COLOMBO: (ePRESS) – Sri Lanka’s rugby team, the Tuskers, delivered a stunning victory against Kazakhstan in the Asian Division I Rugby Tournament final at Colombo’s Racecourse Stadium. The Tuskers dominated the game, leading 31-0 at halftime and securing a final score of 45-7. This win propels them to the next level of Asian rugby.
With the support of their passionate home crowd, the Tuskers displayed exceptional performance on the field. They scored five goals and two tries, totaling 45 points, while Kazakhstan managed only one goal, bringing their total to 7 points. This victory holds special significance for Sri Lankan rugby, rejuvenating the spirits of the community.
The match began intensely, but Sri Lanka soon gained momentum, ultimately securing a resounding victory. The first try came from Heshan Jansen’s clever pass, leading to Mursheed Dorey’s debut try for Sri Lanka in the 11th minute. Despite missing the conversion, Sri Lanka took the lead 5-0.
Taking advantage of Kazakhstan’s player being sin-binned for 10 minutes, Sri Lanka intensified their efforts. Adeesha Weeratunga scored the second try, evading Kazakhstan’s defenders after Mursheed Dorey’s pass. Ratwatte’s conversion attempt was unsuccessful, but Sri Lanka led 10-0 by the 20th minute.
Thenuka Nanayakkara extended Sri Lanka’s lead with a try in the 25th minute, and Ratwatte successfully converted, capitalizing on Kazakhstan’s yellow card. Sri Lanka continued their dominance with a fourth try by Akahs Madushanka, set up by Lasindu Ishan Karunathilake, in the 31st minute. Ratwatte effortlessly converted the try, putting Sri Lanka ahead 24-0.
In the 36th minute, Heshan Jansen’s keen observation led to Dinal Ekanayake’s try near the left corner flag, marking Sri Lanka’s fifth try. Ratwatte’s splendid conversion extended their lead to 31-0 by the 37th minute.
The Tuskers’ remarkable performance left Kazakhstan trailing far behind, highlighting Sri Lanka’s prowess on the Racecourse. With a commanding lead of 31-0 at halftime.
The second half kicked off with Heshan Jansen scoring a quick try soon after the game resumed, setting the tone for Sri Lanka’s dominance on the field. Following suit, Hirusha Nethmina excelled adding to the team’s lead with another well-executed play.
Throughout the game, Sri Lanka made strategic substitutions, with Tarinda Ratwatte making way for Hirusha Nethmina and Dinal Ekanayake stepping in to keep the momentum going.
Although Kazakhstan managed to score a try early on, thanks to the impressive speed of their captain, Magomedrassul Magomedov, converting the goal, it was not enough to dampen Sri Lanka’s spirits. By the 58th minute, Sri Lanka had amassed a commanding lead of 38-7, leaving the visitors trailing behind.
As the match progressed, the atmosphere in Colombo grew jubilant, with spectators witnessing a rare moment of relaxation for the Sri Lankan coaching staff as victory seemed assured by the 70th minute.
In a final display of dominance, Sri Lanka further extended their lead in the 75th minute, with Kavindu de Costa’s precise pass setting up Sachith Silva for an easy try. Hirusha Nethmina’s successful conversion added insult to injury for Kazakhstan, sealing Sri Lanka’s victory with a score of 45-7 by the final whistle.
The match concluded on a high note for the Sri Lankan team. With this emphatic performance, Sri Lanka has firmly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the Asian rugby.
