Maduwantha, Faleel boost Havelock backline Havies target revival after horror season

Havelock SC Rugby Pool (Pix by Kushan Pathiraja)

By Harsha Amarasinghe and Sandun Kodithuwakku

Havelock Sports Club have signed one of the finest place-kickers in Sri Lanka - Samuel Maduwantha ahead of the Inter-Club League Rugby Tournament.

The former St. Anthony’s College fly half is expected to be the key player in the Havies backline now that senior campaigner Mithun Hapugoda has left the club to join Police SC. 
The former CH and FC back division player Maduwantha is known for his kicking game and it would be interesting to see whether he’d be used as fly half or full back. 

On the other hand, the Park Club have also secured the former Navy SC centre Mushin Faleel further bolstering their backline.

Head Coach Saliya Kumara who has been making a steady progress as a young coach having enjoyed success at Isipathana College last year and Navy Sports Club, in an interview with Daily Mirror stated the importance of new signings. 

“We have got Samuel Maduwantha and Mushin Faleel two experienced players. In addition we have got Soorya Kodagoda, Mohammed Rifan as well as Sudesh Jayawickrama. So overall, I have confidence in these players,” former Kandy star player said. 

Havelock SC have come close to winning the title several times in the last few years, but previous season was a nightmare for the Pinks which saw them failing to finish inside the top half. 
“Havies were always contenders for the league, but I know last year was a tough season. However, I hope we can turn things around with this squad in the coming season,” claimed the former Navy SC Coach. 

The Park Club is set to be captained by hooker Azmir Fajudeen and they have been known to dominate teams with their rolling maul. When questioned whether that trend would continue this season, the Head Coach said: “The tactics and strategies will change based on their opponents and venues.”

While making his mark as a young coach, Kumara could potentially return to his boyhood club Kandy SC where he played for nearly a decade - but this time sitting on the opposition bench. 

“As a young player, I learned a lot from Kandy and they gave me an opportunity of lifetime for which I am grateful for the rest of my life. Kandy fans have also been close to my heart and they gave me the best possible support every time I played in Nittawela. But now I am returning as the coach of an opponent. So, I am looking forward to that challenge,” said Kumara.