Asia Rugby Under-19 Division 1 Final Sri Lanka favoured to win

Saturday, 14 December 2019 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lanka Youth in with an opportunity for a promotion to top 4 in 2020

Sri Lanka Youth rugby players under Thulaib Hassen will be all out for a win against Philippines in the final of the Asia Rugby Under-19 Division 1 encounter at Yongchuan Sports Centre in China today.

Before this encounter both Thailand and China will lock horns for the third place play-off at the same venue. Philippines secured a dramatic victory in a penalty shootout after the scores were tied at 17-17 at full-time against Thailand.

Sri Lanka scored a dramatic win over hugely built Chinese outfit but the hosts ran out of ideas against a skilful Sri Lanakan outfit. Former Wesley College player, Samuel Ogbebor scored twice in the 39/14 win over China with Manika Ruberu too in peak form scoring 16 points including one try, one conversion, and three penalties for the Sri Lankans.

Sri Lanka had a good preparation for this event with the selections made after the Kandy vs. Colombo encounter. This was delayed due to the Sponsorship issue but later on Singer pumped in the funds for tour. The team was well-prepared by veteran Viper (jnr) Gunaratne, supported by Rohitha Rajapaksa, Rajiv Perera, and Ananda Kasturiarachchi.

Winners in this event will get promoted to Asia Rugby Top 4 in 2020 and stand a chance to enter the Youth Rugby World Cup Division 1 qualification for 2021. Meanwhile Singapore are very likely to be demoted to Division 1 in 2020 while the losers of the China and Thailand encounter will be demoted to Division 2 in 2020. Either China or UAE will earn a qualification to Division 1 next year. (SJ)