The Tuskers continued their good run in the HSBC Asian Sevens Series with two convincing victories over UAE and Thailand as the Lankans proceeded to the knockout stages which played today.
Sri Lanka were in their sublime speedy form as Srinath Sooriyabandara, Fazil Marija, Sandun Herath and the rest of the team chipping in with some valuable contributions.
Sri Lanka v UAE
Sri Lanka broke loose in the very first minute through captain Fazil Marija who powered his way through with ease in a game in which the Tuskers dominated with much perseverance. The Lankan scored two tries in quick succession with Chula Susantha also managing to include his name on the score sheet after a smart set piece by the Tuskers that allowed Susantha to have ample space on the blind side. Sri Lanka led 19-0 with Fazil Marija converting two tries.
Sandun Herath was the next player to score with an easy run in after a brilliant bit of defensive pressure by the Lankans inside the UAE half that pushed their opponents just a few metres away from the try also leaving ample space.
The Tuskers continued to run riot as Srinath Sooriyabandara added to his prolific form this season with a beautiful chip behind the UAE defense who were caught unawares. The little speedster scurried past his opponents as the ball bounced back into his safe hands in order to make his effort a simple finish.
Herath scores his second, however this time the Tuskers toiled hard in their own half to release the winger who dashed a good eighty metres to score as the Lankans literally raced to 38-00 at the end of the first half.
Mithun Hapugoda was the first to score on the other side of the half with a strong run through the centre as the Tuskers seemed began from where they left. UAE then managed to score through their No. 05 in what was a consolation try with many of the starters substituted in order to refill their tanks for the next game against Thailand.
However, Shehan Pathirana dashed through the left with a powerful run shrugging off two defenders to score his first try of the tournament as Sri Lanka raced to 50 points with the conversion being successful.
Sri Lanka completed the rout with another try towards the end of the half as the Tuskers overcame their first hurdle with a 55-07 victory over the UAE.
Sri Lanka v Thailand
After a good warm up against UAE, Thailand was poised to pose a stiffer test for the Tuskers. Thailand, currently sitting at fifth place in the overall table which is a place after Sri Lanka had many experienced campaigners in their line up.
However, it was the Tuskers who drew first blood through Sooriyabandara who managed two squirm in between two defenders this time and dash through for his second of the tournament. Thailand hit back a few minutes later with a well worked move that released their No.10 on the right flank as the conversion which followed was unsuccessful. At lemons the scores stood at 07-05 in favour of the Tuskers.
Sri Lanka scored right from the kick off as Sajith Saranga collected the high ball and danced his way past two defenders to score a crucial try for the Lankans who were put under pressure. Marija converted a tough attempt successfully to keep Thailand out of reach.
Later in the game, Jason Dissanayake powered his way with a daunting run and unselfishly popped the ball to Dinusha Chathuranga who came behind in support as the Tuskers slowly pushed ahead and away from danger.
Mithun Hapugoda scored under the post and added the final touches for the Lankans who managed to finish comfortably in the end with a 28-05 victory over Thailand.
Sri Lanka will play Phillipines in the Cup Quarterfinal at the Gymkhana Club, Mumbai – India.
