Malaysia Strengthens Grip At Top Of 2017 ARC Chart

IPOH (Perak, Malaysia), May 18 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian team secured its position at top of the Division 1 Asian Rugby Championship (ARC) chart after trouncing the Philippines 40-8 at the second match here Wednesday. Despite not having the services of its three main players due to serious injuries, the squad under coach Lee Yuk Fah did not allow the Philippines to grab their first win at the championship. The national team’s excellent performance could be seen early in the game when the squad, headed by Syahir Asraf Rosli succeeded in making four tries and one conversion in the first half to win 20-3. Although the Philippines tried to catch up in the second half, its every attack was thwarted by the Malaysian defenders. Due to the national team’s high spirit and discipline, Malaysia was able to make six tries and two conversions and a penalty to get 40 points. Lee, when met by reporters, regarded the match as redeeming last year’s loss in Kuala Lumpur. “We want a win and this win is to redeem the loss last year at the same championship. To me, every match is like a final match. “As such, I want every player to always be focused to win every match,” he said. Earlier, Sri Lanka beat United Arab Emirates (UAE) 33-17 from four tries, two conversions and three penalties. At the third match on Saturday, Malaysia, who is also defending champions, would meet Sri Lanka while UAE would face off against the Philippines. -- BERNAMA