Confident Lankans confront Singapore

The Sri Lankan ruggerites who are in a buoyant mood after their smashing 36-8 win over Chinese Taipei on Sunday should notch up their second successive win when they confront Singapore in the HSBC Asian Five Nations Division One Tournament in Manila, Philippines today.

The Singaporeans who lost to host nation Philippines by 20-37 in their first match will have to come up with a vastly improved display, if they are to match upto the Sri Lankans who beat them by 26-19 in Singapore two years ago to gain a promotion to the top division.

In the match against Chinese Taipei the Sri Lankan forwards came up with a sterling display to outplay their counterparts. Skipper Yoshitha Rajapaksa was a source of inspiration to his team-mates with his fiery loose play. He was ably supported by Nushal Meepage, Achala Perera, Sumedha Malewana, Hasitha Perera and Namal Rajapaksa as the Lankan ‘eight’ reigned supreme in the loose.

The back division comprising Srinath Sooriyabandara, Dev Anand, Charith Seneviratne, Dinusha Chathuranga, Sandun Herath and Dinesh Kumara made the maximum use of the ‘good ball’ which came their way by running the ball at every opportunity which resulted in the Lankans breaching the Chinese Taipei defence on five occasions.

The Lankan ruggerites trained hard for more than three weeks under the watchful eyes of their coach Phil Greening who has taken great pains to mould them into a formidable outfit. ”The boys gave a wonderful display against Chinese Taipei and I am confident they will continue their good form and emerge victorious against Singapore despite the latter having the services of several expatriates,” said a delighted coach Phil Greening.