Sri Lanka Tuskers delivered a much improved performance but could not prevent a determined New Zealand Under 85kg side from claiming a 27 to 16 win in the first match of their two game series at Racecourse Stadium.
The visitors opened the scoring early after winning a penalty at the breakdown. Taine Cordell Hull calmly converted to give New Zealand a 3 point lead. Sri Lanka responded with confidence, using a strong scrum platform to build pressure. Scrum half Harsha Maduranga linked well with Mursheed Zubair, whose clever inside pass set up Akash Madushanka to crash through defenders for the opening try, putting the hosts ahead 5 to 3.
New Zealand quickly struck back when a clearance attempt from Maduranga was charged down. The loose ball fell kindly for Simon Sia, who crossed over to restore the lead at 8 to 5.
Sri Lanka’s forwards continued to impress, driving forward with power before spreading the ball wide to Janindu Dilshan, who finished neatly in the corner. However, his yellow card moments later shifted the momentum. New Zealand took full advantage, executing a rolling maul that allowed Pasia Asiata to score and move ahead once again.
Just before halftime, Cordell Hull added another penalty, while Thenuka Nanayakkara responded with one of his own to keep Sri Lanka within touching distance. The score at the break stood at 16 to 13 in favour of the visitors.
The second half saw New Zealand extend their lead through another successful penalty from Cordell Hull. Sri Lanka continued to fight, and Nanayakkara reduced the gap to 19 to 16 after a high tackle resulted in a yellow card for Asiata.
As the match entered its final stages, Jarred Percival slotted a crucial penalty to give New Zealand breathing space. The decisive moment came late in the game when quick thinking from Ben Kelt caught Sri Lanka off guard. A sharp attacking move ended with Matt Treeby crossing in the corner, sealing the result.
Despite the loss, Sri Lanka showed resilience and promise ahead of the second leg in Kandy.
