Asian schools under 18 sevens second and final leg will kick off this weekend in Luodong Sports Park in Taiwan (Chinese Taipei).
Sri Lanka who finished as plate champions a month ago in Hong Kong remain as candidates for the cup title this weekend.
Theekshana Dassanayake of St. Peter’s College, Janidu Dilshan of Royal College and Gemunu Chethiya of St. Joseph’s College are the new comers replacing vice-captain Sumudu Rankothge of Isipathana College, speedster Diyath Fernando of St. Peter’s College and Christian De Lile of S. Thomas’College who are out due to injuries sustained in the concluded Sri Lanka Super Rugby Sevens Tournament.
However, chairman of the national selectors panel Michael Jayasekera told ThePapare.com “Although three players are missing due to injuries, these new additions stepped up really well at the super sevens. It is always good to see more talent coming up, and i’m sure these players have enough talents to replace adequately and they will do well internationally.”
Last minute try denied as Sri Lanka U18’s finish 3rd in Hong Kong
Dassanayake and Dilshan stepped up as two good centers for their respective schools in the concluded Singer Schools league. This will be a priceless opportunity for them to expose their talents in the international arena. Chethiya on the other hand was astounding in the super 7s a fortnight ago and as a result he gets the well-deserved call up by the selectors.
Eight teams participated in the first leg and only six teams are expected to be in the second leg. Sri Lanka, Singapore, Philippines, China, UAE and the hosts Chinese Taipei will battle each other in a round robin format. The teams finishing top to bottom will be drawn as B1 – B6 in day two’s fixture. B1 will take on B4 and B2 will lock horns against B3 in cup semifinals.
Teams from Hong Kong and Japan are notable absentees and as a result it is a great opportunity for the young Tuskers to follow the footstep of U20’s who became Asian champs last weekend.
The 12-member touring squad:
- Naveen Henakankanamage (Captain) – S. Thomas’ College
- Theekshana Dassanayake – St. Peter’s College
- Gemunu Chethiya – St. Joseph’s College
- Chathura Seneviratne – St. Joseph’s College
- Harith Bandara – Isipathana College
- Diluksha Dange – Trinity College
- Anuka Boyagoda – Trinity College
- Janidu Dilshan – Royal College
- Chamod Fernando – Isipathana College
- Vinul Fernando – St. Joseph’s College
- Dinuk Amerasinghe – St. Anthony’s College
- Avishka Shiek – Trinity College
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