COLOMBO ; Kandy Sports Club staged a famous comeback, overcoming a one-player deficit and a ten-point gap to extend their unbeaten run with a thrilling 24-20 victory over Havelock Sports Club in their fourth-week fixture of the Mastercard Inter-Club ‘A’ Division Rugby League 2024/25, played at Havelock Park.
The best game of Week 4 saw two unbeaten teams go head-to-head in a thrilling contest, with Sandesh Jayawickrema kicking off the action at the park. Right from the start, Kandy conceded a penalty when Dinal Ekenayake was penalised for a holding on infringement, allowing Samuel Maduwantha to convert the penalty and open the scoring. (Havelocks 03 – 00 Kandy)
The Havelocks handed Kandy a numerical advantage when Dinupa Senevirathna was shown a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on. Kandy seized the opportunity, launching a clinical attack that culminated in a series of quick passes. The move ended with Tharinda Ratwatte crossing under the posts, and he made no mistake in adding the extras to put Kandy in the lead. (Havelocks 03 – 07 Kandy)
Kandy continued to attack, utilizing their experienced backs, but a high looped pass from Shahid Zumri was expertly read by Jayathu Rajarathne. Taking a gamble, he intercepted the ball and sprinted 70 meters untouched to score under the posts, with Samuel Maduwantha adding the extras. (Havelocks 10 – 07 Kandy)
Havelocks found their rhythm, but despite sustained pressure, they settled for points after Kandy were penalized for offside. Maduwantha kicked his second penalty to give Havelocks a six-point lead. Kandy’s situation worsened when Kavindu Perera was shown a straight red card for a high, dangerous tackle on the Havelocks scrum-half Mohmad Rifan after the restart. (Havelocks 13 – 07 Kandy)
Down a man, Kandy came close to scoring but were unable to finish. However, they got a chance just outside the 40-meter mark, and Tharinda Ratwatte split the uprights to close the gap. In the final move of the half, Havelocks earned an offside penalty and opted for the corner. A well-executed set play saw Shem Mendis collect the lineout and pass to No. 8 Chatura Dilshan, who shifted to the short side and offloaded to Asmir Fajudeen. Fajudeen powered over the Kandy winger to score in the corner, with Maduwantha converting from the touchline to cap a perfect half for the home side.
Half Time: Havelocks SC 20 (2T,2C,2P) – Kandy SC 10 (1T,1C,1P)
Park Club came out strong after the break, but a moment of indiscipline from the experienced Senal Deelaka, who gave back-chat to the referee, earned him a yellow card. Havelocks were fortunate, however, as Shahid Zumri’s subsequent penalty attempt was missed. With the numerical advantage gone, Havelocks’ defence was tested, particularly by Kandy’s forwards, who put in a solid performance. The visitors’ rolling maul functioned well, and they repeatedly kicked for the corner. This pressure eventually paid off as Mohamed Akeel powered over from a driving maul, bringing Kandy back within three points. Nigel Ratwatte successfully converted the try. (Havelocks 20 – 17 Kandy)
Kandy came on strong as Havelocks continued to concede possession regularly. Samuel Maduwantha attempted a 54-meter penalty, but it fell just short. Havelocks’ troubles deepened when Dinanda Wickramarchchi was shown a yellow card, leveling things up in the final five minutes. Kandy kept up the pressure, using their forwards to drive close to the line. Nigel Ratwatte then shifted the play, sending a long pass to winger Dinal Ekanayake, who finished the move to secure the win. Ratwatte added the conversion, completing a fabulous comeback for Kandy.courtesy The Papare- pix from Sunday Times
