Philippines prove too strong for Tuskers

In a compelling match, the Philippines ran out eventual winners 39-22 against Sri Lankan in their Asia Rugby Championship Division One semi-final fixture worked off at the Taipei Municipal Stadium in Chinese Taipei yesterday.

Rob Fogerty opened the scoring inside the first minute for the defending Division One champions, breaking through the defence after just 44 seconds.

Sri Lanka hit back with a penalty from Samuel Maduwantha before 20 minutes of end-to-end rugby was followed by a penalty from Daniel Matthews for the Philippines.

Hooker Prasath Madushanka used his own power and forced his way over the try line for Sri Lanka’s first try of the match with the conversion from Thilina Wijesinghe taking them into a 10-8 lead.

But quick thinking from scrum half Tim Berry saw him dart over the line on the stroke of half time with Matthews’ conversion leaving the score at 15-10 at the break.

The Philippines started the second half as they did the first, playing a number of phases before Fogerty burst through to add his second try of the match. 

Matthews added the extras for a 22-10 lead.

Ned Stephenson and Justin Coveney added two further tries as the side ranked 53rd in the world ran into a 39-10 lead against Sri Lanka ranked 43rd.

There was still time for another two tries for Sri Lanka, Umesha Biyanwilage bundling over before Captain Omalka Gunaratne scored with the last play of the match but the victory was already confirmed for the Philippines. (Agencies)