The summer holidays had given the boys from both Bahay Bata and Tuloy foundation the opportunity to spend extra time practicing their touch football skills.
Consequently, Father Rocky, the founder of both foundations, suggested that a summer tournament be held. It would not only be a great way for the two clubs to compete, but would also provide the boys with a summer activity while they were on holidays.
On Thursday, May 14, 2008, The Father Rocky Perpetual Cup came to life as soon as the Bahay Bata bus pulled up at the Tuloy Foundation. Three teams from each of the schools were set to compete in round one and there included 12, 14 and 16 year old divisions. Father Rocky himself was present to open the tournament and the games were played in a competitive and sporting nature with all the players appreciating the opportunity to play against their friends. Round one was structured so that the three age divisions would play each other twice before lunch and again twice after lunch.
The 16 yr teams from both Tuloy and Bahay Bata possess young men who are extremely fit and display excellent skills at this new sport. This set the scene for a dynamic battle and it was the Tuloy Boys who were able to narrowly defeat the Bahay Bata Team by 3 games to 1 with all games being decided by no less than two tries. National Coach Matt Cullen was impressed with the skills of a number of the 16 year old players and explained to Father Rocky that at least 5-6 boys from both foundations would be strong candidates for positions in the Philippine National U/20 team in the next two years.
In the 14 year old division, it was again Tuloy who won the day by beating Bahay Bata by 3 games to 1 and Tuloy did have a distinct advantage with at least 20 boys available to play against the 8 boys from Bahay Bata.
The outstanding player from Tuloy was Jovic Paypon who definitely possesses the size, speed and skills to one day play National Level Rugby for the Philippines.
The youngest age category saw a combination of 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 year old boys play in four crowd pleasing games. The Bahay Bata little ones played above their weight and size and carried the flag for Bahay Bata by defeating the Tuloy junior by 3 games to 1. The whole crowd thoroughly enjoyed watching these young guns play on the full sized pitch, and Fr. Rocky was delighted to see how well these boys played the game.
Round two of the Father Rocky Perpetual Cup will take place at the Bahay Bata orphanage on Sunday, May 23rd , All spectators and supporters are welcome. Special thanks to the Alabang Eagles and Nomads Rugby Clubs for sponsoring the day. Also to both Marivi and Mercy of the two foundations, for organizing the transport, food and players for this tournament.
