One-horse race at the Park

Saturday, 10 January 2026 00:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Havies winger Jayathu Rajarathna is held by two CH players

- Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

By Shamseer Jaleel

The Havelock Sports Club produced a powerful performance to end CH & FC’s unbeaten run, recording a commanding 39/5 victory in their Inter-Club ‘A’ Division Rugby League encounter played at Havelock Park last evening, which was also their annual encounter for the Y. C. Chang Trophy.

The Park Club outfit crossed for six tries, adding three conversions and a solitary penalty to the visitors’ single try. At the short breather, Havies led 13/5.

From the opening exchanges, the hosts dictated terms with aggressive defence, quick recycling, and sharp ball movement, leaving CH struggling to impose themselves on the game. Udesh Madushanka and Azmir Fajudeen were outstanding for the Park Club.

The Havies forwards once again set the tone with a dominant display. Their cohesion with the three-quarter line ensured sustained pressure throughout the match.

In the back division, too, winger Jayathu Rajarathna and Yehan Bulathsinghalage were omnipresent, with Mohamed Rifan increasing the speed in the later. Fly-half Samuel Maduwantha, usually reliable with the boot, endured an off day early on but recovered later to make a valuable contribution.

CH missed an early penalty through Janith Chandimal and, moments later, Havies struck first with a try from Rajarathna. A Maduwantha penalty extended the lead before CH responded with their only score, and Chandimal finishing off a sweeping three-quarter move.

The second half belonged entirely to Havelock SC, with tries from Dehan Senaratha, Rajarathna, Janidu Wijerathne, and Rifan. Maduwantha found his rhythm, slotting two conversions and a penalty, while Bulathsinghalage added one conversion.

This emphatic win not only halted CH & FC’s impressive run but also underlined Havelock SC’s growing confidence and title ambitions.

Havies will carry strong momentum as they travel to the central hills next weekend to face defending champions, Kandy SC.

Referee Ishanka Abeykoon officiated the encounter.