Havies ‘going as underdogs’ claims Martis

Havelock Sports Club Head Coach Sanath Martis described his team as ‘clear underdogs’ ahead of their Dialog Inter-club League Rugby Tournament match against the CH and FC scheduled to be played at Havelock Park today commencing at 6.30 p.m.

Almost half of the Havelock SC team members left the club at the end of last season with most of them crossing over to the CH and FC.

In addition, the ongoing contract saga of Havelock SC fly half Dulaj Perera who looks to force through a move to Maitland Crescent Club by going AWOL (Absent without leave), makes this a battle beyond the rugby pitch.

Martis however, played down the prospects of this being a fiery contest.

“I just want my players to focus on the game and stick to our plans. We have to understand that players have the right to leave the club if they wish to. Every year things like this does happen and we should get on with it. I urge all my players to focus on the game only,” Martis told Daily Mirror.

Having signed a host of National players, CH and FC have got a very impressive backline which includes some serious talents such as Naveen Henakankanamage while the Havies’ strength should certainly be their pack which has been the case with most teams coached by Martis.

“We are going as clear underdogs. They have got all the superheroes. In the forward pack and the backline, they have got superheroes,” Martis appeared to mock CH and FC.

“We have normal players and we are happy with them. They will try their best.”

The Havies though failed to snatch the bonus point, defeated Army SC fair and square last week in their opening game.

“Of course every win gives us a lot of courage and we take one game at a time. The players are confident,” the former CR and FC hooker stated.

The Havies have made one change to their starting line-up with scrum half Vimukthy Rahul coming into the First XV in place of Mithun Hapugoda while rest of the team the remains same.

As for CH and FC, last week they refused to disclose their team, giving Daily Mirror the impression that CH and FC are not keen on divulging the names of players prior to matches.

Havelock SC: Dushmantha Priyadarshana, Asmir Fajudeen, Liston Flatny, Sharo Fernando, Umesh Madushanka, Senal Deelaka, Shawqat Lahir, Lasindu Ishan, Vimukthy Rahul and Niroshan Fernando (Captain), Chamara Dabare, Dinuk Amarasinghe, Dinushan Ariyapala, Sandun Herath, Riza Mubarak.