Havies made to fight for victory by Army

Havelock’s SC were made to fight till the last minute by the gallant Army SC outfit before pulling off a 39 points (6 tries, 3 conversions, 1 penalty) to 18 (2 tries, 1 conversion, 2 penalties) victory in their Dialog ‘A’ Division Inter Club League Rugby second round match played at Havelock Park under lights yesterday. The winners led 17-15 at half time.

It was in the last quarter of play that Havies managed to pull away from the Army when they scored two back to back tries.

The match got off to fabulous start with prop forward Dushmantha Priyadarshana for Havies and Ashoka Jayalal for Army scoring in quick time. Samantha Lakshan and Gayan Salinda both missed the conversions and the scoreline stood at 5-all.

Off a three quarter move centre Hirantha Perera then went over the line and Lakshan missed the conversion again to put Havies in front by 10-5. Gayan Salinda fired across a penalty for Army to close the gap to 10-8.

Havies increased the lead to17-8 with a try scored by second row forward Janik Jayasuriya and Lakshan made the conversion.

Just before lemons Army scored through Imanka Ariyapala and Salinda missed the important conversion. At half time the score read 17-15 in Havelock’s favour.

After the break Salinda and Lakshan put over a penalty each to take the score to 20-18.

Havelocks scored again when Hirantha Perera touched down under the post for an unconverted try after collecting an off load from skipper Sadun Herath. Score Havies 25, Army 18.

Two superb back to back tries by Herath and Nishon Perera sealed the match for Havies with both of them being converted by replacement fly half Rimzie Jamaldeen.