May 14, 2007	Monday	Rabi-us-Sani 26, 1428

LAHORE, May 13: Thailand proved too strong for Pakistan as they inflicted a heavy 44-0 defeat in the first ever international rugby Test played in Pakistan at Defence Stadium on Saturday evening.

The visitors led the first half 24-0, in a 15-a-side match of 80 minutes duration.

Thailand scored the first

try from a dummy thrown

by their speedy scrum half Supanuthchai, which was also converted.

Then their fly half Thanawatr burst through a line out in the Pakistan half to make it 12-0.

Pakistan got their first scoring opportunity when prop Khurram had the ball three yards from the Thai try line but a handling error gave them a chance for a breakaway try in the opposite corner.

One more try was scored by the Thai team in the first half to make the half time score 24-0.

The second half was a much closer contest with Pakistan keeping possession in the first 10 minutes. But they could not convert possession into points and Thailand showed great confidence under pressure and good counter attacking rugby to score the first two tries in the second half.

Thanawatr kicked brilliantly throghout and scored two penalties including an amazing 50 yard kick right from the half-line.

Dilroy Fernando from Sri Lanka was the IRB International referee for the match, which was watched by a good number of spectators.

Pakistan will play the second Test of the tri-angular series against Taiwan at neutral venue Thailand on May 16.