The Sri Lanka finished their Division One campaign with a stunning 72-17 victory over hosts Chinese Taipei in their third place play-off match in the Asian Rugby Championship in Chinese Taipei yesterday.
The result is said to be the highest ever margin over Chinese Taipei as coach Fazil Marija’s side stormed into a 31-0 lead with five different try scorers crossing the line in the first half.
Captain Omalka Gunaratne powered his way over the line while front row Yakoob Ali showed great footwork for their third try.
In the second-half Kavindu Perera and Sudharaka Dikkumura added their second tries of the match. Taipei’s scrum-half Chung-Yu Lee darted under the posts for the hosts to the delight of the home crowd.
Wei-Ming Lin and Wei-Chiang Sun added a second and third try for Chinese Taipei, but the Tuskers proved too much running in a further three tries including Dinuk Amerasinghe’s second.
It was a fine comeback for the Sri Lankans after losing the first match to the Philippines 39-22.
“It was a great impetus victory for the young blooded side and hats off to the selectors for sticking to the young side,” said Sri Lanka Rugby’s deputy president Rizly Illyas who was present to witness the match.