Hong Kong outclass Sri Lanka

Asia Rugby Championship Under-19 tournament

Hong Kong, who suffered a shock defeat to South Korea in their first game, hit back strongly to reclaim the trophy

Sri Lanka suffered their second defeat in the Asia Rugby Championship Under-19 tournament in Taipei when they were thrashed by defending champions Hong Kong 48-15 at the Municipal Ground in Taipei last weekend.

At halftime the winners led 22-10.

Hong Kong came back after their shock 13-17 defeat at the hands of a South Korean outfit which put Sri Lanka out of the competition’s running. Sri Lanka, who suffered another shock defeat to Taipei 15-17, face demotion in case they lose out to South Korea tomorrow in their last group game. 

Skipper Gemunu Chehtiya offered a glimmer of hope for the Sri Lankan juniors who were overwhelmed in forwards play. The Hong Kong unit possessed much more experience with more than seven of their players competing at last year’s event. Sri Lanka never looked to play a territorial game which cost them dearly.

Hong Kong, who have six consecutive wins at this tournament and represented Asia at the Junior World Rugby Tournament at the Under-19 level, is facing a must-win situation against hosts Taipei who are unbeaten in their two games. Taipei is leading the points table with 8 points while Hong Kong are at 6 points with the South Koreans pushed back to third with 5 points after their shock 5-7 defeat to Taipei.

Sri Lanka are facing a demotion if they do not win against the South Koreans tomorrow. Singapore have already qualified for the top division in 2019. (SJ)