Sri Lanka edged UAE 26-24 in the third match played late in the evening, to complete an unbeaten run through their three group matches on day one of the Asia Rugby Emirates U20 Sevens Tournament which kicked off in Bihar, India yesterday (9).

Sri Lanka, despite a wonky line-out, thumped hosts India 24-5 in their second game of the series in the afternoon.

Team India proved no match for the island nation as the latter outscored the former by four tries to one, to emerge as serious title contenders in the two-day event.

For the Lankans, Shenal Silva grabbed a brace, while Shaahid Zumri and Gimara Silva reeled in a try each, with two of them being converted by Rushen Bandaranayake.

Earlier Gayan Perera crossed for two tries, while Shenal Silva and Janith Marasinghe also chipped in with a try apiece, as Sri Lanka’s Junior Tuskers came from behind to secure a close 24-19 win over Hong Kong in their thrilling opening match in the morning.

Hong Kong led 19-12 into the second half, after which the Lankans scored a converted try to level the scores, and then went over for the decisive match-winner in the final minute of play. For the winners the conversions were kicked by Perera and Pasindu Bandara.

Sri Lanka also made history during the course of this match at the Asia Rugby Emirates U20 Sevens Tournament when they recorded the world’s first-ever seven-point try, under a groundbreaking new Sevens law trial proposed by UAE Rugby.

As per the new rule applied, direct seven points are awarded for all under-the-post tries in the ongoing tournament, which is due to conclude today (10).

The line-up of matches was revised midway through the day due to oppressive heat in Bihar by the tournament organisers.

The organisers stated that following advice received from the Tournament Medical Compliance Manager and with a view to minimising the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke for players, they had opted to reschedule the match itinerary.