Police SC played with more purpose and constructively to overrun Havelock SC by 34 points to 28 in a Dialog second round rugby league encounter played at Police Park yesterday.
However, Havelocks who made some replacements late in the game saw them coming back late in the second half and ran out of steam that could have given them victory. Besides, they played with only 14 players for almost fifty minutes of the game.
Police scored five tries (a bonus point), three conversions and a penalty to three tries, two conversions and three penalties by Havelocks.
Police started off well when they scored in the seventh minute when a three-quarter move saw Kasun Suranga go over by the corner flag.
By the 13th minute Police had increased their lead when the ball was sent out and centre Vunivosa pushed away two defenders and then passed over to fly half Yohan Pieris who had an open field to go over. He converted the try himself and Police led 12-nil.
Havelocks who played with less power came back and off a line out and a rolling maul saw flanker Shawket Lahir power over the line.
Sandesh Jayawickrema converted to give them 7 points.
Havelocks earned a penalty in the 25th minute and Sandesh Algama put over the kick from almost 40 metres out to reduce on the deficit.
Police were also awarded a penalty for a spear tackle on Vunivosa by winger Naveen Henakankanamge who was shown the red card. Yohan Peiris put over the easy penalty to give them a five point lead.
Havelocks came back and won two more penalties in the 36th and 39th minutes put over by Algama to take a one point lead at half time, 16-15.
Police opened scoring in the second half when they won a 10-metre line out and on working the blind side had Rasith Silva go over unchallenged. Janith Chandimal took over the place kicking duties and converted this try to give them the lead again.
Police scored again in the 13th minute when they won a line out and Primesh Danushka the scrum half spotted a gap and dived over. Chandimal converted to give them 27 points.
Havelocks took their turn to score again when they won a line out and Shawkit Lahir went over for his second try. Algama failed to convert this try.
Police scored next in the 25th minute when they sent Suranga Kasun over the line for Chandimal to convert and give them 34 points to 21 by Havies.
Havelocks once again scored in the 34th minute when they won another line out and Sawkit Lahir barged over for his third try in the game. Algama did well to convert but they were just not allowed to score again.