Madagascar shocks Lanka with last minute try

IRB Dialog Serendib Cup Tri-nation rugby

Madagascar shocks Lanka with last minute try

Chris Dhambarage

Madagascar scored a last minute try to snatch an upset 17 points to 12 points victory over Sri Lanka in their IRB Dialog Serendib Cup Triangular International rugby tournament opening match worked off at the Race Course ground, Reid Avenue yesterday.

The African nation which is ranked number 44 in the IRB Rankings put up a tremendous performance to turn the game in their favour while collecting their points from one goal and two unconverted tries.

Sri Lanka of course struggled from the kick off as they performed much below their expectations and rallied around through the boot of full back Riza Mubarak who did all the scoring by converting four superb penalties.

In fact Sri Lanka went into half time while enjoying a slender lead of 9-5 with Mubarak firing across three splendid penalties one from 45 metres out that really proved his class and potential as a reliable place kicker.

Madagascar had the credit of scoring the only try in the first half which turned out to be a crucial factor as the visitors kept their hopes alive despite having to share most of the possession in the line outs and set pieces.

Scrum half Alain Rakutorini successfully managed to penetrate the Sri Lankan defence with a good move on the blind side after they had forced a five metre scrum almost under the post.

Madagascar further boosted their chances of pulling off an upset victory when their full back Bernard Razafindranaivo sliced trough the Sri Lankan defence to fall over near the corner flag virtually unchallenged.           

However Mubarak gave Sri Lanka some hope of pulling off the game while converting his fourth penalty of the match in the second half after Madagascar were penalized for an off side.

Sri Lanka of course missed out the opportunity of further extending their lead mid way in the second half when Mubarak fumbled with an easy penalty almost from under the post.

In contrast Madagascar played to their strength and really exploited the Sri Lankan back division with a series of sweeping three quarter moves with scrum half Alain Rakutorini falling over for their third and decisive try which put them well in front of the home side.

Madagascar will confront Poland in the second match of the tournament on Tuesday at the same venue commencing at 5.30 p. m and Sri Lanka will take on Poland in the deciding match of the tournament on Friday with the kick off at 7.30 p. m.