Navy remain unbeaten with 21-17 win over Havelocks

By Sajeewa Jayakody

Navy Sports Club gave a sterling display to score a thrilling 21 points (one goal, one try, three penalties) to 17 (one goal, two tries) win over Havelocks Sports Club to remain as the only unbeaten team in their Dialog ‘A’ Division League rugby encounter played at Navy grounds, Welisara on Saturday after trailing 8-10 at half time.

It was a game of fluctuating fortunes, much to the delight of the spectators.

It was Navy, who opened scoring in the ninth minute through a try by wing three quarter Dinusha Fernando but Nuwan Hettiarachchi, who had a grand game missed the conversion surprisingly.

Five minutes later, Nuwan Hettiarachchi succeeded with a penalty kick and Navy increased their lead as 8-0. In the 35th minute, Havies opened their account, when flanker Sudarshana Muthuthanthri scampered through to touch down near the right corner flag to give Pink Shirts’ their first try. With Samoan centre William Hakalo missing the conversion.

Havies snatched the lead, when Number Eight Daniel Faleafa, after a tactical move, scored a try barging through to score by the right corner flag. Williami Hakako missed the conversion. 8-10. In the second half, five minutes after the resumption, Nuwan Hettiarachchi fired across a 15-metre penalty to give Navy a 11-10 lead. In the 12th minute, Navy’s Mateaki Kafatolu touched down near the right corner flag try with Nuwan Hettiarachchi making a splendid conversion to make it 18-10 in favour of Navy. The Park Club reduced the deficit, when winger Sandun Herath crashed through for a try with Brown Josateki adding the extra points and the score read 18-17.

In the dying stages of the game, the Sailors put the issue beyond doubt when Ilai Tinani fired across an easy 20-metre penalty to give them a grand

18-17 win.

Referee. Irshard Cader.