YOUTH RUGBY ASIAD Second half rally sees Malaysia through

A gallant second half rally enabled Malaysia to safeguard their slot in the Division II segment of the Youth Rugby Asiad when they defeated Singapore by 18points -13 points in the third place playoff played at the Havelock Park yesterday.

The star for the winners was fullback Hafeez Ahamed who contributed 13 points with a try, a conversion and two penalties to cut down a 10 point deficit after they had trailed in the first half. With a breakdown of two tries, a conversion and two penalties Malaysia secured their in the segment while Singapore who led the half time by 13- 3 will be pushed down to the Division III segment in 2013.

Singapore was highly active during the first half as they completely outplayed their regional neighbours to gain a commanding 10-point advantage after enjoying the lead at half time.

Singapore’s two tries came from scrum half Abdul Raheem and centre Cheng Yea Taig while Naresh Kunasegar- an who had a bad day with the kicks was able to put over only a penalty.

Malaysia was far behind from their opponents and was able to steal three points off a penalty from Ahamed in the first half. But after the resumption the Malaysians were aggressive and forceful in their attack and defense.

They counterattacked each of Singapore’s attacking moves while denying them a single point during the second half. After Ahamed’s try centre Jabbari Afandi crossed the line to help Malaysia gain charge while the match winner went on to add more points from his boots with a conversion and the second penalty of the game. Malaysia defended their territory during the final quarter of the game to seal the win as referee Aruna Rankothge blew the final whistle.