Dilshan dominates as Tuskers win both games
Danush Dayan’s Tuskers gladdened the hearts of rugby fans by producing two stunning performances against South Korea and Chinese Taipei, when the second leg of the Asian Rugby Sevens Series got underway at Huizhou in China yesterday.Janindu Dilshan starred in the openng game against South Korea, which was won 28-5, by touching down twice. Kevin Dixon and Jason Dissanaike also went over in this four-try win. Dilshan, Dixon (2) and Thilina Wijesinghe made the conversions. Gwong Min Kim scored the solitary try for the losers.
Buoyed by this victory, the Tuskers were unstoppable in their next game against Chinese Taipei. Kevin Dixon set the Sri Lankans on the victory path with a try 40 seconds from the start. Chinese Taipei’s Liu Ta Ming broke free from the clutch of defenders and ran through for an unconverted try.
Dinuk Amerasinghe was tackled inches from the line and the ball was dropped. This didn’t matter all that much, as Janindu Dilshan, who is enjoying a good tournament, touched down after the ball was worked this way and that. Hang Chi Wei went over to make the score 14-12 in favour of Sri Lanka at the short whistle.
On resumption, Jason Dissanaike put the finishing touches to a good move by going over. Dilshan scored his fourth try of the day to put the issue beyond doubt. Chinese Taipei came back with a late touchdown by Heung Jen Chung, but it was too little too late as the Tuskers clinched a 26-17 win.
The Sri Lankans have a tall order this morning when they face the Asian giants, Japan, who confirmed their credentials with smashing wins over South Korea (38-0) and Chinese Taipei (41-0).
In the other group, another Asian power-house, Hong Kong have set out their stall beating China 19-7 and UAE 22-7. China, scored a narrow 21-15 win over the Philippines. It must be recalled that Sri Lanka won the Plate final in the first leg, beating Philippines 21-14. They had earlier despatched Chinese Taipei 42-0 in the Plate semi-final.
The Men’s magic did not rub off on the Sri Lankans lasses, who cut a sorry figure, losing to Hong Kong (7-22) and Malaysia (5-20). Anushka Attanayake scored tries in both games. Dilini Kanchana converted once.
The Sri Lankans will be up against China this morning. It is a frightening situation as the Chinese have already disposed of Hong Kong (45-0) and Malaysia (56-0).
Results
Men’s: China beat Philippines 21-15, Hong Kong beat UAE 22-7, Sri Lanka beat South Korea 28-5, Japan beat Chinese Taipei 41-0, UAE beat Philippines 21-17, Hong Kong beat China 19-7, Sri Lanka beat Chinese Taipei 26-17, Japan beat South Korea 38-0
Women’s: Hong Kong beat Sri Lanka 22-7, China beat Malaysia 56-0, Thailand beat Kazakhstan 12-5, Japan beat Singapore 54-0, Malaysia beat Sri Lanka 20-5, China beat Hong Kong 45-0, Thailand beat Singapore 33-0, Kazakhstan beat Japan 19-12
Today’s matches:
Men’s: China vs UAE, Hong Kong vs Philippines, South Korea vs Chinese Taipei, Japan vs Sri Lanka
Women’s: Hong Kong vs Malaysia, China vs Sri Lanka, Kazakhstan vs Singapore, Japan vs Thailand