Havies, Navy draw 20-20 under failing lights

by Ranjan Anandappa

In a match that swung curiously, Havelocks were held to a 20-20 draw (two goals and two penalties each) in their Dialog League rugby match played at Havelock Park under fluctuating lights yesterday.

Navy led 13-10 at half time.

There were two stoppages due to defective lights and interest in the match did not fade away as both sides battled for supremacy.

After several unsuccessful three-quarter moves, Havelocks finally broke through when Rehan Thyagarajah rushed in to score and Rimzi Jamaldeen added the extra points.

Navy was awarded a penalty after 20 minutes of play after making some sporadic moves and Thilina Weerasinghe made no mistake with the kick.

Then Navy put over two penalties to make the score 6-10.

Thilina Weerasinghe put Navy in front with a try converted by himself.

But Rimzi Jamaldeen put over a penalty for Havies while Thilina Weerasinghe missed few penalties.

During the dying stages of the game, Navy touched down under the posts with a prop Sathya Ranatunga try which was converted by Weerasinghe and Havies later equalized through a try by prop forward Dushmantha Priyadarhsnana which was converted by Jamaldeen.

Referee: Anura Rankothge