The Sri Lanka rugby team led by Vishenka Silva ended the Asia Rugby Emirates Under-18 Sevens tournament clinching bronze having seen off Malaysia 17-14 in an exciting playoff match at Johor Bahru in Malaysia on Sunday (29).

For the Lankans Muhammad Fawaz of Wesley collected a brace and Isipathana star Nimantha Sandeep also crossed over, while one of the tries was converted with Malaysia responding with two converted tries in a game, where the former had two players sent to the sin-bin.

But, the young Tuskers had managed to hold on grimly to secure third place, with this being their best showing in a regional Sevens tournament in eight years. 

The expatriate-laden UAE won gold by hammering Hong Kong 43-0 in the Cup final as the latter settled for the silver.    

The Sri Lanka youth side who received a bye on account of Brunei opting out of the event fared well in their group encounters to down Thailand (27/0), Taipei (29/12), and force a 17-all draw against much fancied Hong Kong.

The Sri Lanka Under-18 team was coached by Rajiv Perera, while Anil Jayasinghe was the Coach Match Official (CMO) for this tournament, with Gihan Yatawara and Aruna Shantha officiating as referees. 

(JK)