In their third and final game of their Asian Championships campaign, the Philippines turned over the pre-tournament favourites the Arabian Gulf, winning the game 21-10.

Their opponents, all expatriate boys from schools in the Middle East were physically far bigger but the Philippine team stood up to them in every department.

The scrums were solid and as in the previous two games Ryan Laughter and Jeremy Owen gained quality possession at lineouts. The plan of playing territorial rugby and using the tactical kicking of fly half Gareth Holgate was adhered to and into a slight wind the Philippines came in level at half time the only scores being a penalty by each team.

After the break the Philippines began to dominate with scrum half Jake Letts directing his backline and forward pack with maturity beyond his years. On six minutes Holgate slipped his tackler and darted over to touch down. Although the try went unconverted a Letts penalty two minutes later put the Philippines eight points up and they began to relax and play some attractive rugby. Midway through the second half Letts scored the Philippines second try which he converted himself.

The Gulf team was given a glimmer of hope when the Philippine team lost concentration and they managed to break through to score a try, which was converted. This raised the spirit of the Gulf team and a ten minute period of pressure had to be withstood. Most notable was an excellent lineout steal five metres out by Owen jumping at two. The resulting clearing kick by Holgate gained forty metres and the game was in the bag. Right on the final whistle Letts added another penalty and the final score was 21-10.

Worthy of special mention are the back row threesome of Juan Engelbrecht, Andrew Barbacetto and Michael Junk who despite being dwarfed by their opposing numbers tackled way above their weight and dominated the loose play throughout. Also the midfield pairing of Matthew Saunders and David Carmen were strong all game and posed a constant threat.