Volcanoes fall to Kazakhs, finish sixth in Asian Rugby Sevens

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Volcanoes fell to Kazakhstan in their duel for the Plate in the Beijing Sevens, 12-26, to settle for sixth overall in the final leg of the 2014 ARFU Asian Rugby Sevens Series yesterday at Chaoyang Stadium in the Chinese capital.

It was the best finish for the Pinoys in the three-leg series featuring 12 nations after previously placing 10th in the tournament in Malaysia and seventh in the opener in Hong Kong.

The Volcanoes started their bid in Beijing with a 21-19 victory over host China then squandered a 12-7 lead in a 19-21 setback to reigning Asian Games titlist Japan Saturday. The 1-1 showing in Pool D was enough to send the Filipinos into the Cup quarterfinals.

However, Phl conceded a 12-22 loss to Last-8 opponent Sri Lanka to find itself relegated to the Plate semifinals against Asean rival Thailand.

The Filipinos seized a 21-14 cushion against the Thais off a try and conversion by Gaz Holgate and held on to a 21-19 victory for a spot in the Plate finals (battle for fifth) versus Kazakhstan.

With the season done, the Phl Volcanoes sevens team now looks forward to carrying the country’s colors in the 2015 Southeast Asian Games.

In the distaff side, the Lady Volcanoes bowed to Singapore, 14-24, to finish eighth in a field of eight.