Cobra leave it late to grab title
KUALA LUMPUR: New Zealander Teaihe Toma scored a penalty in the last minute to help Cobra beat RMAF Blackhawks 15-12 in the final to win their sixth title in the Cobra 10s Rugby tournament.
Cobra have won previously in 2008, 1998, 1975, 1972 and 1968.
Cobra team pocketed US$5,000 (RM20,000) while Blackhawks took home US$2,500 (RM10,000).
Cobra, powered by 14 New Zealand and two local players, started strongly by taking a 12-0 lead.
Cobra made two tries through Apitoni Toai and Kohan Herbert in the first five minutes of the match. And Toma made the conversion to hand Cobra a 12-0 lead.
But Blackhawks, who lost 26-14 to Cobra in the group match, never gave up and fought back to level with two tries and one conversion.
Beniamino Damudamu Vota and Atunaisa Livanalagi made the tries while Anare Tiveta converted the conversion.
Toma turned hero to convert the penalty and help Cobra win the match 15-12.
In the semi-finals, Cobra outplayed Northlink NNK of South Africa 26-5 while Blackhawks beat Brimbank Bucks of Australia 14-10.
Cobra coach Clayton McMillan praised his men for putting up a strong challenge.
“We started off well by taking a 12-0 lead but we lost the momentum and allowed our opponents to level the score.
“I was hoping my players will make a try to win the match in the second half but we were fortunate to score a penalty in the last few seconds to win the match.
“We are happy to help Cobra win the title after 11 years,” he said.