Havelock Sports Club is out to clinch the Inter-Club League Rugby Championship after narrowly missing out on what could have been their first league title in a decade last season.

The Park Club had a fairly decent chance to topple club rugby giants Kandy Sports Club last season before the super round came to an early end dashing those hopes.

However, head coach Sanath Martis believes his players will be up for it mentally this year.

"I think the Administrators should be treating all clubs equally. When some administrators start favouring some of the clubs and want them to lift the trophy, it's beyond our control.”

“They make reasons to award the trophy to some of the clubs, but as coaches and players we have to face it. I believe it's my responsibility to uplift the boys and make sure they go for the championship this year," Martis said in an interview with Daily Mirror.

Under Martis’ guidance, Havelocks have been so reliant on their forwards having seen a huge number of tries being scored off the famous rolling maul.

"It's true. We have got a very good set of forwards. We have prepared a game plan according to our strength and the backs have been putting the icing on the cake. I believe they could perform even better this season," added the senior coach.

Havies have had a slightly indifferent start to the season losing the opening day clash to CR and FC 23-21 while claiming a narrow win of 36-35 against Air Force.

The Park Club lost one of their talismanic players in Lasindu Ishan at the end of last season after he crossed over to CR&FC.

"In this new era players are frequently shifting from one club to another and something I noticed is that there are only few players with club loyalty. The transfers are mainly down to financial issues, but what we do is develop players giving opportunities for school leavers and at Havelock we have always created good environment for young players to come and play their rugby," said Martis.

Havies are led by second row Umesh Madushan this season with scrum-half Rahula Vimukthy being the vice captain.

Hooker Azmir Fajudeen has been a real find for the Park Club since leaving Royal College, ending a trophy-laden inter-school rugby career, while former S. Thomas’ captain Christian De Lile will look to fill in the shoes of Ishan at number 8.

Former DS Senanayake College captain Dinupa Seneviratne will be a key player for the Havies this season as he has already made his international debut representing Sri Lanka 7's team recently in Asia Rugby 7's.

Havies also have a lot of experience in their squad with a number of senior campaigners such as Mithun Hapugoda, Sandun Herath, Chanaka Chandimal and Sharo Fernando. 

By Harsha Amarasinghe & Sandun Kodithuwakku