News
CR & FC, Havelocks Gear Up for Thrilling Showdown in Inter-Club Rugby Clash

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.
Cricket
Sri Lanka Masters Set for International Masters League T20 2025 Challenge
Sri Lanka Masters, led by legendary wicketkeeper-batsman Kumar Sangakkara, are all set to compete in the much-anticipated International Masters League T20 2025. The tournament, featuring cricketing greats from six nations, will kick off on February 22 and conclude with the final on March 16 in Raipur, India.
Sri Lanka Masters’ Fixtures
The team will begin their campaign against India Masters on February 22 at Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai. They will then take on South Africa Masters on February 26, followed by a high-voltage clash against Australia Masters on February 28. Their group stage will continue with matches against West Indies Masters on March 6 and England Masters on March 10 before the semi-finals on March 13 and 14.
Squad Overview
The Sri Lanka Masters squad boasts a mix of experience and all-round talent. With Sangakkara leading from the front, the team includes seasoned campaigners such as Romesh Kaluwitharana, Upul Tharanga, and Lahiru Thirimanne. The bowling attack will be spearheaded by Nuwan Pradeep, Suranga Lakmal, and Isuru Udana, while all-rounders like Seekkuge Prasanna, Jeevan Mendis, and Chaturanga de Silva provide balance to the squad.
Expectations & Key Players to Watch
With a strong batting unit led by Sangakkara and Tharanga, Sri Lanka Masters will look to dominate in the powerplay and set up big totals. The bowling attack, featuring Pradeep and Lakmal, will be crucial in restricting opposition teams. All-rounders like Prasanna and Mendis could play a pivotal role in tight situations.
As the tournament unfolds, Sri Lanka Masters will aim to make a strong statement and challenge for the coveted title. With cricketing legends returning to the field, fans can expect thrilling encounters and moments of brilliance from the island nation’s seasoned stars.
Stay tuned to Sri Lankan Sports TV for exclusive updates and match analysis from the International Masters League T20 2025!
Football
Super 8 Round Begins with Exciting Matches Amid Media Coverage Concerns
The Super 8 round of the Sri Lanka Schools Football Championship 2025 kicked off at Kelaniya Football Grounds, featuring dominant performances and intense competition. However, despite Sri Lankan Sports TV officially requesting media coverage access, the organizers failed to respond, raising concerns regarding transparency and event management.
Matchday 1 (14th February 2025)
🔹 St. Joseph’s College 4-0 Darussalam College
St. Joseph’s College started strong with a commanding 4-0 victory over Darussalam College. R. Bright stole the show with an impressive hat-trick, leading his team to an emphatic win.
🔹 Alighar National School 3-0 Kalutara Muslim Central College (Walkover)
Kalutara Muslim Central College was unable to participate due to unforeseen circumstances, resulting in a 3-0 walkover victory for Alighar National School.
Matchday 2 (15th February 2025)
🔹 Hameed Al Husseinie College 1-0 Al Falah College
A closely contested match saw Hameed Al Husseinie College secure a 1-0 win against Al Falah College, demonstrating solid defense and tactical play.
🔹 Zahira College 4-0 St. Patrick’s College
Zahira College put on a dominant display, winning 4-0 against St. Patrick’s College. Their attacking force looked sharp, sending a strong statement for the upcoming matches.
Media Coverage Dispute
Despite Sri Lankan Sports TV’s formal request to live stream the matches, the organizers refused to provide access, citing the need for approval from FFSL. However, the legal rights for the tournament remain with Sri Lankan Sports TV, making this an unfortunate situation for fans and stakeholders eager for wider coverage.
Stay tuned for further updates on Sri Lankan Sports TV.
Cricket
Sri Lanka Crush Australia by 174 Runs, Seal 2-0 ODI Series
Sri Lanka completed a lopsided 2-0 ODI series victory over Australia by winning the second match at Colombo by a commanding 174 runs. Driven by Mendis’ century (101 off 115) and a disciplined bowling display, the hosts made quick work of a weakened Australian outfit, limiting them to just 107 runs in reply to Sri Lanka’s 281/4.
Sri Lanka Finish Off Well, Led By Kusal and Asalanka
Sri Lanka were on the frontfoot for most of the innings after opting to bat first, with Kusal Mendis playing a pivotal knock at the top of the order. He was well supported by captain Charith Asalanka (78 off 66)*, who opened the batting with Nishan Madushka (51 off 62), laying a solid platform.
Missing the trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, Australia’s bowling attack could not rein in the batters. Only Sean Abbott (1/41) and Ben Dwarshuis (1/47) stood out from the Australian line-but none of them could prevent Sri Lanka from putting a competitive total on the board.
Australian Batting Collapses Against Spinn
Chasing 282, Australia’s batting lineup collapsed under pressure, being bowled out for a meager 107 in 24.2 overs. Asitha Fernando (3/23) struck early dismissing the key batters before the Sri Lankan spinners took complete control. The middle order was then sent into a tailspin by Dunith Wellalage (4/35) and Wanindu Hasaranga (3/23).
Stand-in skipper Steven Smith (29 off 34) and Josh Inglis (22 off 27) put forth an effort to build the innings, but wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals. Sri Lanka sealed a comfortable victory as the lower order offered little resistance.
Australia’s Precarious Position on Eve of Champions Trophy
That was Australia’s sixth loss in their last eight ODIs, which is raising questions as the Champions Trophy approaches. Their bowling unit is still under pressure and the inconsistency of the top order is a major cause of concern. Meanwhile Sri Lanka won nine in their last 13 ODIs, but will not participate in the Champions Trophy owing to their performance that was part of the qualification process for the 2023 World Cup.
This series win is a great signal for Sri Lankan cricket as they are rebuilding their team through a combination of experienced and young players, despite that setback.
Match Summary
Sri Lanka – 281/4 (50 overs)
Kusal Mendis – 101 (115)
Charith Asalanka – 78* (66)
Nishan Madushka – 51 (62)
Sean Abbott – 1/41 (10)
Ben Dwarshuis – 1/47 (10)
Australia – 107/10 (24.2 overs)
Steven Smith – 29 (34)
Josh Inglis – 22 (27)
Dunith Wellalage – 4/35 (7.2)
Wanindu Hasaranga – 3/23 (7)
Asitha Fernando – 3/23 (5)
Sri Lanka’s emphatic victory will boost their confidence going into upcoming series, while Australia will need to regroup for a rethink ahead of major tournaments.
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