The first leg of the Asia rugby 7’s series came to an end in Tiantai stadium, China. Japan won the Cup championship whilst the hosts finished second. Sri Lanka Rugby had to be happy with another 4th place having had a golden opportunity to 2nd place.
The Tuskers had a gifted chance to go in to the finals after China stunned Hong Kong with a 21 – 17 emphatic win in the cup quarterfinal. As a result Sri Lanka had to lock horns with China which ultimately ended as a win for the hosts to go in to the final in their own den. Nevertheless, Asian giants Japan produced a scintillating performance in the final to be triumphant 28 – 12.
(SL 31 – 10 MAL) Cup QF
Earlier today the Sri Lanka Rugby men’s team played in the cup quarterfinal with Malaysia and won convincingly 31 – 10. Dhanushka Ranjan was on song scoring a try in the 25th second of the game. A lovely off-load by Shehan Pathirana to Gayan Weerarathne led him to accelerate under the post. Malaysia did strike back with a try before the half time. (HT: 12 – 05) Sri Lanka lost the first lineout in the second half but Kanchana Ramanayaka did not lose his focus from the ball as he picked and completed the third try. With the restart Sri Lanka scored immediately winning the high ball, with Kanchana scoring his second. Replacement Hirantha Perera crossed over for the final try soon after Malaysia’s second try.
Nevertheless, the Tuskers were not disciplined enough on the field. Captain Sudarshana Muthuthantri was in the sin-bin for a high tackle and in the second half Lavanga Perera was sent out for 2minutes. Which means the Tuskers played with only 6men for 10 minutes of the game.
(SL 12 – 22 CHN) Cup SF
The hosts charged over from the kick off but Sandun Herath made a stunning try saving tackle. That did not let the Chinese score as Sri Lanka’s defense gave too much space to gain line for the opposition. Tuskers responded positively when Sandun saw the open space and made a kick and chase to score the early points. Sudarshana Muthuthantri once again going in to the bin allowed Chinese to score two tries in quick succession. Speedster Anurudda Wilwara left his mark sprinting 60m to the try line with his first touch, but the hosts hit back with another try to seal the place in the finals.
(SL 07 – 24 KOR) 3rd / 4th Play off
The Sri Lanka Rugby team charged with a blistering counter attack by Anurudda Wilwara who made a good 70 meters for his team. But there was no one keeping up with him and it cost the Tuskers ball possession. Both teams were scoreless till the 4th minute. The islanders with the possession did not execute effectively as they seemed to panic and poor handling and poor defensive pattern cost the 3rd spot. South Korea rode momentum going on to scoring four tries. Subsequent to his unsuccessful charge, Wilwara scored Sri Lanka’s singular try in the match.
On the other hand Sri Lanka women’s team could not secure a single win out of their six games. Although they were drawn in a tough group along with Hong Kong and China, they were also unable to beat Uzbekistan and Thailand.
Today in the cup quarterfinal, the women Tuskers were beaten by the Kazakhs 40 – 05 and they went down to Thailand 24 – 14 in the plate semifinal. As a result Sri Lanka played against Uzbekistan for 7th & 8th position and the score was too close as it ended 17 – 14 in favor of Uzbekistan. However, Tuskers failed to impress and finished the first leg with a wooden-spoon.
The decision making and going in to a lot of contact has been a real issue. Certainly, the women’s team have to work hard going in to the second leg to perform well in front of the home crowd on 10th & 11th October.
Meanwhile Hong Kong women beat China Women in the cup final 24 – 15.
The second leg will commence in Thailand on 26th&27th September and the final leg in Colombo on 10th & 11th October.
