Sri Lanka lose to Malaysia

Kavindu Perera scored one of the tries for Sri Lanka

By Shamzeer Jaleel

Malaysia =42 points

Sri Lanka =17 points

Sri Lankan ruggerites hopes of retaining the Division I title at the Asian Rugby Championship Division I faded away yesterday when they were outclassed by the hosts Malaysia 42/17 in Kuala Lampur. Sri Lanka who were the favored team were floored by the Fijian present Malaysian outfit who took the lead in the points table with 6 points along with Philippines.

 Malaysia scored first through Syarif Aazwan penalty in the second minute which was followed by a try by skipper Syahir Rosli in the sixth minute. Azwan converted to take a 10/0 lead.

Sri Lanka who went in to the shell never recovered from this moment onwards. Aazwan also put over two more penalties and tries came from Etonia Vaqa Saukuru, Badrul Muktee, Tengku Roslan and Aiman Jamaluddin, three of which were converted by Aazwan and sealed a comfortable victory for the hosts.

For Sri Lanka once again full back Reza Mubarak showed lot of promise putting over a penalty and being accurate in two try conversions. For Sri Lanka Kavindu Perera and Buwanaka Udangamuwa scored the tries.

In the other game earlier in the day Singapore, who lost 33/17 to Sri Lanka downed Philippines 28/24. Malaysia’s win yesterday gives an equal chance for all teams of winning the tournament. 

Sri Lanka will play Philippines while the hosts Malaysia will battle it out with Singapore on 14 May to decide the Division I winner for 2016