SRI LANKA HEARTBROKEN AFTER LATE HONG KONG TRY

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Photo by The Papare

The Hong Kong China rugby team broke Sri Lankan hearts with an 80th minute try to escape with a dramatic 15-14 victory in the Asia Rugby Championship at the Racecourse Ground in Colombo on Sunday.

For a moment, history was within Sri Lanka’s reach. The home side were only seconds away from recording their first ever victory over Hong Kong in the championship. But the defending champions showed incredible composure when it mattered most.

The opening half was tense and physical. Sri Lanka defended bravely and frustrated Hong Kong throughout the half. The visitors could only manage a narrow 3-0 lead at halftime after Dylan McCann kicked a penalty.

The match came alive after the break.

Five minutes into the second half, Glenn Hui scored Hong Kong’s first try. McCann added the conversion to extend the lead to 10-0.

Sri Lanka responded immediately. Just three minutes later, Viduna Amanath crossed the line to ignite the home crowd. Gamunu Chethiya converted brilliantly to cut the deficit.

The atmosphere exploded in the 62nd minute when Naveen Marasinghe scored another try for Sri Lanka. Chethiya calmly added the conversion as Sri Lanka moved into a stunning 14-10 lead.

With time running out, Hong Kong increased the pressure. The visitors attacked relentlessly as Sri Lanka defended with everything they had.

Photo by The Papare

Then came the heartbreaking moment.

In the 80th minute, Hong Kong captain Dean Squire delivered a superb cross-kick to the far left corner. Hooker Ng Siu Lung collected it and dived over for the winning try.

Sri Lanka may have lost, but their performance inspired many across Asia. Since returning to the top division last year, they have improved tremendously and are quickly becoming one of Asia’s rising rugby powers.

Real Rugby Fans follow THE MATCH

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