Official match report by International Rugby Board Match Commissioner, Greg David

In its First Full International Match, the Philippines beat Guam 18 – 14 in the Asian Rugby Football Union / IRB sanctioned Triangular Series between Guam, the Philippines and Pakistan.

The match played in hot, humid conditions on Guam was well played, clean and hard fought.

Lineout tussle - Philippine Volcanoes in navy strip

 

First Half

While Guam spent the first 10 minutes camped inside the Philippines’ 22 meter line, the Philippines defense held firm.

After thirteen minutes of play and following a succession of kicks down field, the Philippines scored first with a try scored by lock forward Dean Nelson from a quick ruck 10 meters from the Guam goal line. 

Three minutes later Guam struck back with a fine try crafted by scrum half Steven Sablan. The try was converted by Vinson Calvo.

Right on half time, the Philippines recycled the ball from a ruck on the Guam 22 meter line. The ball was passed well along the back line to full back Clay Luraschi who went over for the try in the left corner. The try was not converted.

Korean referee, Kim Do Suk, blew for half time with the Philippines leading Guam 10 – 7.

Philippines (in navy strip) defend a Guaminian incursion

 

Second Half

Nineteen minutes into the second half, Guam forwards were penalized for leaving their feet entering a ruck.  Philippines’ outside half Thomas Egerton kicked a penalty goal to stretch the Philippines lead by six points. Six minutes later the Philippines scored a try from excellent support play as their forwards won possession from a ruck and lock Dean Nelson dived over for a try.

Guam fought back valiantly and was rewarded when Tevita Vuniwaqa’s try for Guam on the 36th minute was converted with an excellent kick by Jarad Quichocho. Guam desperately pressured the Philippines in the last minutes of the game but the Philippines defense continued to hold firm with fine cover tackles. Both teams were exhausted when the referee blew the final whistle to give the Philippines a well deserved 18 – 14 win over Guam. 

Scorers

For Philippines:
Tries: Dean Nelson x 2, Clay Luraschi
Pens: Thomas Egerton

For Guam:
Tries: Steven Sablan, Tevita Vuniwaqa
Cons: Vinson Calvo, Jarad Quichocho

Referee:
Kim Do Suk
Korea