Korea made the most of home advantage to once again deny Hong Kong in the final of the Asian Under 20 Championship, sealing a 19-11 victory in Buan on Monday to secure the region’s place at the IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy 2009 in Kenya.

The hosts were never behind in the match at the Buan Sports Park and took the lead in only the fourth minute with a penalty from full back Hee Chan Yang, although within minutes this was cancelled out by a kick from Hong Kong scrum half Adam Rolston.

Korea wing Sun Min Moon scored the game’s opening try in the 15th minute, but another Rolston penalty meant the host nation and top seeds went in leading only 8-6 at half-time.

A penalty from Hee Chan Yang stretched Korea’s advantage, but as the game ticked towards the hour mark the scores were tied at 11-11 after centre Max Woodward crossed for Hong Kong.

It was Korea though that came through to claim victory with Hee Chan Yang kicking another penalty before Jung Pil Yang scored a late try to ease any nerves that may have been developing.

Korea, who finished sixth in the inaugural IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy in Chile earlier this year, will travel to Kenya next April along with USA, Cayman Islands, Papua New Guinea, Namibia, Romania and the South American qualifier.

Sri Lanka survive a scare

While Korea took the title again, Sri Lanka had to once more settle for third place after bouncing back from the disappointment of losing their semi final to Hong Kong 21-20 to beat Thailand 35-33 in another entertaining match.

The third place playoff saw nine tries and the lead change hands three times in the second half before the size of the Sri Lankan pack took its toll on the lighter but well-drilled Thai team who had impressed throughout the tournament.

Harsha Weerakkpdy, Gayan Ratnage and Poornaka Delpachtira scored tries for Sri Lanka, but a brace from Nasaporn Srisakorn and two Klin Liksanasompong penalties put fifth seeds Thailand ahead 18-17 at half time.

Kan Disatharn stretched that advantage with an early try after the break before Sri Lanka recovered to lead 24-23 after Sajith Saranga’s try, although that lasted only two minutes before Sippavich Teekathananont edged Thailand in front once more.

Singapore end on winning note

Niroshan Fernando’s drop goal, Saranga’s second try of the half and Delpachtira’s penalty shifted the match back in Sri Lanka’s favour, but Thailand made for a nervous finish when Teekathananont scored and then converted his own try.

In the day’s other game, Singapore scored three tries in the last 10 minutes to turn a slender two-point advantage into a more comfortable looking 46-25 defeat of Malaysia in the seventh place playoff.

Singapore’s outside centre Noah Pflaum was the standout performer in the match, scoring four tries for a personal haul of 31 points in the victory with Ronald Lim, Ryan Choo and Samuel Lau also crossing the try line.

Malaysia themselves scored four tries through Muhd Rozan, Mohd Mohd Noor, Mohd Alref Mohd Noor and Mohamad Haris Abduccah with Wan Zukiflee converting one and also kicking another penalty.

Guam triumph in Division 2

Meanwhile in Manila, the Philippines and Guam have played a two-game series after the withdrawal of other teams in Division 2 of the Asian Under 20 Championship.

The Philippines made the most of home advantage to edge the first encounter 18-17, but Guam went away and did their homework, coming back on Saturday better prepared and were rewarded with a hard fought 24-19 victory.

Part of this homework was to work with Greg Davey, the IRB Educator of Match Officials, to understand the laws of the Game, particularly at tackle and ruck time which paid dividends as Guam kept their discipline in the rematch. 

The subsequent reduction of penalties they gave away, and with the Philippines missing their inspirational fly half and point scorer Rupert Zappia after he fractured a foot in the victory, means that Guam secure the series on point differential.