The colossal Tuskers put up another clinical display to make short work of their heavier counterpart Kazakhstan, taking the game 49-18 amidst a packed partisan crowd and dignitaries at the Havelock Sports Club grounds this evening.
The Kazakhs as expected turned the game into a very physical one right from the word “go”. The first few minutes saw the hosts under severe pressure with a bombardment from the heavier and bigger Kazakhs. Inevitably the Lankans erred and the Kazakhs had the opportunity to put the first points on the board. MaximLifontovthe the Kazakh boot-man did not have any issues from out in the 22 slotting the penalty. 3-nothing, Kazakhs leading.
One would have wondered if this encounter was to be the Tuskers waterloo seeing the Kazakhs take the pressure to the opposition. This notion was disposed of with no further ado as the Lankans replied immediately through Sandun Herath who slithered through a couple of tackles to go over the line at the corner. Rizah Mubarak, Mr. Reliable, had a tough angle from the extreme right and slotted a beauty in to put the Tuskers in front 7-3 much to the delight of the cheering parties present.
Mubarak did not have to wait long before being called to duty again with two penalties in the space of a few minutes. Both out at the 40 meter, both being at the either extremes of the field, Mubarak once more did not fail to deliver as the ball sailed through the posts, taking the score with it to 13-3, Tuskers.
Shenal Dias by this time had made his impression in the game and his hard efforts bore fruit as he was rewarded with a try. Dias went blistering away at the flank his long 6’ 5”strides leaving the opposition behind and handing off to the last line of defense, to go under the post. Mubarak had no issues with the conversion the score reading 20-3 in favor of the hosts. Both sides had opportunities then to further their scores with penalties. Mubarak and Lifontovhad no problems, the scores reading 23-6 with 5 minutes in the half to go.
The Sri Lankan prodigy Fazil Marija then came to the fore as he stepped and created a gap gaining the yardage and unselfishly passed for Pradeep Liyanage to score under the posts. Mubarak completing the formalities with a superb conversion from right extreme had the hosts going into the break with a significant lead 30-6.
As the second half kicked off, the Lankan’s with their customary approach continued with their tone of the previous half. The forwards wanting to make an impression went on a mad rush. The Tuskers 8 pulled good phases securing ball and gaining the yards. The onslaught came good with Sithya Ranatunga scoring with a push-over try, which consequently ensured a position for the Tuskers in the top division of the Asian 5 Nations tourney. Mubarak having his first lapse for the day missed the extra points, 35-6.
10 minutes into the 2nd half the Tuskers sensation Marija once more displayed his constant vigilance of the game. Kazakh ball being fumbled, with a mêlée following and ball being kicked over the goal line, Marija was over it in a jiffy scoring for the Tuskers. Mubarak had no issues with the conversion extending the Tuskers position, scores read 42-6.
Chamara Dhabare was whiling his time in the wing awaiting his call for duty. Towards the close of the 3rd quarter Dabare’s call came and he went over the line in usual fashion beating the opposition and going over in the corner. Mubarak’s conversion bumped and grinded the uprights as it went through adding another 7 points to the Tuskers tally, 49-6.
The visitors managed to get two consolation tries towards the final whistle, in the midst of losing a player to a yellow card. Stand-off Daulet Akymbekov and winger Alexandr Zolotukhin went over the goal line and only one conversion being successful the score read 49-18 as the long whistle was heard.
Sharo Frenando and Shenal Dias were instrumental in the Tuskers skirmish taking thundering hits and bringing down challengers with the composure of matadors. Rizah Mubarak, the highest scorer of the tournament, also deserves a special mention silently manning the last line of defense holding fort, joining the line tactically and of course reliably sorting the kicks at goal. Keeping the score ticking not allowing for pressure to build and giving it to the opposition was a standout feature of this reliable gentleman. He was named the player of the tournament.
The Tuskers displayed some classy skill and attitude to wrap up all three of their encounters comfortably. The leadership, world class training & direction together with a young side complemented with a good attitude were unquestionably the winning formula for the Tuskers. The Lankan’s will hopefully be able to take their form to the big league with the likes of Japan and Hong Kong and with the possibility of a berth in Rugby World Cup 2015 everything to play for!
Hearty congratulations to the Tuskers from the ever-passionate ThePapare.com crew and fans.
GO TUSKERS!
