Havelocks caught flat footed as Police run riot

(FASTNEWS | COLOMBO) –   Police Sports Club caused the first upset in the Dialog Inter-Club Rugby League Championship 2020 stunning last year’s runners-up Havelock Sports Club 36-24 in their own backyard at Havelock Park yesterday.

The visitors scored no less than five tries racing to a 26-3 lead to dominated the first half. Havelocks to their credit showed tremendous grit to claw their way after the turnaround with their forwards grinding out two tries in quick succession but Police were in control despite conceding a try in the dying stages of the match. Police’s points came from four goals, one try and a penalty while Havelocks replied with three goals and a penalty.

The most pleasing aspect of Police’s performance was they played an expansive game spreading the ball to either side with slick passes and running with the ball instead of trying to bulldoze their way through using their powerful pack. “It was quite an unexpected win. It is always tough to play away especially at Havelock Park. The backs played beautifully using the ball well,” said Police coach Asanga Rodrigo.

Havelocks were caught napping by the pace of the Police backs particularly player of the match winger Suranga Kasun who scored two dazzling tries prancing over the line like a gazelle.

Fijian centre Emosi Vunivosa opened the floodgates exploiting the extra man advantage to dash over the line in the 14th minutes, after Havelocks prop Charana Chamikara was sent to the sin bin two minutes earlier.Yohan Peiris added the extra points while Kasun hared over the line for an unconverted try in the 23rd minute to give Police a 12-0 cushion.

Havelocks full back Prince Chamara converted a penalty in the 31st minute but Police pulled away through a couple of tries from wingers Janith Chanaka and Sachith Silva with Janith Chandimal adding the extra points to give them a commanding 26-3 at the interval.

After getting a earful from coach Sanath Martis, Havelocks bounced back in the second half phasing out moves through their forwards with flanker Shawket Lahir and prop Fartham Fazi crashing over the line. Chamara goaled both tries to close the gap to 17-26 with 15 minutes remaining.

But Police stormed back to virtually seal victory with another superb effort from Kasun after taking a quick penalty following a fine break from winger Janith Chanaka. Chandimal converted the try and also a penalty in the 78th minute. Havelocks scored a consolation try as the backs swung into action in the final minute of play when Kavinda Keshan followed a cross kick to touch down in the right corner with Chamara making a fine conversion. But it was too little too late for the Park Club who were upstaged by the smart thinking Police.