Havelocks build on strong first half to beat Army SC

Havelock Sports Club resisted a mini second-half onslaught from Army Sports Club to secure their second victory of the league rugby tournament, beating the soldiers 36 (five tries, four conversions, one penalty) to 14 (two tries, two conversions) at Havelock Park on Friday (28) courtesy of a hat-trick from hooker Azmir Fajudeen.

Havies took a brilliant half-time lead of 19-00 in which the former Royal College front-rower Fajudeen touched down on either side of second-row Maleesha Jayaratne’s try in the 15th minute, while placekicker Sandesh Jayawickrama converted two of the three tries. 

Havies were stunned by the soldiers at the start of the second half, with their centre Dhanushka Thalwatte bagging a quickfire double within the first seven minutes, and Madushan Hettiarachchi ensuring that the deficit was cut down to five points.

Havelock took control of the game, especially in the last 30 minutes of the match when they added 17 more points, all of which started off with a penalty from Jayawickrama on the hour mark, which was followed by a try from the senior campaigner Mithun Hapugoda.

Fajudeen, who has been a try machine since his senior debut a few years ago, bagged another hat trick eight minutes from the final whistle to seal the deal at 36-14.