Japan come out firing on day one of AYG

Japan off the blocks against Thailand
17 August 2013

The first game of rugby sevens at the 2013 Asian Youth Games was fittingly won by the hosts. China started nearly unsure of themselves but Liu Xiaoqian’s efforts once in the first half and early in the second against Thailand were enough to seal her side’s win against the unlucky Thais were not able to capitalise on their chances.

In the second women’s game, Hong Kong struck first through Elenor Rose Ngan Kee against Japan to put the score up 5 -0 but once the Japanese settled into the game, they demonstrated why they are the force to be reckoned with these games. Japan replied in emphatic fashion with six tries - Noka Yumeno and Yamamoto Minori finding the line twice each. Fukushima Wasana hardly missed with her boot and Japan finished the game 38-5.



China’s second outing of the day was a far improved effort with some sterling runs from the pacey Chinese in the first half. Liu, Lng Chen and Li Tian ran in three tries with the half ending at 21-0. Kazakhstan upped their game in the second half and nearly put a late try in but conceded the game 28-0.

Japan carried their impressive form into the second game and dominated from the start. There was very little the Thais could do against the jinking runs and stellar passing of the Japanese. Tries from Ugawa Shiho, Bativakalolo Raichierumiyo, Yumeno, Wasama, Minori and Nihara Hibiki made it 43-0 to Japan.

Day two of the tournament continues tomorrow. Apart from Hong Kong and Kazahkstan who will play three games each, the rest of the teams have another two games to complete the pool stages.

Scores for Day 1 
China v Thailand 14 - 0
Japan v Hong Kong 38 - 5
China v Kazakhstan 28-0
Japan v Thailand 43-0

Day 2 Games
1040 Hong Kong v Thailand
1100 Japan v Kazakhstan
1540 China v Hong Kong
1600 Kazakhstan v Thailand
1820 Kazakhstan v Hong Kong
1840 China v Japan

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