MANILA – Philippine Volcanoes recovered from a slow start to score a 32-24 victory over Singapore in the Asia Rugby Championship Division 1 series at the Southern Plains Rugby Field in Calamba, Laguna.
After trailing at the end of the opening half on Saturday, Volcanoes regained its composure in the second half to draw first blood in their two-game series. The second match will be on Tuesday.
Singapore jumped to a 14-5 lead in the match on penalty conversion by Jonathan Barber. But Volcanoes responded with Joe Dawson going all the way to the end zone for the try.
The deficit was trimmed further heading into the halftime break 12-14 as Daniel Matthews scored on ensuing conversion.
The momentum of Volcanoes late run continued in the second frame as the Philippines outscored Singapore 20-7 behind Rob Fogerty and Edlen Hernandez. Barber drilled a long-range penalty for the final score.
“A new look roster this year, some exciting new faces have been included in the program. They will have the opportunity for selection in the nation’s Top 15s program,” said Volcanoes’ Jake Letts.
“These new players all have their Filipino roots connecting them to the motherland. I am sure their families here in the Philippines cannot wait to see them represent the nation proudly,” he added.
In the first game London-based Penguins Rugby Club proved to be too much for the Volcanoes’ developmental side Residents XV after a 67-10 rout./PN
