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.