Game vs HK as close as it could get

MANILA, Philippines - It was a setback that the Philippine Volcanoes still viewed as a victory of sorts.

Though beaten by a tough Hong Kong side, 59-20, the Volcanoes saw something positive in Saturday night’s HSBC Asian 5 Nations Top 5 tourney at Rizal Memorial Stadium that they could bring into their next assignments against South Korea (on Saturday) and United Arab Emirates (May 18).

“The first half was extremely close, we were just behind by 14-10. We proved we can match now with world-class teams. Hong Kong is one of the best teams in Asia. We just have to learn to play two halves of rugby,” said Philippine Rugby Union chairman of selectors Matt Cullen.

Determined to make up from the previous 121-0 humiliation at the hands of powerhouse Japan, the Volcanoes fought the favored Hong Kong side toe-to-toe in the first 40 minutes and stayed within four points at the break to the delight of some 4,000 fans. They were a hairline behind, 13-14, three minutes into the second half before Hong Kong imposed its will and unleashed a five-try blitz to pull away.

“It’s a big improvement from the Japan game. We know it would really be hard in the premier division and now we played the two hardest games against the two top teams, we play Korea and UAE next. If we can build on that first half performance, then I’m positive we’ll get a win in this series and stay in the premier division,” he added.

The Volcanoes managed to seize a 10-7 lead on the try by winger Patrice Olivier, a last-minute replacement for injured Matt Saunders, and the penalty conversion by flyhalf Alex Aronson, who replaced injured flanker Jake Ward.

But that was just about it for the Pinoys as Hong Kong flexed its muscles from the 48th minute on. 

Winger Jonny Rees scored a brace of tries off work by centers David Whiteford and Ally Maclay as HK set the foundation for its breakaway. Number eight Pale Tauti, Seb Alfonsi, skipper Tom McColl and substitute winger Dennis Chang followed suit with their own touch downs with Mike Glancy and Niall Rowark complementing with five and two conversions to complete the rout.

Captain Michael Letts gave the Filipinos something to cheer about with his try in the 70th minute that was goalled by Alex Aronson.

“We started really well. In the first half, we were in the game. We wanted to start well in the second half but we lacked execution. A couple of mistakes and to do that against a side, it would cost you,” said Letts.