India thrash China 94-0

The last-minute decision of the security officials to ensure that only those who were issued passes would get entry to watch the Asian-5-Nation rugby robbed the Indian team of a chance to play in front of a packed house,but that didnt dampen the spirits of the home side on Wednesday.

The last-minute decision of the security officials to ensure that only those who were issued passes would get entry to watch the Asian-5-Nation rugby robbed the Indian team of a chance to play in front of a packed house,but that didnt dampen the spirits of the home side on Wednesday. China were stunned when a confident and spirited Indian side outclassed them 94-0 in the opening tie at the Delhi University Grounds.

India now play Philippines on Saturday and if they win that game the hosts will be promoted to Division I for the very first time. Philippines beat Thailand 55-33 in the second match of the day.

India earned two penalties in the first five minutes and Rohan Sethna scored to give India an early advantage. India never allowed China to get back into the game. In all 10 players successfully scored tries,while Sethna,the penalty specialist,was at his best.

It was a complete team effort with Kayrus Unwala,Gautam Dagar,Rohaan Sethna,Parvinder Singh,Pritom Roy,Sandeep Singh,Puneet Krishnamoorthy,Dalwinder Singh,Thimmalay Madanda,Kamaldeep Dagar all scoring tries.

The Chinese team although bigger than the Indian team lacked in fitness and could not cope with the Delhi summer and the humidity,though the game was played from 5.30 pm onwards. Chinese players were constantly seen cramping up. India skipper Nasser Hussain was thrilled by his teams performance. We played a fantastic game and stuck to our strategy. Everyone played a team game and we were well prepared, he said.

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