Sports

Reds halt Havies unbeaten run under lights

CR and FC ended Havelock Sports Club’s unbeaten run with a 33/14 bonus-point victory in their Inter Club Rugby League first-round encounter played under lights at Longdon Place last night.

The win also gave the Reds the upper hand in the first leg of the Col Easter Matthysz Trophy, with CR leading the tally 15/5. While the result was decisive, CR’s display was more efficient than emphatic, leaving room for improvement despite a deserved outcome with the next away game at Nittawela on 11 January against defending champions, Kandy SC.

CR held a 14/7 advantage at the short breather, having made better use of territory and possession in a closely fought opening half. Havelock; applied pressure in phases but struggled to convert opportunities into points, allowing frustration to creep into their play. Frequent appeals and protests against refereeing decisions disrupted their rhythm at crucial moments.

The Reds opened the scoring in the 18th minute through a sweeping three-quarter movement, finished neatly by Thenuka Nanayakkara, who also added the conversion. CR struck again soon after when fullback Mursheed Doray unexpectedly joined a strong forwards’ surge to touch down, with Nanayakkara once again accurate off the tee.

Havelocks responded through hooker Azmir Fajudeen, who produced a tireless performance and was rewarded with a well-earned try. Samuel Maduwantha converted, but earlier missed a difficult 40-metre penalty, a costly lapse in a tight first half.

After the interval, CR gradually asserted greater control, though discipline became a concern. Shenal Adikaram was sent off with a Red for stamping, while hooker Manilka Ruberu spent time in the sin bin, briefly unsettling the Reds. Mohamed Rifan, influential in recent outings, had a quieter game by his usual standards.

CR scored their second-half tries through Enesi Waqanisau, Chamod Muthunayake and skipper, Lasindu Karunathilake. Thenuka was on target with two try conversions and had a fantastic outing both in attack and defence. Havies scored their only second-half try through Amituanai Visesio with Yehan Bulathsinghalage adding the extras.

Referee Suranga Arunashantha officiated the game.

Source: Daily FT