Volcanoes rip Singapore
The Philippine Volcanoes National Men’s 15s Team completed a two-match sweep against Singapore in the Division 1 Asia Rugby Championship in Southern Plains, Laguna, beating the visitors, 32-24, last Saturday and 3812 last Tuesday to secure the Asia Rugby Division 1 Title.
After early points to Singapore, team captain Steve Pagtalunan Howorth was the first to draw blood for the Philippines with a barnstorming try. Robert Luceno Fogerty added the extra points and poured another two penalties to bring the lead to 13-5.
Fogerty, the youngest member of the Volcanoes, continues to rise to the international standard of rugby. With a near-perfect kicking performance, converting four penalties and three conversions for 18 points, Fogerty added crucial points the Philippines tally. It was, however, the defense and physicality of the team that most impressed the outside back. The Philippines defended their own tryline for 20 minutes straight.
“We talked a lot about puso (heart). I think you saw in the last 20 minutes of the game that we just never gave up and kept applying pressure,” said Fogerty.
The Volcanoes want to keep climbing the world rankings, booking their place in the 2019 Asia Rugby Championships. More wins would promote the Philippines to the Premier Division, where they would face the likes of Hong Kong, Korea and 2019 World Cup hosts Japan.
On a Sevens arena, the Volcanoes continue their international preparations, with the international Sevens Series due to kick off in September. /