Havelock retain Yenfoon Pakstun Challenge Trophy

Monday, 29 December 2025 02:27 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Havelock Sports Club underlined their title credentials with a dominant 41/12 victory over Army Sports Club to retain the Yenfoon Pakstun Challenge Trophy in their Inter-Club League encounter at Havelock Park last weekend.

The Park Club were in devastating form in the first half, racing to a 34/0 lead at the break and recording their fourth successive win to remain unbeaten and firmly in the League title race.

Havelock SC set the tone early, playing with pace, precision, and authority. Fullback Yehan Bulathsinhalage opened the scoring in the fourth minute, before no. 8 Chathura Dilshan stamped his authority with two powerful tries, both originating from forward dominance through a driving maul and a five-metre scrum.

The pressure continued relentlessly as hooker Azmir Fajudeen forced his way over from close range, followed by a moment of brilliance from winger Janidu Wijeratne, whose intercept try was awarded after TMO confirmation. Bulathsinhalage then completed an outstanding half with his second try, fly-half Stephan Sivaraj converting to hand Havies an unassailable 34/0 advantage.

Army SC showed greater resolve after the interval, with Vinod Kumar and Ijas Ahamed crossing for converted tries during a period when Havelock played with 14 men following a yellow card to Sivaraj.

However, Havelock SC had the final say, as Jayathu Rajaratne sealed the emphatic win with a spectacular 100-metre dash, with Sivaraj adding the extras. The victory strengthens Havies’ unbeaten march towards the League title, while Nabeel Yahiya marked his club debut in memorable fashion.

The Referee was Kelum Sandaruwan.