Second half rally takes Philippines through

A Philippines player goes through the Sri Lankan defence watched by Mithun Hapugoda

Action in the second game between Singapore and Taipei, which Singapore won

Asia Rugby Championship Division 1

A far superior second performance half took the top seed Philippines to a 39/22 win over Sri Lanka in their Asia Rugby Championship Division 1 encounter played in Taipei on Wednesday. The result means Philippines will play Singapore in the final on 1 June.

Defending champions Philippines drew first blood in the second minute scoring a try through Rob Fogerty. A Maduwantha penalty reduced the gap to 2 points but the number 1 team in the tournament hit back with a penalty through Daniel Matthews. A Prasad Madushanka try and a Thilina Wijesinghe conversion took Sri Lanka in to a 10/8 lead, however nippy scrum half Tim Berry scored and Daniel Mathews converted take the short breather at 15/10 in Philippines’ favour.

After the turn around, Forgerty scored his second try and Daniel added the extras. Further two tries were scored by Ned Stephenson and Justin Covenry. Umesh Madushanka and hardworking skipper Omalka Gunaratne scored tries late in the second half for Sri Lanka. Maduwantha added the extras.

Elsewhere, Singapore defeated Taipei 19/13 to secure their final berth on June 1.

Sri Lanka will play hosts Taipei to secure number 3 while Philippines will play Singapore to gain promotion to Top 3 in 2020.

(SJ)