Last minute try gives Philippines a thrilling 26-25 win over Sri Lanka

by Ranjan Anandappa

Sri Lanka had to bow out in a most unusual manner from the Asian Five Nations Rugby Tournament when they handed over victory to Philippines in their final game on a platter by 25 points (two goals, one try, two penalties) to 26 (three goals, one try) at the Race Course, Colombo yesterday.

Sri Lanka were leading 25-19 minutes before the final whistle. But Oliver Saunders changed the complexion of the game with a try and a conversions were missed at the first attempt by Harry Morris. The referee awarded a second kick as Sri Lankan player's charged while a kick was on and this time Morris was on target to give Philippines a thrilling win.

Sri Lanka sprang into the lead almost with the kick off when a Philippine player was penalised and Nuwan Hettiarachchi put over the kick.

In the 18th minute, Sri Lanka was awarded another penalty from the identical spot. Hettiarachichi missed the kick. The Philippines were trying to find their fluency. Finally Matthew Saunders, who had a fine game, gave them the break what they needed.

David Senne dummying inself touched down. Prior to that Sri Lanka struck twice through good moves when flyhalf Fazil Marija crashed through the Philippines' defence to touch under the post.

Hettiarachchi put the icing on the cake. Sri Lanka were playing well with possession and Danushka Ranjan broke off midway sprinted and scored.

In the first half, the Philippines barely posed a major threat to the Lankans. But everytime they invaded the Sri Lanka '22'. They came out with points. Philippines led 19-17 at half time.

Sri Lanka took the lead once again early in the second half when Joseph Dunn, the Fijian, who was cleared to play for Sri Lanka, made a clearance and a Philippine player missed the ball and good follow up by skipper Namal Rajapaksa, who picked up the ball and scored an unconverted try.

During the mid-second half, Sri Lanka were given some anxious moments in their '25'. When Hong Kong were awarded at least four penalties, which they preferred to kick for touch but the Sri Lankan forwards soaked up the pressure to be in the contest till Oliver Saunders planted the match winning try, which Harry Morris gave them the extra point to end an exciting game of rugby.