Phuket International Rugby 11s a roaring success
The weekend of June 7-9 saw the hugely successful return of the Amora Hotels & Resorts Phuket International Dimbulla Rugby 11s to the Alan Cooke Ground (ACG) in Thalang.
Teams and supporters from Australia, China, Dubai, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Malaysia, Reunion Island, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, the UK and the United States all descended on the island for an unforgettable weekend of 11s rugby and general fun.
Weather conditions obliged as the traditional Athena Siam Coffin Dodgers Over 35s and the Whitesmith One Foot in the Grave Over 45s kicked off the weekend’s proceedings on the Friday (June 7).
With plenty of experience on show there was no lack of skill and technique as the group games progressed and it was evident early on that Barrelhouse Rugby Club from Dubai had come with purpose in the over 35s division as they progressed to the Cup final where they defeated Pronto Rugby from the UK 12-0.
The Phuket Viagrabonds won the Bowl final after proving to be too good for the HK Bulls, while BROB Parametric Peregrine endured a tough fight against a tenacious Chiang Mai Cobras team before emerging victorious 10-0 to claim the Plate title.
In the Whitesmith’s over 45s a strong Taipei Silverbacks side battled through to face an equally determined opponent in the KL Tigers in the Cup final, where the former ultimately triumped by a score of 14-0.
Meanwhile, the San Miguel Wanderers Wrinklies dominated the HKFC Contemptables to take home the Bowl while the Pally Pigs were made to work hard against a strong Japanese Asia Dragons side before ultimately claiming the Plate thanks to a 7-0 win.
SPORTING GESTURE
Saturday (June 8) saw the women’s teams kick the action off, with debutants Kafrine Lakour from Reunion Island advancing to the Plate final against new invitational side the SEA Barbarians, a game which was drawn 5-5 at full-time with both teams deciding to share the title. However, in a fine sporting gesture, the SEA Barbarians gave the trophy to Kafrine as they had travelled so far to join the tournament.
The Bangers Belles won all their group games and were favourites going into the Cup final against the Sandy Bay Phoonanis, whom they had beaten in the group games by the narrowest of margins, 7-5. In a tight affair both teams probed for an opening but solid defense kept the score at 0-0. With extra time looming, the Phoonanis worked the ball wide and a two-on-one overlap saw them score to be crowned the Aussie Bar Lady’s Open Champions by a score of 5-0.
The much-anticipated men’s open tournament with 12 teams was too close to call with a series of pulsating group games wowing the large number of spectators present.
Defending champions Bank Maumalat Bullets were looking strong, winning all their group games, before dispatching The Groote Eylandt Mudchooks and the Chiang Mai Cobras in the quarterand semi-finals respectively.
The Bullets faced off against fellow Malaysian side South Klang Dragon Rugby Club in the Cup final, after the latter had powered past Pronto Rugby of the UK and the
Raw Dogs from the United States, among others.
PLUCKY
The Cup final was full of end-to-end action with last ditch tackles and missed opportunities as fast, skillful players gave it their all. Amazingly the game finished 0-0, leading to extra time where a ‘golden point’ would be decisive.
By the half-time stage of extra time there was still nothing separating the two outstanding teams. However, as the clock ticked down, a mistake at the breakdown by South Klang gave the Bullets the opportunity to finish the game, which they duely did as the penalty was dispatched for a 3-0 win. A breathtaking final that will take some beating in the years to come.
Meanwhile, the Shield final was an equally engaging affair, with the Swamp Dogs from Australia taking down Hyde Street Gulls from New Zealand by a score of 15-10.
The Bowl final was another cracker with the Bangkok Southerners edging out local side the Phuket Vagabonds 7-5, while Pronto Rugby won the Plate final against a plucky Chiang Mai Cobras 12-0.
Special mention to all teams that made such an entertaining weekend of action possible, including SCAA Causeway Baywatch from Hong Kong and the Ningbo Rhinos from China, who were on their first ever international tour.
Once the action concluded the awards were presented by Amora Hotels & Resorts Group Director Narej Farik along with Rugby 11s CEO Dilip Kumar and Whitesmiths’ John O’Brian, while Koji Tokumasu of Japan Rugby fame was on hand to present the Women’s Champions trophy.
The Asia Center Foundation was present all weekend raising funds for the scholarship program and their emotional afternoon show to thank sponsors and supporters brought a tear to many people’s eye. To learn more about the foundation contact Roelien Muller at roemuthai@ gmail.com.
Next up for 11s Rugby is the Amora Hotels & Resorts Da Nang International Rugby 11s (Aug 31 – Sept 1); Colombo International Rugby 11s (Oct 26-27); and the Amora Hotels & Resorts Chiang Mai International Rugby 11s (Nov 23-24). Dates for next year’s Phuket 11s tournament will be released shortly, organisers stated.