The Philippines fought valliantly in their second international of the week against the visiting Indian team but ultimately they were out thought in the second half of the game played at the Nomad Sports Club in Manila.

The home side came out all guns blazing and dominated all facets of play in the opening fifteen minutes, a period which saw Ron Pena land a successful penalty kick. Seemingly unfazed by playing the vastly more internationally experienced Indian team the Philippines fronted up to their opposite numbers in the forwards and secured quality ball for scrum half Jake Letts. The three quarter line were also looking confident and the majority of play was in the Indian half of the field. Early in the game a break down the right wing by Michael Duhig the Philippine hooker who possesses a deceptive turn of pace had the home fans applauding and his clever chip ahead was scrambled into touch metres from the line by the fullback.

The Philippines had been forced to make a last minute change to the starting lineup with incumbent tight head prop Josh Sutcliffe failing to recover fully from a fever. His place was taken by Oliver Otterbeck who stood up to the challenge having a storming first half including a 50 metre carry in open play. The whole front row of Otterbeck, Duhig and Dacanay in fact had a great game and can hold their heads high having matched their opposite numbers including the massive Indian tight head prop Manmandir Samra who has represented professional team Mosely in the English leagues.

As the half wore on the sides became more evenly matched and ended with the score at 3-0 in favour of the Philippines. Thus far little had been seen of the Talents of Indian outside half Emil Vartazarian an Indian of Armenian descent who plays his rugby in Chennai and the Philippine management were well pleased With the half.

Second Half

The second half saw a complete change in tactics by the visitors. Vartazarian kicked for field position and the Indian pack seemed to find another ten percent. In the fourth minute of the half India drew level after Vartazarian kicked a successful penalty. Mid way through the half with the Indian team gaining in confidence the Philippines lost break away Eric Savina for ten minutes after the referee issued a yellow card for an infringement after a penalty had been awarded. The Philippines dug in and the commitment in defence could not be questioned. Unfortunately it was one of those days where the last pass did not stick and time and again the home side were unable to finish off promising moves. On 23 minutes a driving maul by the Indian team resulted in scrum half Mukarram Faizullabhoy forcing his way over for a try near to the touch line. The kick having been unsuccessful the score now stood at 8-3 to India. Six minutes later a Vartazarian drop goal put the Indians two scores ahead at 11-3. The Philippines refused to lie down and fought right to the last minute with the home support willing them on. Blind side flanker Fred Morris of the Queens Dragoon Guards had an outstanding game both in the loose and in particular jumping at four in the line. Captain Romain Barberis had his usual all action game and led his team from the front.The entire squad were given a standing ovation for their efforts by the substantial crowd in attendance.

At the end of the game Head Coach Matt Cullen said "Despite failing to secure promotion this year the Philippine team have moved on a long way in the last twelve months and with the average age being 24 we will see this side mature into a regional force within a couple of years".

Scorers

For Philippines:

Pens:

• (1)  Ron Pena

For India:

Tries:

• (1)  Mukarram Faizullabhoy

Pens:

• (1)  Emil Vartazarian

FGs:  

• (1)  Emil Vartazarian

Referee:

• Grant Bateman