Volcanoes explode, shock Asiad bronze medalists

As typhoon “Ompong” threatens the country back home, the Philippine Volcanoes whipped up a storm in the Asia Rugby Sevens Series first leg over in Hong Kong as they upset 2018 Asian Games bronze medalists Korea, 12-7, in the opening action yesterday at Kings Park.

Joe Dawson and Ryan Howe took charge in a searing windup that enabled the Volcanoes to wipe out a 0-7 deficit to complete the reversal against the fancied Koreans and pick up three points in the Pool B table.

“It was a great win against the current bronze medalists at the Asian Games,” Philippine Rugby’s Jake Letts, whose wards returned to international play after missing out on the Indonesia Asiad, told The STAR.

“The Philippines showed composure, grit and a never-say-die attitude. Sevens is fast and frequently changing game and for the Volcanoes to come back from a seven-point deficit to win 12-7 is a fantastic result,” he added.

After a 0-0 contest in the first half, Sol Jung broke through the Phl defense to score a try and Kimin Kim added two points as the Koreans seized a 7-0 tear.

But the resilient Pinoy ruggers kept on fighting and caught up with Korea at the 3:36 minute mark of the second half with Dawson delivering the try and trying conversion.

Howe put the finishing touches to the fightback with his solo breakaway just before the final whistle.

The Volcanoes were set to face Malaysia last night with their sights on victory No. 2.

The Malaysians, the 2017 Southeast Asian Games titlists, absorbed a 0-54 beating from fancied host and reigning Asiad champs Hong Kong in their opening assignment.