COLOMBO – Defending champions CR & FC are set to face their toughest challenge yet when they go head-to-head with arch-rivals Havelock Sports Club in a highly anticipated encounter for the prestigious Commander Eustace Matthihz Trophy. This week 8 fixture of the Mastercard ‘A’ Division Inter-Club League Rugby Tournament is scheduled to kick off at Havelock Park tomorrow at 4:00 PM.

CR & FC’s Dominant Run

CR & FC have been in red-hot form, maintaining an unblemished record this season with six consecutive wins. Their campaign has seen commanding victories over Sri Lions (43-13), Navy (39-13), Army (38-10), Air Force (24-20), CH & FC (27-22), and Police (40-20), making them the team to beat.

Havelocks’ Strong Challenge

Havelock SC have also displayed top-tier rugby, securing impressive wins against Navy (43-15), Air Force (30-19), Sri Lions (43-13), Army (28-19), and CH & FC (27-21). Their only setback came against Kandy SC in a closely contested match (20-24), highlighting their ability to compete at the highest level.

CR & FC’s Attacking Arsenal

A key strength for CR & FC lies in their electrifying backline. The halfback combination of Rushen Bandaranayake and Thenuka Nanayakkara has orchestrated play with precision, while centres Manilka Ruberu and captain Gemunu Chethiya have been relentless in breaking defensive lines. Winger Randy Silva adds an extra attacking edge, consistently exploiting spaces with his speed. Fullback Mursheed Doray has been a game-changer, frequently joining the attack and proving clinical with his goal-kicking accuracy.

Havelocks’ Counterplay

Havelocks also boast a formidable backline capable of turning the tide in their favor. The playmaking duo of Rifan Mohamed and Sandesh Jayawickrama has shown excellent control, setting up attacking opportunities for their teammates. Centre Mushin Faleel has been instrumental in breaching defenses, while winger Jayathu Rajaratne, a former DS Senanayake College captain, has been in stellar form, crossing the try line in nearly every game. Fullback Samuel Maduwantha adds depth with his tactical kicking and composure under pressure.

High-Octane Clash Expected

With both teams featuring dynamic backlines, sharp goal-kickers, and a thirst for victory, this match promises to be an exhilarating contest. CR & FC aim to extend their unbeaten streak, while Havelocks will be determined to leverage their home advantage and deliver a major upset.

Matchday Squads

Havelock SC: Shihan Silva, Azmir Fajudeen, Abdullah Faiz (captain), Janidu Fernando, Thiven Perera, Maleesha Madumevan, Shenal Deelaka, Chathura Dilshan, Rifan Mohamed, Sandesh Jayawickrama, KD Kavinda, Mushin Faleel, Sudesh Jayawickrama, Jayathu Rajaratne, Samuel Maduwantha.

CR & FC: Tineth Gamage, Venura Kodagoda, Thanuja Jayaweera, Shenal Adhikaram, Naveen Marasinghe, Samitha Warnakulasuriya, Raveen de Silva, Adeesha Weeratunga, Rushen Bandaranayake, Thenuka Nanayakkara, Gemunu Chethiya (captain), Manilka Ruberu, Randy Silva, Rinesh Silva/Aaron Corera, Mursheed Doray.

GALLE – The Sri Lankan cricket team faced one of its most crushing defeats in Test history as Australia secured victory by an innings and 242 runs at the Galle International Stadium. This defeat marks Sri Lanka’s worst-ever loss in Test cricket, surpassing the innings and 239-run defeat against India in Nagpur (2017).

Dominant Australian Batting Performance

Australia set an imposing total of 654/6 declared in their first innings, thanks to a masterful double century from Usman Khawaja (232 off 352 balls) and a classy 141 from Steven Smith (251 balls). The Sri Lankan bowling attack, led by Prabath Jayasuriya (3/193) and Jeffrey Vandersay (3/182), struggled to contain the Australian batsmen, who dominated for 154 overs.

Sri Lanka’s Batting Collapse

Sri Lanka’s response was far from convincing as they were bundled out for just 165 in their first innings. Dinesh Chandimal showed some resistance with a gritty 72 off 139 balls, but the rest of the batting lineup faltered against Australia’s disciplined bowling attack. Left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann was the standout performer, picking up 5/63 in 18.2 overs, while veteran spinner Nathan Lyon claimed 3/57.

Follow-on Fails to Save Sri Lanka

Forced to follow on, Sri Lanka managed 247 in their second innings, with Jeffrey Vandersay top-scoring with a counterattacking 53 off 47 balls. Angelo Mathews contributed 41, but their efforts were not enough to avoid a humiliating defeat. Nathan Lyon (4/78) and Matthew Kuhnemann (4/86) once again led the charge, dismantling the Sri Lankan batting order with precision.

Record-Breaking Defeat for Sri Lanka

With this victory, Australia registered their biggest-ever Test win against Sri Lanka, surpassing their innings and 201-run triumph in Melbourne (2012). This defeat also ranks as one of Sri Lanka’s worst losses in history:

• By innings & 242 runs – vs Australia, Galle, 2025
• By innings & 239 runs – vs India, Nagpur, 2017
• By innings & 229 runs – vs South Africa, Cape Town, 2001

Galle, January 30, 2025 – Australia stamped their authority on the opening Test of the Murali-Warner Test Series against Sri Lanka, posting a mammoth 654/6 before declaring on Day 2 at the Galle International Stadium. The hosts found themselves in deep trouble at 44/3, with rain halting play and adding to their woes.

Australia’s Batting Masterclass

Australia’s innings was built on a sensational double century by Usman Khawaja (232 off 290) and a commanding 141 from Steve Smith. The duo stitched together a 250-run stand for the third wicket, exhausting Sri Lanka’s bowling attack.

Josh Inglis (100 off 90 balls) added fireworks with a rapid century, while *Alex Carey (46) and Mitchell Starc (19) provided late contributions to push the total past 650. Sri Lanka’s bowlers toiled hard, using three unsuccessful reviews, but failed to contain the visitors.

Sri Lanka’s Struggles Begin

In response, Sri Lanka’s batting crumbled early, losing three wickets for just 44 runs in 15 overs before rain interrupted play. The Aussies struck early, dismissing BOP Fernando cheaply, while Dinesh Chandimal (9*) and Kamindu Mendis (13*) were left to battle against a relentless Australian attack.

Looking Ahead

With Sri Lanka still 610 runs behind, they will need a monumental effort to avoid an innings defeat. The third day will be crucial as the hosts attempt to rebuild and stay in the contest.

Stay tuned for live updates and analysis on Sri Lankan Sports TV!