Sri Lanka in runaway 55-14 win over Malaysian Barbarians

By Jason Perera

Sri Lanka national fifteen a side rugby team led by their inspirational captain Omalka Gunaratne and the head coaching of veteran New Zealand coach Matt Lee; scored a runaway 55 points ( 9 tries, 5 conversions) to 14 ( 2 tries, 2 conversions ) win over Malaysian Barbarians team in their first tour match just concluded in Malaysia. With this spectacular win Sri Lanka will now face the Malaysian national fifteen a side on Saturday the 4th of may in Malaysia.

Sri Lanka Tuskers led 41 points to 7 at half time.

From the start of the game Tuskers rallied around with their speedy three quarters led by their play maker cum fly half former St.Peters College Bambalapitiya rugby captain Sandesh Jayawickrema and came up with a spectacular display in the entire match to crush their hapless opponents in the end.

The clever thinking Jayawickrema was a source of inspiration to his entire team-mates with his spectacular runs down the ground along with his booming kicks to touch.

But the hero today was the Army Sports Club winger Sudaraka Dikkumbura who  capped a fine performance in today's match by scoring three brilliant tries which stunned the Malaysian opponents.

Sri Lanka teams' nine tries were scored by Sudaraka Dikkumbura (three), second row forward Sajith Saranga, skipper and number eight Omalka Gunaratne, winger Anuradha Herath, scrum half Mithun Hapugoda, co-winger Reeza Rafaideen and flanker Gihan Perera one apiece while Sandesh Jayawickrema (three) and Samuel Maduwantha (two) slotted in the conversions by doing the kicking duties.