On the bright side, however, India scored its first genuine try through Henrik Terchonian in the second half when he intercepted a pass down the Chinese centre and scored five points between the posts. Erik Vartazarian had a five kicking game by connecting that try (2 points), and scoring off two penalties. The Chinese game was predictable. Hard and penetrating through the centre. Just in case you think the Chinese would be a small statured team, here are the facts. The team must have averaged six feet inheight and 90 kilos in weight. They have the same big boys in nothern China. The game was played in good, combative spirit. As usual, we gave away too many points in the first fifteen minutes.

The next day saw three matches concluding the tournament. Korea took the Pool A runners-up title defeating Taiwan, or Chinese Tapei as they call themselves, 18-21. Singapore won the Pool B plate downing Sri Lanka 25-13 in fiercely contested game that the hosts won, I believe, through superior organisation and a greater degree of professional play. The last game was the marquee match-up. Japan versus Hong Kong. The two teams were playing for a place in the 1999 World Cup to be hosted by Wales. Japan overwhelmed their opponents 47-7 in a contest that saw the Japanese perform like precise robots in fast motion, especially their wingers.

In conclusion, this has been a fabulous tournament, wonderfully staged by the Singapore Rugby Union (SRU). Peter Randall and his team need to be congratulated on a fabulous display oforganisation and hospitality.

Closing night yesterday saw a huge party hosted by the SRU at the National Stadium for all the teams. In time-honoured rugby tradition, camaraderie broke out through all the teams, beer and wine flowed and oceans of varied cuisine were consumed. Needless to add, the party continued at other night spots on the town.

On a more sober note this tournament has really put into perspective what needs to be done for Indian rugby if we are to become Asia beaters. Singapore, for example, has poured in a million dollars, hired world class coaches and trained without a break for a year to get where they have in this tournament. China has spent half a million dollars this year, recruiting genetically endowed Chinese boys from regions where body structures are big and strong and train under a foreign coach. This is their first year of any kind of rugby. So the methodologies and strategies to lift this sport right there in front of us. It is now time for the Indian Rugby Football Union(IRFU) to strike. And I know they will.