Sri Lanka’s bronze medal hopes went begging by a whisker as they lost to South Korea 17 – 14 in the Asian Games 2014 – rugby tournament in Incheon.
This was the second time that Sri Lanka went down against Korea in this tournament, firstly in the group match where Tuskers were on song in the first half leading 12 – 00 with Gayan Weerarathne and Anurudda Wilwara scoring a try each. Nevertheless, Koreans came with extra gas to overcome Sri Lanka with a 21 – 12 win.
In the play-off it was another heartbreaking moment with the island losing in the bronze medal match. Marija’s men certainly gave it all playing their hearts out and this time it was much closer as the half time was level 07 all. Yet again Weerarathne scored the first try for the Tuskers just before Jeong Yeonsik levelled for the host. Tuskers showed good defence in opposite territory but could not stop Kim Jeongmin scoring the try. Danushka Ranjan was replaced and Srinath Sooriyabandara was brought in where a result it did not take long as the injured Soori scored the second try to increase the score 14 – 12.
It was a high intense last three minutes but it all went Korea’s way as KIM Gwongmin scoring the winning try. Sri Lanka sighed with disappointment as a well-deserved medal dashed out quite unfortunately.
The island in the Indian ocean, resurgent in its rugby of late must rue the fact they lost their coach just two weeks before such a big tournament where even a replacement was not possible. Despite the team managing to perform well, the authorities will be frowned upon for continuous make-shift coaches and this recent bale-out.
The Tuskers finished fourth in the Asian 7’s series both in Hong Kong and Malaysia in the recent months where they also lost to Korea in the 3rd / 4th play-off in Malaysia.
