The Philippine national rugby team scored a convincing victory over the visiting Guam side on Wednesday afternoon.

Victorious Volcanoes down Guam 39 - 03

Playing in front of a sizeable crowd at the Nomad Sports Club, the home side controlled the game throughout the first half with inside pairing of Gareth Holgate and Michael Letts marshalling the backline and each bagging a try. The first came after a sustained period of pressure and twelve phases of play. The quick recycling of ruck ball by the Philippine side was superb all afternoon. Both tries were converted by Sydney based Filipino Ron Pena. As expected the Guam team proved to be formidable opponents in the tight and only determined defense by the visitors restricted the score to 14-0 at the break.

Second Half

In the second half the Philippines played a more expansive game which saw numerous sorties towards the Guam line. Early in the half there was an exchange of successful penalties and then the Philippines let loose. First to touch down was flying wing Noel Flowers of the Cebu Dragons club after scrum half Jake Letts had made a crafty blindside break. Soon after substitute lock Justin Puiu of the Makati Chiefs in the penultimate game of a glittering rugby career took the ball cleanly at the tail of the lineout and galloped into the heart of the Guam defense. Drawing two tacklers he cleverly offloaded to supporting flanker Andrew Barbacetto who was tackled metres short of the line. The resulting pick up by Harry Morris saw him crash over for the Philippine fourth try.

The game was now out of reach for Guam but they did not lie down and this typifies the resilience of their players. With minutes to go hard running Philippine captain Romain Barberis scored in the corner. This try was excellently converted by Pena. By this time coach Matt Cullen had been able to give his entire bench a run and there was still time for a little piece of history to be made. Substitute wing Jasper Ching of the Maritime Academy of Asia Pacific became the first player to have learnt his rugby in the Philippines to score an international try, with his first touch of the ball!

The final score stood at 39-3.

Special mention must go to front row players Austin Dacanay, Michael Duhig, Josh Suttcliffe, Phil Pratte and Oliver Otterbeck who neutralized the huge Guam front row and managed to take several scrums against the head.

Coach Matt Cullen said after the game “An excellent first up performance for a new look Philippine team with an average age of 24. We will be a force to reckon with over the next few years. I predict Division 3 rugby for the Philippines in the next three years”.

Team Manager Phil Gittus praised the entire training squad comprising locally based players and imports from Wales, Australia and the USA. “They have gelled fantastically and the spirit throughout not only the playing team but the entire rugby community is superb. We know India will be well drilled and tough opponents but we approach Sunday’s game with confidence”.

Next up on July 1 the Philippines entertain India who also defeated Guam last weekend in Mumbai.

Scorers

For Philippines:

Tries: Michael Letts, Gareth Holgate, Noel Flowers, Harry Morris, Romain Barberis, Jasper Ching
Cons:  Ron Pena x 3
Pens:  Ron Pena

For Guam:

Pens:  Chris Sgro

Referee:

Matthew Oakley