Sri Lanka fumble but will join Hong Kong for World Rugby 7s Qualifiers

Hong Kong clinched the Cup championship yet again while hosts Sri Lanka had to be satisfied with 4th place in the 3rd and final leg of the Asian 7s series worked off at the Race course stadium. In the Women’s segment it was Japan who outclassed China 17 – 05 to clinch the cup category. Sri Lanka women’s finished 6th in Colombo and that will remain as overall ranking too.

Photo Album: Sri Lanka team in action – Asia Rugby 7’s 3rd Leg 2016 – Day 2

Men’s Segment

Malaysia stun Japan to take the plate;

Japan, Chinese Taipei, Malaysia and Singapore were battling it out for the Plate title and it was Malaysia who emerged winners much to the surprise of many. Japan and Malaysia advanced to the finals of the plate and Malaysians certainly were in no mood to play second fiddle to the much experienced Japanese outfit. They certainly stepped up to the occasion dominating the breakdowns and keeping the dangerous Japanese outside backs at bay. Despite a late try by Japan, the Malaysians were dominant throughout and took the game 19-14.

Sri Lanka throwaway 3^rd place while Hong Kong secure a hat-trick of cup titles;

Having been outdone by Hong Kong, the Tuskers came out for one last time in the series taking on China who lost their semi-final against the Koreans. The game looked to be in the bag for the hosts as they led 21-07 with 3 minutes to go. However Sri Lanka seemed to lose focus as they conceded 3 times in the space of 3 minutes to give the game in the final moments as China won 22-21.

Meanwhile Hong Kong took the cup championship yet again defeating a spirited Korean outfit 24 points to 19. In a true battle of attrition the Koreans never gave up and managed to tie the game at 19 all during the dying moments of the game. However the experienced Hong Kong outfit came back all guns blazing to steal the game right at the end scoring a spectacular corner flag try. Having won the previous two legs Hong Kong secured the cup title in all 3 legs and gain pole position in the overall points table. Sri Lanka managed to secure 2^nd place in the overall table while South Korea ended up in 3^rd.

Women’s Segment

Heavy weights in the Women’s segment Japan, took away the Cup championship despite going down to Thailand in the pool game. Having out-classed Hong Kong in the semi-finals, the ‘brave blossom’ ladies from Japan had things under control in the finals undoing China 17 -05 in the finals.

Hong Kong and Thailand who came second best in their respective semi finals took on each other for pride battling out for the 3^rd place. The Thailand ladies  came up with a gallant display to outclass the Hong Kong lasses in every department. By the full time whistle the scoreboard read 19 -05 in favour of Thailand. The Sri Lanka Women’s team who qualified for the Women’s plate final suffered a heart breaking loss to Singapore in the dying moments of extra time. The scores were deadlocked at 7 all since half time with teams missing out on opportunities to score. With the game in the balance the Lankans conceded a try late into the 2^nd session of extra time and with that the game.

Despite the early setback the visitors came back strongly taking control of the game, building phases which put Sri Lanka under pressure. After a few phases Ryan Meecham unlocked the  back pedaling defense to score by the corner flag. Ben Rimene made the difficult conversion look easy with a beautiful conversion to level the scores. (SL 07 – 07 HK).

Both teams were reduced to 6 men by the referee for two late chargers. Both teams tried their best to score their 2nd try but the defenses of both teams stood out.

Half Time: Sri Lanka 07 – Hong Kong 07

The resumption saw Sri Lanka having to defend deep in their territory. Despite the weight and size disadvantage the tuskers did considerably well. However they lost an own scrum inside their 22’ which was pounced upon by Max Woodward who fell over mid left. (Sri Lanka 07 – Hong Kong 14).

Sri Lanka suffered another blow shortly when Woodward scored his 2nd try brushing aside the attentions of Srinath Sooriyabandara for an unconverted try. (Sri Lanka 07 – Hong Kong 19)

With 3 minutes left Sri Lanka put up a do or die effort but Hong Kong were well organized for any surprises by the hosts. The tuskers did manage to score right at the end only to be denied by the ref due to an off the ball indiscretion by Hirantha Perera who was yellow carded. With that Sri Lankas hopes were washed away and yet again by Hong Kong.

Hong Kong advance to the Cup final against South Korea who defeated China in their semi final while Sri Lanka will play China for the 3rd place play-off.

Fixtures/Results – Day 2