The Hindu : Sport / Generalia : Kazakhstan overcomes India

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Monday, Jun 06, 2005

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Sport - Generalia

Kazakhstan overcomes India

Special Correspondent

MUMBAI: Banking on physique and rival's errors, Kazakhstan overcame an aggressive India 36-22 (14-17) to win the World Cup Rugby 2007 Qualifier at the Bombay Gymkhana on Sunday. The next home game is against Malaysia next week at the same venue.

Inspired by fly half Emil Vartazarian, India — captained by Nasser Hussain — led for 60 minutes. The Chennai-based Armenian scored the first try for the home team in the seventh minute, Ganesh Sawant powered his way over the line in the 15th minute for second try, Vartazarian making the conversion.

Kazakhstan drew level after tries by Anton Rudov and Evgeny Sazonov. The Orange-sponsored home team hit back in the 38th minute, Vartazarian converting from inside the half-line for a 17-14 lead at half-time.

Ajay Sabharwal went over the line, after a searing run down the right. India's Francis Brown was dazed after a clash and messed up a collection, presenting the visitors with a simple try. From then on, the tide turn in Kazakhstan's favour.

"We lost concentration in the last ten minutes, costing us two tries, and that is what Test rugby is all about. The fight has to go on till the end," said Indian coach Willie Hetaraka.

Finals score: Kazakhstan 36 (Evgeny Sazono, 2 tries, 2 conversions, Anton Rudov, Evgeny Antonov, Evgeny Vorobov, Dimitry Picholin 1 try each, Picholin 1 conversion) bt India 22 (Emil Vartazarian, Ganesh Sawant, Ajay Sabharwal 1 try each; Vartazarian 2 conversions, 1 penalty).

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