SL clear first rugby hurdle

Thushan JAYASURIYA

Sri Lanka cleared their first hurdle in their bid to gain promotion to division one with a smashing win over Singapore by 37 points (two goals, four tries and a penalty) to 15 points (a goal, a try and a penalty) in the Asian Junior Rugby Championship match played at Havelock Park, yesterday after leading 18 – 3 at half time.

Singapore opened scoring with a penalty by Marah Mohamed Israf. The Sri Lanka snatched the lead from Singapore through a try by Hashan Nuwarapakshage which helped to reduce the deficit (5- 3). Few minutes later Thisila Karunatilleke fired across a 40 metre penalty (8-3). Hooker Lochana Ekanayake dashed through for a try while it was successfully converted by Thisila Karunatilleke (15-3).

Sri Lanka’s number eight Arun Kumar put over a penalty making it 18 -3 for Sri Lanka. Singapore scored their first try through Terence Yang in the second half (8 – 18). Skipper and lock forward Randika Alwis scored off a short tap making it 23 – 8 for Sri Lanka. Woshan Mahawatta put the finishing touches to a move begun in midfield by diving over the corner flag (Sri Lanka 28 -8 ) where Hirantha Perera added the extra points (30-8) . Dhanusha Dayan made a dash but was brought down afew metres from the line and Jason Melder backing up, scored under the post which try was converted by Thisila Karunatilleke(37 -8 ).

Singapore’s consolation try came from their winger Taufiq Rathi who scored by the corner flag in the dying stages of the game while Singapore’s full back Naresh Kunasegaran added the finishing touches (15 – 37).

Patrick Kwok of Hong Kong referred.