Navy end first round with close win over Havies

Monday, 22 December 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Shamseer Jaleel Navy ended the first round of the inter-club rugby tournament on a high note when they edged out Havelocks 17-13 In a tense battle.

This saw the Navy outfit end the first round by winning seven games and losing only to Kandy. After leading 10-7 at halftime, the Park Club ran out of ideas. Havies dominated proceedings in the first half with some fine open rugby which left the sailors defending most of the time. But later in the first half Navy scored their tries through their Fijian Leo Naikasau, who was unstoppable at times, and their skipper Yoshitha Rajapaksa. Havies fly-half Dulaj Perera contributed all points for the Park Club through a try, conversion and two penalties. This will leave Navy second with Kandy waiting to meet CH&FC on 3 January in their last first round game. Kandy is expected to lead the first round with a win over CH&FC expected with their current form. Last week’s matches kicked off at Beliatta with the Army being hosted by the Hambantota Sharks. Army went on to beat the Hambantota Sharks 38-11 and secured a much-needed bonus point as well. Fijian power was once again witnessed when Ramuwai scored a hat-trick of tries for the solders. CR&FC rediscovered their winning ways after a lapse of two games when they outclassed traditional rivals CH&FC 33-15. Marrikar’s men secured a bonus point as well. Still there is doubt about their form and ability to keep on winning. Meanwhile, Police not only edged out Sri Lanka Air force 24-19 but also secured the bonus point. Club rugby will see a one week rest for players in lieu of the Christmas holidays and will resume during the first week of January. Kandy, which is making a comeback to secure the title from Navy, will have five home matches in the second round which will be a major advantage. They will also hire Tongan number 8 Koto Pongi, who will join the club today. Pongi was playing club rugby in Japan.

Kandy Lions maul Kurunegala

By Shamseer Jaleel The Kandy Lions, led by Fazil Marija, kicked off the 2014/2015 rugby season on an impressive note when they outclassed Kurunegala Rugby Football Union (KRFU) 118-0 at the Nittawela Rugby Stadium yesterday. At the breather the home team led 64-0. Kandy remained unbeaten last year as well. The team is coached by former Sri Lanka and Kandy placekicker Nalaka Weerakody. The game was refereed by Sarath Madugalle.