Monday Mar 30, 2026
Monday Mar 30, 2026
Wednesday, 4 March 2026 00:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
By Shamseer Jaleel in Kandy
The second semi-final of the Clifford Cup delivered a thrilling contest as Havelock Sports Club produced a dramatic comeback to edge defending knock-out champions, Kandy Sports Club 41–38 in a high-scoring clash at Nittawela Ground last evening.
It was a game that swung dramatically between the two sides. Kandy looked firmly in control during the first half and went into the break leading 28–12 after executing structured attacks and sharp backline movements in front of a half filled Nittawela Stadium.
Centres and backs played a key role early on. Dinal Ekanayake and Kavindu Perera repeatedly threatened the visitors’ defence with pace and precision, while Akash Madushanka stood out with solid defensive work and timely interventions.
Havelocks, however, stayed within striking distance. Abdullah Faiz, Mohamed Rifan and Jayathu Rajarathna made important contributions, keeping the Park Club competitive during a challenging opening half when Kandy dictated the tempo.
The momentum changed soon after the interval when experienced hooker Azmir Fajudeen came in to the field along with nippy, Mohamed Rifan influenced the contest. Their presence lifted the Havelocks forwards, who began dominating the collisions and gaining valuable territory.
Havelocks drew first blood in the fifth minute through scrum half Mohamed Rifan, with Nabeel Yehya adding the conversion. Kandy responded swiftly as Akash Madushanka crossed over, followed by tries from Thilina Bandara, Kavindu Perera and Malitha Wijesundera to build their halftime advantage.
The second half belonged largely to Havelocks. Udesh Madushanka, Nisal Silva, Amituanai Visesio and Azmir Fajudeen all crossed the line, while Samuel Maduwantha added crucial kicks and a well-taken drop goal to swing the match in favour of the visitors.
Although Kandy fought hard in the closing stages and added another try through Akash Madushanka, defensive lapses proved costly. Havelocks held firm in the final moments to secure a memorable victory and book a final against traditional rivals, CR and FC on 7 March at Longdon Place.
Referee Ibuki Tetsuka from Japan officiated this encounter.
