It was a big yawn at Longden Place yesterday as the Sri Lanka President’s XV led by Dushanth Lewke downed the touring Asian Dragons 32-5 at rugby. One expected a better fight by the Asian Dragons who consisted of Iranians, Indians, Malaysians, Thais and even three Sri Lankans. The President’s side scored five tries and a goal to that of a solitary try by the Dragons.

The game was a practice stint for the Sri Lanka team who are scheduled to take part in the HSBC Asian Five Nation Division One Rugby Tournament in Chinese Taipei from November12 to 15. Except for a few flashes of brilliance by the President’s XV the game hardly got off the ground and the opposition offered by the Dragons could hardly raise a spark!

Dushanth Lewke scored the first try when he barged over in the fourth minute. Ashan De Costra unleashed a jinxing run after a 30 metre run to score next. The Dragons scored next when Nick Hurrell touched down to make it 5-10.

Ashan De Costa scored next and Reza Mubarak converted to give the Sri Lankans a 17-5 lead at the breather.

Sri Lanka struggled for 19 minutes after the turn around and Chula Susantha broke the try drought with a natty try far left. Lasintha De Costa scored next and Sri Lanka enjoyed a 27-3 lead. In the dying moments Chula Susantha scored again to make the final tally 32-5 in favour of the President’s XV.
Referee: T.A. Jamaldeen

President of the SLRFU Nimal Lewke was the chief guest.