CR & FC edged past Havelock Sports Club by one point 25-24 in a thrilling Clifford Cup semi-final played at Havelock Park on Wednesday (2).
This was their third clash in the season with either side having one each. But this clash was important as the winner will be going into the final to take place today (6).
The other finalist was already known and Kandy SC look the firm favourits to end up the winners as they are playing at their best having improved of late.
The scoring went either way at the beginning with CR and Havies taking turns at scoring. Soon after CR took the lead with a penalty put over by Murshid Doray in the eight minute Havies equalized in the 12th minute through a penalty by Sandesh Jayawickrema.
Thereafter Havelocks continued to make mistakes one after another giving CR the advantage in having possession.
They forced a line out resulting in CR setting up a rolling maul and Omalka Gunaratne powered his way over the line. Doray added the extra points and CR led 10-3.
Havelocks replied in similar fashion having forced a line out from a penalty in the 22 metre mark. They used the rolling maul in similar fashion and Udara Lakshan crashed over the line. Jayawickrema’s conversion took the scores to level 10-all.
However, just before the short break CR got another opportunity to force a line out near the Havies goal line. They once again used their rolling maul and once again Gunaratne pierced through to take the lead 15-10 at the short whistle.
Another constructive move by CR took them towards the Havies goal line and on working the ball either side they ended up by scoring a try through Muthunayake. Doray added the extra points and CR were well ahead by 22 points to 10 at that time.
This lead proved beneficial for CR who managed to keep the determined Havies from narrowing the gap.
However, Havies kept playing constructive rugby and scored a try by number eight Chathura Dilshan after the ball changed hands. Jayawickrema’s conversion narrowed the gap 17-22.
Knowing well that a five point lead was insufficient CR increased on their lead when they were offered a penalty and Doray opted to take the conversion and succeeded to their advantage. With time running out Havelocks struck back and from a five metre scrum Chathura Dilshan made a blind side move for a try.
The conversion by Jayawickrema was certain to give CR the nervous feelings.
With time running out Havelocks were desperately searching for the match winning score, but CR held firm and forced play into the Havies half until the final whistle. (TBR)
Havies scrum half Kalindu Silva was quick to pass the ball out (Pix by Hirantha Gunathilaka)
