The Asia Rugby U18 Girls’ Championship, that took place for the 1st time in Dubai in 2016, is now closing in on its 3rd edition this year as it readies for kick off in India from the 26th – 28th of October.
The Sri Lanka Women’s Under 18 squad which comprised of 12 young lasses from around the Island is ready to take wing to India for this tournament, making their third appearance at the tournament.
Sri Lanka, who took wing to Dubai in 2016 under the guidance of Coach Thanuja Weerakkody and captaincy of Nimesha Wijewardana, ended in 4th place after beating Uzbekistan and UAE in the 4th place playoffs. Hong Kong went onto win the Championship beating Kazakhstan in a close final.
Under-18 Lankan lasses take wing to Dubai
In an encouraging move for Women’s Rugby in Sri Lanka..
The following year hopes were high as the girls were looking forward to earning their ticket to the Youth Olympic Games. Unfortunately, after an impressive start beating the Philippines, Sri Lanka went onto have a disastrous finish in the tournament.
Losing all of their games just before winning against Iran in the 7th and 8th playoffs, the team led by Umayanga Thathsarani and groomed by Thanuja Weerakkody, dropped down in the rankings by 3 positions. Tournament favorites Japan emerged Champions after beating the defending Champions Hong Kong.
This year, Chamodya Madumali will be leading the team touring India assisted by Madushani Araliya. The young team consists of some very good runners in the likes of Supuni Lakshani and Nirasha Samanthika from St. Maria College. W.Subashini, Nirasha Samanthika and Imaya Kodagoda will act as the forwards.
Senior campaigner and key player Umayangana Thathsarani who captained Sri Lanka the last time around has been added to strengthen the squad. Sri Lanka will hence have a mixture of youth and experience in the squad.
Asia Rugby U18 Girls’ Championship next month
The inaugural Asia Rugby U18 Girls’ Championship that..
The U18 team is better prepared for the 3rd edition than the previous two as the Juniors have been in practice for over two months. The team is being coached by the experienced and reputed coach Nilfer Ibrahim and also Malkanthi Rathnayake who is an ex-Sri Lanka player.
The teams that will tour will comprise of
Chamodya Madumali (Ginthota MV) – Captain
Madushani Araliya (Gaa Vivdyawardana) – Vice Captain
Sachinthani Sandanika (Kuliyapitiya central)
W. Subashini (Mo Sevanagala)
Umayangana Thathsarani (Seevali MV)
Nirasha Samanthika (St.Maria College)
Imaya Kodagoda (Nugawela MV)
Krishani Lakshika (Central College Kuliyapitiya)
Supuni Lakshani (St.Maria College)
Priyanka Dilrukshi (Oru bandhioya Dhitheeka)
Krishnakumar Hekashini (Veera Kappetipola)
Devmi Himashi (Central College Kuliyapitiya)
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