Rugby: Sri Lanka beat China and Taipei in Asian 7s

Sri Lanka recorded two wins -- against China and later on against Chinese Taipei -- to finish second in Group 'B' next to Hong Kong on the opening day of the Asian 7s Rugby Series at the Racecourse ground today (13).

Sri Lankans will be taking on group leaders Hong Kong at 12.10pm on Sunday (14).

Irrespective of the result, Sri Lanka has succeeded in entering the semi-finals of the Cup segment. 

Sri Lanka enhanced their prospects of a top three finish by smashing their way through the Chinese Taipei defence to record a crushing 43-0, following their close 19-12 win against China earlier on. 

Against Chinese Taipei, Sri Lanka scored from seven tries and four conversions. 

Gayan Weeraratne and Kevin Dixon touched down twice while Dhanushka Ranjan, Kavindu Perera and Danush Dayan scored a try each for the winners. 

The conversions were made by Dixon, Srinath Sooriyabandara and Sudam Sooriyaarachchi. 

Earlier, Sri Lanka overcame a stiff hurdle in their opening game by getting the better of a big-made Chinese team.

Sri Lanka scored from three tries and two conversions while China scored from two tries and a conversion. 

Danuh Dayan, skipper Srinath Sooriyabandara and Danushka Ranjan scored a try each while Sudam Sooriyaarachchi made the conversions. 

The Sri Lankan girls did well initially, holding the Hong Kong team almost until the hooter sounded. They tackled well and seemed inspired. 

The second half was different as the Hong Kong lasses applied greater pressure to break down the defence of the local team and go on to a 29-0 win. 

Later on they beat South Korea by 26-10. 

On Sunday Sri Lankan women will take on Japan in their final group game. 

Results

Men's: Philippines beat South Korea 34-5, Japan beat Malaysia 61-0, Sri Lanka beat China 19-12, Hong Kong beat Chinese Taipei 71-5, Philippines beat Malaysia 24-19, Japan beat South Korea 40-0, Hong Kong beat China 47-7, Sri Lanka beat Chinese Taipei 43-0.

Women's: China beat Thailand 35-0, Kazakhstan beat Singapore 41-0, Hong Kong beat Sri Lanka 29-0, Japan beat South Korea 46-0, Thailand beat Singapore 14-0, Kazakhstan drew China 0-0, Sri Lanka beat South Korea 26-10, Japan beat Hong Kong 31-7.