China pushed the Tuskers to the final whistle, however, it was the Sri Lanka 7’s outfit that prevailed 17-12 in a grueling quarter-final, booking a semi-final spot against mighty Japan and keeping the nation’s medal hopes alive.
Sri Lanka lined up against China –who finished with a similar record in the group stage (2W 1L) — in the quarter-final as both teams had everything to play for, with the winner lining up against the mighty Japanese on Day 3.
The Tuskers got off to the worst possible start, conceding early on as Chao Zhang crossed the white wash. The try went unconverted as the Tuskers struggled to find their footing in the early exchanges.
Following an exceptional first game of the day, Sudam Sooriyarchchi carried his great form into this crucial quarter-final bout, giving Sri Lanka a much-needed kick-start, scoring a converted try to take the Tuskers ahead.
One try brought about two more as the Tuskers crossed the line twice before the end of the first half through Srinath Sooriyabandara and Tharinda Ratwatte. Both conversions went astray as the Tuskers brought life back into their game, going into halftime with a commanding 12-point lead.
Halftime: Sri Lanka 17 – China 05
Following an exhausting end to the first half, Changshun Shan scored a brilliant try, converting himself to make it a 5-point game with plenty of time left in the second half.
Both teams rung the changes as fatigue seemed to set-into both camps, however, neither team was able to break through as a grueling second half drew to an end with the Sri Lanka Tuskers holding on for a hard-fought win, booking a place in the Semifinals tomorrow.
Full time: Sri Lanka 17 beat China 12
Score breakdown:
Sri Lanka – Sudam Sooriyarchchi (1-try, 1-conversion) Srinath Sooriyabandara (1-try), Tharinda Ratwatte (1-try),
China – Chao Zhang (1-try), Changshun Shan (1-try, 1-conversion)
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan – Game 3
Sri Lanka make easy work of Afghanistan at the Asian Games as the Tuskers scored six tries to register a 36-00 win, qualifying for the quarter-finals with relative ease.
Sri Lanka began a must win game at the beginning of day two, ringing the changes as the coaching staff opted for speed over power. This meant captain Sudarshana Mututhantri was shifted to the bench as youngsters Rehan Silva, Reeza Rafaideen and Sudam Sooriarchchi got the nod in a crucial encounter.
It took the Tuskers just two minutes to break the resistance of the Afghans. Sudam was the beneficiary as Srinath Sooriyabandara converted, giving the favorites an early lead.
The lead was soon doubled, as the previous try scorer and converter swapped roles, with Soori getting the try this time and Sudam making the conversion to take the Tuskers into the break, 14 points to the good.
Halftime: Sri Lanka 14 – Afghanistan 00
The coaching staff rung the changes minutes into the second half, bringing on Tarinda Ratwatta and Kavindu Perera as the Tuskers looked to close out things early into the second stanza.
Kavindu scored moments after coming on, continuing from where he left off at the end of day one. Moments later, Reeza Rafaideen made it four tries for the Tuskers. Ratwatta missed out with both conversions, however, the game was put to bed with more than half of the second half remaining.
Photo Album – Asian Games 2018 – Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan – Match 3
Sudam & Soori doubled their try tally of the game as both crossed the white wash, leaving the Afghans reeling.
Srinath Sooriyabandara failed with one conversion, but made no mistake with converting his try following the hooter as Sri Lanka recorded a comfortable 36-00 victory.
The Tuskers currently sit pretty on top of group C, however, if South Korea manage a win over UAE, it will mean the Lankas drop back to second place, awaiting a quarter final match against China.
Full time: Sri Lanka 36 beat Afghanistan 00
Breakdown:
Sri Lanka – Srinath Sooriybandara (2 Try 2 Con), Sudam Sooriyarachchi (2 Try 1 Con), Kavindu Perera (1 Try), Reeza Rafaideen (1Try)
