BY REYNALDO NERY – Among the first of the preseason Rugby League games outside of Australia was played in the Soccer fields of the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub in Cavite, Philippines. It featured the foundation club Manila Storm against the “new kids on the block”; making their inaugural 13a side game appearance the Manila-Clark Gladiators.
This happened as the Rugy League season around the world came to an end on November 20th with the Rugby League World Cup finals in Manchester, England.
Rugby League or in the local Philippine language Ragbi Liga was recommencing in the country with its preseason matches.
The game was held under a hot 20th November Sunday morning Sun. With the newly formed team led by their Captain Peter Cochrane showing their Veteran opponent that there was a “new kid in town”.
The Gladiators started the game with 2 consecutive tries within the first 10 minutes through Koli Seiuli and Tui Taniielu.
The Storms woke up from the initial shock and answered back with a creative try through Jason Paul Evans. The first half came to a close with 2 tries for the Gladiators and 1 for the Storm.
The Gladiators started the second half like the first. With their bigger forwards in Koli Seiuli forcing his way through Storm defence to score his second try. Followed by forward Rex Francisco scoring another.
The Storm were still not done and their backline stepped up with a try through centre Jay Ramirez.
The last quarter of play saw exchanges in tries with Gladiator forward Rex Francisco scoring his second. Followed by a Storm try through Bienno Papa. With the game ending in the final minutes with Joe Mari scoring the game’s final try for the Gladiators.
New team Captain Peter Cochrane was proud of the Gladiators first hit out and looking forward to the new Ragbi Liga season commencing.
Score: Gladiator 24 – 12 Storm
Gladiator Tries – Koli Seiuli 2, Rex Francisco 2, Tui Taniielu, Joe Mari
Storm Tries – Jason Paul Evans, Jay Ramirez, Bienno Papa
The Pambansang Ragbi Liga ng Pilipinas (PNRL) is the governing body of Rugby League Football in the Philippines. Its mission is to enable all Filipinos to have a healthy lifestyle through their participation in Rugby League Football and to be competitive amongst the Asian Rugby League playing nations. The PNRL focus is the promotion, development and efficient administration of Rugby League in the Philippines. The PNRL is a non-stock, Non-profit Volunteer organization. The Philippines is a member of the Asia-Pacific Rugby League Confederation (APRLC) and an Observer member of the International Rugby League world governing body, based in 20 Fitzroy Square, London – W1T 6EJ, United Kingdom.
For Additional Information
Contact Name: [President: Reynaldo Nery]
Contact Phone: [+61 407 610 195]
Contact Email: [reynaldo.nery@pnrl.com.au]
Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/philippinesrugbyleague]