Sri Lanka ended the 2nd leg of the Asia 7’s Rugby Series in the 5th spot after beating Malaysia in the plate finals by 41 points to 7 in Korea.
It was another try feast for the Lankans against Malaysia. Sudam Sooriyarachchi opened the scoring with try under the post. It was Dhanushka Ranjan who made good run in the corner, got the inside pass to Sudam who stepped on the gas to go all the way. They followed it up with another converted try by Dhanush Dayan. Malaysians had possession but a loose pass was beautifully intercepted by Dayan who pounced on the opportunity.
The Malaysian’s looked tired on the field as the Tuskers danced around them. The 3rd try for the Sri Lankans came from Dhanushka Ranjan who went over the line for the 7th time this weekend. On the verge of the half time whistle, veteran Serupepeli Naqasima found space in the middle and went on to score under the post to open the scoring for Malaysia.
Half Time: Sri Lanka 19 – Malaysia 07
The second half belonged to the Sri Lankans. They were rampant through the half and made it tough for the tired Malaysian’s. Jason Dissanayake came in from the bench to score Sri Lanka’s 4th try of the match. The game was in their hands but the Tuskers continued the onslaught. The 5th try came from another second half substitution Hiranth Perera who used the numerical advantage after Malaysian’s lost one player due to yellow card. Seconds before the final whistle, Hirantha managed to score another try to put the nail on the coffin. Sri Lankans somehow managed to end the 2nd leg well, but they should be disappointed not to end up in the top four this week as well. There is a lot to look forward to in three weeks‘ time when they will host the Asia 7’s 3rd and final leg here in Colombo.
Full Time: Sri Lanka 41 – Malaysia 07
Tuskers storm past Philippines to the plate finals
The Sri Lankans started off in ecstatic fashion with Naveen Henakankanamge going under the post in the very first minute. Jason Dissanayke grabbed the ball from the kick off, dragged a few defenders on to him got the inside pass to Naveen who stepped on the gas showing off his usual skills at speed to get across the line. A few minutes later, Jason got his name on the scorecard with another converted try. It was Sudam Sooriyarachchi’s burst through the middle bouncing off a few defenders which helped the Tuskers in scoring that try before the half time.
Half Time : Sri Lanka 14 – Philippines 00
The second half was once again dominated by the Lankans. Dhanush Dayan found his way through a gap to score their third try in the match. The Volcanoes failed to make any inroads into their attacking side as they were forced to defend right through the game.
Minutes later, Tharinda Ratawatte went over the line for his 5th try in the 2nd leg. He took the ball from the ruck, fended off his marker and pushed over easily.
It was raining tries for the Lankans and Jason once again showed his pace down the corner to score his 2nd try of the game. Ratwatte with the kick cross field to Jason, saw him accelerating around the defenders to score. Seconds before the whistle, Dhanushka Ranjan put the icing on the cake with 4th try this weekend to give the Tuskers a big win by 42 points to nil.
Full Time : Sri Lanka 42 – Philippines 00
Hong Kong register an easy win against Sri Lanka in the quarter finals
Hong Kong started off with a try in the very first minute with Toby Fenn going over the line. They did not hold back as they went over for the 2nd time few minutes later. Jack Neville was the try scorer as he pounced on the messy defense line of the Tuskers.
Lankans finally found good some rhythm towards the end of the half. Muthuthanthri was the try scorer but it was Dhanushka Ranjan who did the hard work in the middle. There was good support play, great running lines from the Tuskers which helped them break through. Just before the half time, Hong Kong managed to score another try from Sebastian Brian.
Half Time : Hong Kong 17 – Sri Lanka 07
The second half was all about Hong Kong as they ran away with the game showing consummate ease. They managed to add 14 more points with two tries from Neville who completed his hat-trick. The Tuskers, faring slightly better against their old opponents, affected another try thanks to some individual skill from Srinath Sooriyabandara but it was not enough to turn the match around.
Full Time : Hong Kong 31 – Sri Lanka 14
