Sri Lanka keeps hopes alive in Sevens Rugby

Saturday, 1 September 2018 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Asian Games 2018

Sri Lanka kept their hopes alive when they beat China 17/12 and qualified for the semi-final encounter today. They will have a daunting task when they meet Japan in the Cup semi-final at 12.26 p.m.(Sri Lanka Time).

Hong Kong will meet South Korea in the second semi-final. The winners will meet at the Gold medal competition whilst losers will play for the Bronze medal. One team will be left out with nothing if they lose both.

Zhang Chao scored for China in the second minute, but Sri Lanka replied strongly through a 50-metre dash by Jason Dissanayake. Two more tries by SudamSooriarachchi and Srinarth Sooriyabandara did the hard work for Reza Rafaideen to score, which took Sri Lanka to a comfortable 17/5 lead at the short breather.

China scored their second try through Shang Shun to cut the deficit to 17/12. China had possession but Sri Lanka defence not only stood firm but also kept their hopes alive for their first medal from a team event at the Asian Games history.

Sri Lanka beat Afghanistan 43 to nothing in their last group encounter early in the day. (SJ)