News

Asian five Nations starts with a draw

Wednesday 12th November 2008

Singapore and Sri Lanka have drawn the opening match of the 2008 Asian Five Nations Division One 20-20 in Chinese Taipei's Tainan rugby Stadium.

The match was given a thrilling finale, with Singapore scoring a try in the final minute and landing the conversion to snatch the result.

The teams played contrasting rugby, with Singapore far stronger up front and Sri Lanka's backs lighter of foot than their counterparts.

Sri Lanka winger Riza Mubarak and Singapore fly half John Forrester both landed first-half penalties, but it was the Sri Lankans who made the breakthrough just before the half-time whistle.

Singapore lock Steve Horsfall was sent to the bin for hands in the ruck by Arabian Gulf Rugby Football Union referee Scott Herbert, creating a crucial bit of daylight in Singapore's forward defence.

Sri Lankan fly-half Ashan De Costa's scything run cut back against Singapore's defensive line and resulted in the game's first try on the stroke of the 40th minute. The try was successfully converted by Mubarak to bring the half-time score to 10-3 Sri Lanka.

ESPN Asia rugby commentator Ben Wheeler led Singapore's rampage back into the game, and a strong run from the base of a scrum was finished off by his captain, lock chris Gilbert. Forrester levelled the scores at 10-10.

With ten minutes to go, Sri Lanka regained the lead through a beautiful flowing move that saw hooker Achala Perera pop into the backline for a perfectly timed crash ball before dishing to centre Lasintha De Costa who then offloaded to flying winger Chula Susantha for the score.

Sri Lankan substitute Saliya Kumara brought the score to 20 - 10 with the conversion and a penalty four minutes later, but Forrester pulled it back to 20-13 with four minutes to go.

Singapore called for the scrum from a penalty in the final minute, with Wheeler taking the pick up but being stopped just short of the line. Quick recycled ball ended up in the hands of full-back Gareth Pritchard who dove over the line for the crucial try, with Forrester converting to level the scores.

The exciting finish delighted the 500-strong crowd but must have left the Chinese Taipei XV, who were watching from the stands, knowing that they will have their work cut out against both teams, with one match on Thursday (against Sri Lanka) and one on Saturday (against Singapore).

The winners of the tournament progress to the Asian Five Nations competition which starts next April, and doubles up as a World Cup qualifying tournament.