Reds meet Havies in blockbuster Clifford Cup final today

 By Shamseer Jaleel

 League champions, CR and FC will host their traditional rivals, Havelock Sports Club in what promises to be a thrilling finale to the domestic XV-a-side season when the two Colombo giants meet in the Century plus Clifford Cup final at Longdon Place today (7 March) at 6 p.m. under lights.

 The clash brings together two of the most consistent teams of the season, both of whom have shown fast paced and quality throughout the campaign. With history, pride and silverware at stake, the stage is set for a fierce contest where the battle among the forwards and the accuracy of the goal kickers could ultimately decide the outcome.

  CR and FC head into the final with impressive momentum after a magnificent league campaign in which the Reds recorded ten wins from twelve matches. Their form has continued in the knockout competition, demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure.

 The Longdon Place outfit defeated Navy Sports Club 29–15 in the quarter-final before overcoming the tournament’s dark horse Air Force Sports Club 29–22 in a hard-fought semi-final encounter.

 CR skipper Lasindu Karunathilake has led from the front with tireless effort in both attack and defence. His physical presence in the loose has been complemented by experienced campaigners such as Mursheed Doray, whose tactical awareness and territorial kicking have frequently placed the Reds in commanding positions.

 Among the forwards, Venura Kodagoda has also made a major impact with powerful carries and relentless work at the breakdown. The effectiveness of CR’s pack will once again be tested as they look to establish dominance up front.

 Another major strength for the Reds has been the accuracy of fly-half Thenuka Nanayakkara. The former St. Peter’s College player has been one of the most reliable place kickers in the competition, and his composure from the tee has often proved decisive in close encounters.

 Under the guidance of head coach Dushanth Lewke, CR have developed into a well-balanced side capable of playing structured rugby while also exploiting attacking opportunities. With the league title already secured, they will be eager to complete the coveted double before Lewke departs for the Middle East next month.

 However, Havelocks arrive with strong confidence and are one of the most formidable forward packs in the domestic circuit. Led by Janidu Fernando, the Park Club side has relied heavily on the physical dominance of their forwards throughout the season.

Powerful campaigners Abdullah Faiz and Azmir Fajudeen have been outstanding this year, repeatedly turning matches in their team’s favour through aggressive carries and breakdown control. Their influence was evident in the dramatic 41–38 semi-final victory over Kandy Sports Club, when Havies stormed back after trailing 12–28 at halftime.

 The battle between the two forward packs is expected to be intense, with both teams relying on their physical strength to gain the upper hand. Yet the contest may ultimately be decided by the goal kickers, as Samuel Maduwantha of Havelocks and Thenuka Nanayakkara of CR are among the most dependable kickers in the local game.

 With pace out wide through players such as Chatura Dilshan and Jayathu Rajarathna, Havelocks possess the attacking firepower to trouble any defence. Coached by Saliya Kumara, the Park Club will be determined to reclaim the trophy they last won in 2019.

 Although CR may hold a slight edge playing at home under lights at Longdon Place, Havelocks are far from pushovers. With powerful forwards on both sides and two outstanding place kickers in action, the Clifford Cup final promises to deliver a thrilling and fitting conclusion to the XV-a-side rugby season. Referee Ibuki Tetsuka of Japan will control the encounter.

 The Clifford Cup was first introduced in 1911. The trophy was donated by Lady Elizabeth Clifford, wife of Acting Governor Sir Hugh Clifford. The first final was played between United Services Kandy beating All Ceylon. This is one of the oldest rugby tournaments in Asia. Kandy have won this tournament on 23 occasions starting in 1992 while CR accounted for 14 wins against Havies on 13 times winners.