Havies bank on young blood

• Havelock Sports Club who have traditionally depended on their seniors may look to draw young blood ahead of Inter Club League Rugby Season.

Saliya Kumara who was appointed as the Havies head coach last season, looks set to provide more opportunities to younger players as they look to push for a title charge this season.

"We have recruited 11 school leavers this season including the Isipathana College captain and DS Senanayake College's vice captain.

We have got three players from Isipathana, two players from DS Senanayake College, and a player each from St. Peter's College, St. Joseph's College, Trinity College and Thurstan College," revealed former Sri Lanka back division player.

Although Havies haven't made any mega signing, Kumara is content with the senior players, they have been able to recruit. "In terms of players with club exposure, we have been able to sign two players from Army (V. Kodagoda and A. Hettiarachchi) who will help us through the next season," stated the former Kandy star. Havies will be captained by Faiz Abdullah this season with Sandesh Jayawickrama set to deputize.

"Our front row is very experienced with Faiz leading the way. I believe we can count on the experience of our forwards who have been playing at top level for awhile now," added the former Isipathana College head coach. The Pink Jersey have got some top back division players in their ranks who are very creative.

"With players like Sandesh Jayawickrama, Mushin Faleel, Samuel Maduwantha, Dinupa, Sudesh and Jayathu, I am confident we'd be able to create a lot of opportunities to score," said Kumara.

Although Havies had a reasons last season, they were barely in the race for the title with Kandy Sports Club and CR & FC fighting it out for the top spot. "We have analysed a lot of games of Kandy and CR. Obviously, last season was my first season as Havelock coach, and one of the bigger issues that I noticed was that there was big gap between the starting XV and our bench and that is something we needed to work really hard. I think with the players we have got now, I am confident we can bridge that gap," Kumara said.

He further stated that his target for next season would be to ensure that Havelocks finish the league on a high note.