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| Monday, 13 September 2004 |
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Lanka plate champs again : Japan confirm status as giants of Asian rugby by S.M. Jiffrey Abdeen - Kandy sports correspondent Asian Rugby giants Japan kept up their reputation when they became champions at the Singer SriLankan Airlines IRB rugby World Cup Asian qualifying championships by defeating Chinese Taipei by 38 points (4 goals, 2 tries) to 19 (2 goals, 1 try) in the finals of the tournament concluded at Nittawela yesterday. It was organised by Kandy Sports Club and co sponsored by Connaisane de Ceylan with the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd., as the principal print media sponsers. At half time Japan led 19-7. Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse was the chief guest and he distributed the Awards to the cup winners with Japanese scrum half Nathan Ashley being adjudged the "Most Valuable Player of the Tournament" for his brilliant play as he scored two tries in the finals and played a major role in his team's victory. While Japan and Chinese Taipei 'qualify to play in the world cup rugby sevens they will be joined by Korea who beat Thailand 31 - 7 in the play off match for the third place. Chinese Taipei surprisingly opened scoring in the cup finals through Tung Yuang Hsiang which was converted by Wei Chang. But Japan hit back through some fine play by scrum half Nathen Ashley who scored two tries. Both were goalled Ryata Kakizaki. Yohei Shinomiya scored the third try to put Japan on top at the breather. After resumption Japan continued to pile on the points through tries by prop Sadanobu Imari who blitzed his way to score mid right and Ryata added the extra points Japan 26-7. Chinese Taipei came back into the game briefly through a try by prop Hsiang Tung Yuan which was converted by Wei Chang, Chinese Taipei 14-26. But Japan put the issue beyond doubt through two tries from Katoni Otukola and Takashi Kikutani. Ryuta Kakazaki goalled one of the tries. Dilroy Fernando refereed. Plate Champs Sri Lanka scored a fine 31 points (3 goals, 2 tires) to 19 (2 goals, 1 try win over Arabian Gulf to lift the plate championship for the second year in succession. At half time Arabian Gulf led 14-12. Sri Lanka started on a brisk note scoring two tries in quick succession. First by Chamara Withanage who touched down by the corner flag. Next was winger Sanjeewa Jayasinghe who made a scorching run to score by the right corner flag. Skipper Raddika Hettiarachchi added the extra points through a beautiful drop kick. However the heavily built Arabian Gulf ruggerites scored two quick tries through props Nicholas de Marco and the other by Stephan Cooper which were goalled by Subbiani Rob to lead at the short break. After the break Mohamed Saldin with a powerful run scored far left for Sri Lanka to wrest the lead 19-14. Another try by Arabian Gulf's Stephen Cooper levelled the scores 19-19. A penalty awarded inside Gulf territory saw skipper Hettiarachchi taking the short tap and pounding his way to score far right and Sri Lanka were in front once again leading 24-19. Then came the best try of the match through the powerfully built Mohamed Saldin who with a sequence of side stepping forced the Arabian Gulf defence to score under the post. Hettiarachchi added the extra points to give Sri Lanka a 31-19 win and the Plate title. Bowl champions Khazakhastan won the Bowl championship beating Guam by 20 points (4 tries) to 5 (1 try) after leading 5-0 at the breather. |
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