Kandy Sports Club moved a step closer to the championship finale with a commanding 42-17 victory over Havelock Sports Club in their Super Round Week 2 clash at Havelock Park yesterday (7). The comprehensive win ensured Kandy secured the top position in the Cup segment, while today’s (8) CR & FC vs CH & FC encounter will determine the second finalist.
The match also marked a personal milestone for former Havies skipper Azmir Fajudeen, who ran out for his 99th appearance in the famous pink jersey. He is set to earn his 100th cap next week against CH & FC.
Kandy opened the scoring seven minutes into the game when Hirusha Sampath calmly slotted over a penalty to give the visitors an early lead. Havies responded with a few promising phases, but Kandy struck against the run of play. Dinal Ekanayake read an errant pass to perfection, intercepting and sprinting 60 metres under the posts to hand the hill country side a healthy 10-point cushion.
Midway through the first half, Kandy’s three-quarters produced a moment of brilliance. Akash Madushanka combined superbly with Ekanayake in a sweeping move that covered nearly the length of the field, with Ekanayake crossing over for his second try of the evening (KSC 15-0 HSC).
Havelocks managed to get on the board through a straightforward penalty by Nabil Yahiya. Just before halftime, Fajudeen showcased his class, finishing off a well-constructed move from inside the 22 metres. Yahiya added an excellent conversion from the corner to close the gap.
Half-time: Kandy 15 (2T, 1C, 1P) – Havelocks 10 (1T, 1C, 1P)
Kandy came out firing in the second half, with Srinath ‘Soori’ Sooriyabandara weaving his magic to score the opening try after the break, stretching the lead once again.
Diluksha Dange then powered over in the 52nd minute for the crucial bonus-point try, seemingly putting the game beyond reach. However, Havies refused to fold, responding swiftly with a converted try by Vunaki Waqanibau to keep their hopes alive.
The game took a dramatic turn when Dange was shown a red card for a dangerous tackle with 15 minutes remaining, reducing Kandy to 14 men. Yet, even a man down, the visitors proved too strong. Heshan Jansen dived over for a scintillating try that effectively sealed the contest and placed Kandy firmly on course for the grand final playoff at Nittawela.
Shaahid Zumri added further gloss to the scoreline with a superb late try and a penalty, ensuring an emphatic 25-point triumph for the defending champions.
Full-time: Kandy 42 (6T, 3C, 2P) – Havelocks 17 (2T, 2C, 1P)
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