SL youngsters keep heads high in close contest with Kiwis

Monday, 27 April 2026 00:06 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Shamseer Jaleel

Sri Lanka’s youthful under Lasindu Karunathilaka produced a spirited and courageous performance despite going down 27-16 to the touring New Zealand Under-85kg side in the opening match of the 2026 series of the Sir Graham Henry Trophy encounter played at the Racecourse Ground under lights on Saturday.

At the short breather, New Zealand Under-85kg led 16/13.

Fielding a fresh-look squad that included no fewer than 10 debutants, the home side showed tremendous character and teamwork against a well-drilled New Zealand outfit that arrived with plenty of experience and physicality. The final score did not fully reflect the intensity and determination shown by the Sri Lankans throughout the contest.

The visitors took an early grip on the match and went into halftime with a narrow 16-13 lead after a closely fought opening spell. New Zealand crossed through tries by Simon Sia, Pasia Asiata, and Matt Treeby, while Taine Cordell-Hull added three penalties and Jarred Percival slotted over another penalty to keep the scoreboard ticking.

Sri Lanka, however, never allowed the tourists to settle comfortably. Skipper Lasindu Karunathilaka, Tharindu Chathuranga, Thilina Bandara, and Naveen Marasinghe were outstanding both in attack and defence. Harsha Maduranga looked slow from the base, putting the three-quarter line under pressure. Only Akash Madushanka looked threatening, while Yuwan Pathirana, making his debut, looked sharp and never under pressure. For New Zealand, their no. 8 Pasia Asiata, skipper Percival, and Cordell-Hull were outstanding.

Madushanka opened the try-scoring for the hosts with a determined finish after sustained pressure, while Janidu Dilshan added the second try to keep Sri Lanka firmly in the contest. Fly-half Thenuka Nanayakkara converted both tries, adding two valuable penalties to keep the scoreboard close. Sri Lanka missed one more try-scoring opportunity when Mursheed Doray’s long pass ended going forward while touched down by Dilshan, which was disallowed.

The 13-16 halftime scoreline underlined how competitive the game had been, with Sri Lanka matching the visitors physically and tactically for long periods. The defensive effort of the debutants was especially impressive as they stood up to the pace and structure of the New Zealand side.

Although New Zealand managed to pull away in the second half with superior game management, Sri Lanka’s commitment never faded. Their aggressive tackling, quick support play, and willingness to attack earned praise from the home supporters who turned up in strong numbers.

For a side undergoing transition and introducing so many new faces, this performance was a major positive. While the result went New Zealand’s way, Sri Lanka’s brave showing assured a packed house for the second match on 3 May at the rugby crazy city of Kandy, at the Nittawela Rugby Stadium.

The Referee was Morgan White.

– Pix by Eshan Fernando