Havelock SC win close game over Army SC

Dialog Rugby League 2019/20

Havelock SC secured a tight win over Army SC at Havelock Park in their first game of the second round matches in the Dialog Rugby League.

Havelock’s started of positively breaching the Army defense to score 1^st through Umesha Madushan. Sandesh Jayawickrama added the extra points to give the host a 07 point lead.

Army SC came back quickly with Shehan Silva managing to break through to score Army’s first try. Chamath Fernando converted cleanly. Scores level 07 all.

Army went ahead when Isuru Madagedara touched down after a 50 meter scrum. Chamath Fernando added the extra points to put the soldiers 7 points ahead. 

The host did not sit back, but attacked the Army defence. Umesha Madushan went on to score his 2^nd try of the game. Sandesh Jayawickrama converted to level scores at 14 all.

Havelock SC gave away a penalty carelessly on the restart. Army took the opportunity to capitalize and scored through Isuru Madagedara. Chamath Fernando made no mistake with the conversion. 21 to 14 Army leading.

Nalan Pramanath was sent to the sin bin soon after with a late charge. This gave Havies the chance to get into the Army 22 and work their way to score once again. Lasindu Karunathilaka scored for the host and Sandesh Jayawickrama once again made no mistake with the conversion. 21 all scores read.

Thereafter a mistake by Randy Silva, resulted in some scrappy play and Thusutha Senanayake was tackled when chasing the ball resulting in a penalty try been awarded for Army. 28 points to 21 Army lead.

Army forwards pushed their way breaching the Havelock defense for Sudaraka Dikkumbura to score an excellent try. Chamath Fernando converted cleanly once again. 35 to 21 Army were in the lead

Both teams tried hard but could not break through till half time. Scores were 35 Army, 21 Havelock’s at half time.

Havies came up roaring in the second half with Umesha Madushan scoring his 3^rd try of the game. Sandesh Jayawickrama made no mistake with the conversion. Havelock’s were trailing by 07 points at this stage.

Soon after that Havies reduced the deficit in another unconverted try this time scored by Randy Silva. Scores 35 to 33 in favour of Army.

Havelock’s kept coming at the Army defense. Azmir Fajurdeen put his name on the score sheet next when he went over the line. Sandesh Jayawickrama made no mistake this time to give the host the lead. 40 to 35 Havelock’s leading.

Army came back into the match with Sudaraka Dikkumbura making ground to give skipper Thusitha Senanayake the chance to score. Isuru Madagedara made a difficult conversion to get the important 2 points. And put Army back in the lead 42 to 40.

Captain Mithun Hapugoda showed his class to break away and score in the dying stages. This time the conversion was missed. But Havies in the lead by 3 points.  

A late yellow card was given to Janindu Fernando for a high tackle, but Havelock’s managed to hang on to their slim lead to secure the game.  

Score at Full Time:

Havelock SC: 45 (7 Tries, 5 Conversions) – Army SC: 42 (5 Tries, 5 Conversions, 1 Penalty Try)