Nomads Even the Ledger in “A” Division Home Game

The ‘never say die’ Nomads Rugby Union Club hit back with vengeance in the second round of the PRFU 15’s league and ensured the last round would decide the 2009 PRFU 15’s league champions.

The Nomads resorted to a basic forward orientated style of play and continually punched the ball up the middle of the ruck. Stalwart players like Max Stewart, Romain Barberis, Nick Holthouse and the ever dynamic Eric Savina controlled the possession and continually charged onto the ball on both sides of the ruck. This dominant forward play eventually led to the Nomads forcing Eagles’ errors. Soon enough, they scored their first try from a push over scrum, with half back Aaron Bidden scoring at the end of a five meter shove from the Nomads pack.

This time around, the Eagles lacked composure and tried to battle the more experienced nomads forward at their own game and came out second best.

The Nomads were always going to be hard to beat at home, but when the Eagles had given away possession from a glut of mistakes and penalties, this played into the Nomads hands. The Eagles were forced to defend for 80% of the first half and this obviously took its toll with the Nomads scoring another two tries to one to lead at halftime by 17-5.

As s customary with Nomads v Eagles clashes the Eagles made a second half comeback and Eagles Captain Evans Maina scored out wide to take the score to 19-7. This set the scene for a torrid last twenty minutes and the hero try scorer was then sin binned for ten minutes for hands in the ruck. The Eagles struggled to win possession in the last quarter and with only 14 players, the Nomads rallied to score the match winning try and won the round two clash by 26-17.

This now sets the scene for an exciting final at the Philsports ULTRA Stadium on Saturday, June 6th. At one game apiece, both teams have nothing to lose and some players will be vying for National Men’s Team Positions.

A highlight of the match was the ‘Man of the Match’ performance by Eric Savina, who has represented the Philippine National Men’s team for the last three years. He certainly let everyone know on Saturday that he still possesses the grit and steal to play at the International Level.

Alabang Ibons Jump to the Lead in B- Division

The Alabang Ibons played and beat the Japan Hapons by 27-0. The Ibons have won both their games in the B-division by beating MAAP and Japan in rounds one and two. The Ibons will now face the Carabaos in the last round at Philsports ULTRA stadium on June 6th.

With such a young side, the Ibons will provide the talent for future Eagles teams and the new players both Filipino and expat are relishing the opportunity to play with others their own caliber in the PRFU 15’s League B- Division series.

Japan must beat the MAAP warriors by more than 86 points and the Ibons would have to lose to the Carabaos for the Japanese team to be considered for the B-Division championship.

Photos are courtesy of Christina Sang