This is the first occasion in which Sri Lanka has had the privilege of winning an under 20 Asia Rugby Sevens series title and the 12-member under 20 team led by Kevin Dixon will go down in the books of history as a champion Sri Lanka outfit.
Photo Album – Sri Lanka v South Korea – Asia Rugby U20 7s 2016 Finals
Facing heavyweights South Korea who defeated Japan in the semifinals to get through to the finals, the Junior Tuskers massacred the Korean outfit scoring six tries and to end up with a score of 38-0.
Starting things off in style, Omalka Gunarathane picked up a loose ball and sped his way to the try line to score the first for the Tuskers in the very first minute. Sri Lanka who dominated possession entirely in the next few minutes saw Nishon Perera touching down with a lovely sprint from the far corner.
Buddhima Priyarathane followed up the two tries just before lemons taking Sri Lanka to 21-00 at half time. Korea’s efforts to score did not come to pass thanks to the brilliant defense laid out by the Lankan lads and as Buddhima Piyarathane, Kevin Dixon & Vimukthi Rahula did the scoring honors in the second half, Sri Lanka had with them their historic win.
Playing under wet and soggy conditions in Malaysia, the Sri Lanka team showcased composure and South Korea despite their aggressive playing style, were not allowed the privilege of scoring a single try.
Final Score breakdown: Sri Lanka 38 (6T 4C) – South Korea 0Tries for Sri Lanka by Buddhima Piyarathana (2), Omalka Gunarathane, Nishon Perera, Kevin Dixon & Vimukthi RahulaConversions by Kevin Dixon (2), Shamri Burah & Buddhima PiyarathanaShamri Burah 1 Kutty 2 Buddhima 1
In aid of Dixon came his former teammate Nishon Perera who scored alongside Reeza Raffaideen in Sri Lanka’s total aggregate of 29 points.
It was a good start for the Junior Tuskers in the morning after their disappointing 19-14 loss yesterday against Japan. Sri Lanka played their final group stage game against the United Arab Emirates racing to a massive 45-05 win.
UAE got to a flying start scoring in the 3rd minute of play to go up 05-00 against Sri Lanka. Last year’s top try scorer Buddhima Piyarathana found his feet in the UAE game scoring a hat-trick of tries and with the efforts of Chamika Kusal & Omalka Gunarathane Sri Lanka went over to a 45-05 win to finish second in the group behind Japan.
With Sri Lanka winning the first leg of the two-leg series, they will have an edge over the other nations when it comes to the second leg that will kick off in a fortnight in Hong Kong. The country with the top aggregate will be crowned Asia Under 20 Sevens Champions for 2016.
Reeza Raffaideen of Sri Lanka ended up as the top try scorer in the first leg of the Asia Under 20 Sevens Series with seven tries while last year’s top try scorer Buddhima Priyarathana takes the second place with six tries. Sri Lanka skipper Kevin Dixon who scored five tries and kicked nine conversions has accumulated a total aggregate of 43 points in the series placing him in second place in the Top Players list. Kotetsu Nishikawa of Japan takes the top spot in the Top Players list with 45 points.
