Third consecutive Asian Under 19 champions for Hong Kong

By Shamseer Jaleel

Hong Kong ended the Asian Under 19 rugby championship on a high note when they not only ended the tournament unbeaten but also got their berth booked for next year’s Junior World Rugby championship in Zimbabwe.

Sri Lanka ended the tournament at 2nd position behind Hong Kong when they beat Taipei 47/12; they also beat the hosts Singapore 27/12. Taipei ended as number 3 and hosts Singapore ended last. Sri Lanka last featured in a Junior World cup 14 years ago in Chile. Training sessions were in a mess midway when the selected juniors were not released by the respective clubs (CR & FC, Navy SC, Police SC) later on Head Coach Sanath Martis sent his resignation to the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU). As the assistant coach, Colin Dinesh refused to accept Martis’ post. This made the Sports Ministry hold  negotiations with all three connected parties and resolve the issue. After Martis took over once again the tour and the players were in good shape before the tour.

Speaking to Daily FT, Head Coach, Sanath Martis said “We played well against Singapore and Taipei. Against Hong Kong we had all the chances but our out kicking in the Hong Kong game was far below standard and some of the decision making was also poor. They led by only a point by half time. We could have pulled it off. Now we have to wait for yet another year to have a go at it. I hope the Schools authority and the SLRFU will get together and identify a pool by early next year which will give the outfit ample time.