MAS wins Mercantile Rugby Sevens 2017

By Shamseer Jaleel

MAS edged out defending champions Access 19-14 at the 47th Mercantile Rugby Sevens 2017 which was worked off at the racecourse rugby grounds under lights yesterday.

At the breather the scores were deadlock at seven points apiece.

Both teams were filled with national players and they dished out quality rugby for the spectators at the grounds. MAS scored first through lightning fast Anurudha Wilwara in the very first minute of the game. Skipper Roshan Weeraratne added the extra two points to have his team up 7-0. But Access hit back through their skipper Richard Dharmapala, who scored a superb solo try, with Tharinda Ratwatte adding the extra two points to have things tied at seven apiece at halftime.

After the turnaround both teams played cohesive rugby but there was hardly any space to play in with the defence being exceptionally tight. Sandun Herath, another national Sevens player returning from injury, dummied his way to score a try for MAS, with Weeraratne adding the extra two points. But Dharmapala, who had a magnificent game, scored his second try for Kevin Dixon to add the extra points. 

As the fulltime mark approached, the game was still very tight and referee Irshard Cader signalled extra time. With the game going deep into extra time, MAS skipper Weeraratne scored the winning try.

MAS were coached by Saliya Kumara while Access were coached by Nilfer Ibrahim.

In the bowl final, Classic Travels beat Clovetel 21-14 while the Plate was secured by Kanrich, who beat CDB B 14-7. This tournament brought this year’s Sri Lankan Sevens rugby season to an end, with the Asian Sevens 2017 three-leg event selection set to take place this week.  The Sri Lankan squad will tour France before departing to Hong Kong for the first leg of the tournament in September this year.

 – Pix by Nisal Baduge