Asian U19s hat-trick fires Hong Kong juniors into 2016 World U20s Trophy

Hong Kong’s junior 15s squad capped winning a third straight Asian U19s title with a nine-try 61-10 romp over hosts Singapore on Saturday.

Another perfect run in the week-long Asia Rugby U19 Championship – including a 78-12 hammering of Taiwan and victory over Sri Lanka 24-13 – secured Hong Kong’s place as the regional representative at next year’s World Rugby U20 Trophy in Zimbabwe.

The home side defended bravely in the early going at Yio Chu Kang Stadium, restricting the visitors to a 7-0 lead in the first quarter with Matt Worley running in from 40 metres to score the opening try.

Fly-half Hugo Stiles slotted it over from out wide as he quickly found his rhythm, ending the day on 16 points from eight of nine conversions to top the tournament statistics with 50 points from 21 two-pointers, a penalty and a try.

He missed only two conversion attempts and one penalty over the three matches.

With the flood-gates opened Hong Kong ran in three quick tries, including two from number eight Cris Calanza, to go into half-time 28-3 ahead.

Hong Kong’s forwards, who had been a huge factor in the first two victories, were once again outstanding in support and Cris Calanza’s first-half brace was the result of an impressive team effort.