on the opposite end. Number 8 Sanushka Abeywickrama landed for Kandy’s second try in the 48th minute, and with Ratwatte’s conversion they were well placed at 14-3.

But no sooner the title holders lost composure and gave in to canny moves made by Havies, who ended up with an unconverted try in the 56th minute through Janith Chandimal. While Havelocks trailed by six points, 8-19, Kandy made their third successful attempt, working the ball from east to west, before lock Jason Dissanayake made a long offload to skipper and centre Lavanga Perera to crash in for a try in the 65th minute. With a failed conversion, Kandy expanded the lead to 19-8.

But it was back to square one as Havies continued their onslaught and overcame the obstacle with a try in the 76th minute, resulting in No.8 Oliver Buckle scoring and centre Sandesh Jayawickrama making the conversion.

Kandy made all efforts to earn a bonus point try in the remaining short period, but failed to achieve their desired goal, which would be vital when they take on the still unbeaten CR&FC next weekend.