The second leg of the Asia 7s series kicked off in the beautiful SCG Muang Thong stadium, in Bangkok. Sri Lanka won against Chinese Taipei but lost to Hong Kong in the pool games.
Sri Lanka 36 – 00 Chinese Taipei
The Tuskers won convincingly in their first game against Chinese Taipei 36 – 00. Nigel Ratwatte who missed out the first leg in China, is back with the squad and made a statement with his bulldozing run to the try line. Seven’s sensation Srinath Sooriyabandara crossed over the second try collecting an inside ball from Fazil Marija. Nigel was on song once again as he kicked and chased the ball in to the open space and scored his second try. Gayan Weerarathne affected a brilliant try in the left flank just before the half time.
HT : SL 22 – 00 C.Taipei
It was not an impressive start in terms of ball handling by the Tuskers as they made 3 knock- ons and missed a few tackles. However, Richard Dharmapala scored the 5th try, going over the white wash after making few contacts. Sudarshana Muthuthantri who led the team in the first leg in China played much better when he didnt have to the captain’s job. He scored a brilliant try after fending off three defenders.
Iron man Anurudda Wilwara was a little nervous in the park after two knock-ons and a missed tackle. Coach Mathew turner said after the first match that “Wilwara did not start any games in China, so I let him play to get more match practice, so he will come in to the form”
Sri Lanka 14 – 33 Hong Kong
“Not to out skill them but outwork them” is what the coach Mathew Turner said to the team before the match. However, the players did vice versa. Quite disappointing it was a loss for the Tuskers as they made too many mistakes in passing and communication. Honk Kong rejoiced from the mistakes made by the Tuskers and as a result Hong Kong intercepted three of Sri Lanka’s passes to points. Gayan Weerarathne made a stunning try to put some pressure but Hong Kong led 14 – 07 at the half time.
After the break Hong scored tries via Rohan Varty and Jamie Hood. Srinath Sooriyabandara made a scintillating 60m run and was well supported by Fazil Marija as he received the pass and went under the post. Hong Kong winger put the final nail on the coffin due another clumsy play by the Tuskers.
Although the win against Chinese Taipei was expected Sri Lanka still looked fatigued on the field. Defense was good as they did not concede a single try in the first game but it was a real issue in the second game. Also the game management and attacking pattern was not up to mark. However, Sri Lanka will play China who finished second in the first leg. Also China beat Sri Lanka 22 – 12 in the cup semifinal in the first leg.
