The Lankan Lions roared and roared twice at the Sugathadasa Stadium yesterday. When the whistle blew in the match between South Korea and Sri Lanka, even the most ardent of Sri Lankan supporters would not have expected the end result. But showing maturity and confidence, the relative David beat the Korean Goliath by 22 points (two goals and two tries) to 12 (one goal and one try) in the Carlton International Rugby Sevens Tournament.

Lankan player Dhanushka Chaturanga is held by two Korean defenders while Skipper Chamara Vithanage looks on. Picture by Ranjith Perera.

Sri Lanka thus topped Group D and will now face Kazakhstan in one of the Cup Quarter Finals at 9.10.a.m. The hosts started the match in style when Samantha Lakshan chased down his own kick to touch down for an unconverted try. Normal service appeared to be resumed when Korea hit back with Chi Insoo scoring after a run from near his own touch line. One of the few veterans in the Sri Lankan team in Radhika Hettiarachchi bulldozed his way and Lakshan converted to give the Lankans a five point lead at the short whistle.

The Lankans never looked back. Lakshan scored again and Chula Susantha touched down to give Sri Lanka a well earned triumph and possibly hope that they could just possibly make the final in the Cup Tournament today.

Earlier in the day Sri Lanka showed they were not there just to make up the numbers when they hammered hapless Pakistan by 52 points (6 Goals and 2 tries) to nil. Ably led by Chamara Vithanage comprising of Hettiarachchi, Ashen Karthelis, Suranga Pushpakumara, Lakshan Danushka Chathuranga Chula Susantha, Dilip Selvam, Saliya Handapangoda, Nuwan Hettiarachchi, Dharshana Ettipola and Roshan Weeraratne to a man gave it their all. Drilled by Inthisham Marikkar the Lankans could give even pre tournament favourites Japan a run for their money if they hosts can play as well they did today.
Incidentally Japan will face wounded Korea in another Cup quarter final today. The other two quarter finals will see China face Chinese Taipei and vastly improved Malaysia take on Thailand. Meanwhile in the schools section Royal will play St. Anthony’s Kandy in one cup semi final while St. Peter’s will take Isipatana in the other semi final.

The best match in the International draw saw the Fiji Barbarians take on the South African Vipers. The Africans despite having International Rugby Board (IRB) sevens player of the year Ranfred Dazel could do nothing to the Fijians and in particular William Ryder who is having an outstanding tournament up to now.
Action resumes today at 8.30am