CR and Havies clash for Col Eustace Marthysz Trophy

By Shamseer Jaleel

The rich legacy of the Col. Eustace Matthysz Trophy will once again take centre stage when Havelock Sports Club host arch-rivals CR and FC in a top end Super Round Cup clash of the Inter-Club Rugby League at Havelock Park today (31 January).

Kick off is set for 4 pm.

Few rivalries in local club rugby carry as much history and emotion. The Reds have largely dominated the Matthysz Trophy over the past two decades, while Havelocks have emerged as their most persistent challengers, most recently lifting the trophy in 2025. Their earlier meeting this season ended in a convincing win for CR and FC, adding extra edge to today’s contest.

Havelocks enter the Super Round after an inconsistent first phase under stand-in skipper Janidu Fernando, following an injury to their regular leader. Defeats to CR and Kandy and a draw against Navy slowed their momentum, yet the Park Club remain a formidable unit, particularly through the power of their forward pack. Their strength up front has provided a solid platform all season, while their outside backs have offered pace and penetration when given space. With renewed focus and home advantage, the hosts will look to impose themselves physically and disrupt the Reds’ rhythm. Faiz Abdullah, Azmir Fajudeen, Jayathu Rajarathna and Chatura Dilshan are their stand out players. Their goal kicker, Samuel Maduwantha will be vital to put pressure on Reds. Park Clubs Head Coach Saliya Kumara will be looking for a winning start for their Super Round.

CR and FC, meanwhile, arrive as table-toppers under the shrewd guidance of Dushanth Lewke. Composed game management, sharp attacking shape and consistency across the park have marked them as the most complete side so far. Thenuka Nanayakkara, Mursheed Doray and their Fijian Number 8, Enesi Waqanisau are the three vital cogs in Reds engine. With both teams chasing early Super Round supremacy, expect a fast, physical and tactical battle. Saudi Arabian Asia Rugby Elite Panel referee Aymen Jrill will officiate what promises to be another memorable chapter in this storied rivalry.

Kandy hold the edge

Defending champions Kandy Sports Club will open their Super Round campaign with a stern away fixture when they take on CH and FC at the Race Course grounds in Colombo on 1 February.

Kick off is at 4 pm.

It will be Kandy’s first of three demanding away games in the decisive phase of the Inter-Club Rugby League, with further trips to face Havelocks and CR and FC in humid Colombo conditions.

Led by Tharindu Chathuranga, the Up-country outfit arrived with a strong blend of power up front and pace out wide. Their forward pack has laid the platform all season through solid set-pieces and dominance in contact, with consistent go-forward allowing them to play an expansive game. Several senior forwards have been in top form, giving Kandy control at the breakdown and momentum in phase play. Thilina Bandara and Dilshan Fareed hold the key along with Dahan Wickremarachchi and 20 years old Tongan, Salesi Havea. Out wide, Kandy’s experienced three-quarter line has been lethal, reading space superbly and striking through the smallest of gaps. Their ability to shift the point of attack quickly, combined with sharp service from the base of the scrum, has made them one of the most dangerous attacking units in the competition. Kavindu Perera, Dinal Ekanayake, Akash Madushanka and Srinath Sooriyabandara will play vital parts with their experience.

CH and FC, under Janidu Dilshan, have enjoyed a strong season and will be formidable at home, boasting a reliable playmaker and powerful midfield runners. They pushed Kandy to a draw earlier in the season and will be confident of another tight contest. Maliksha  Perera and Janith Chandimal too are outstanding players who could be match winners for the Maitland Crescent club.

With the first round between the two clubs ending in a draw after a disallowed try which cost the defending champions the win, they will be all out to end on the winning side and build the foundation for the League run this year as well as the tournament moves on to business end from now.

The match will be refereed by Saudi Arabia’s Aymen Jrill.