ASIA RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP: Division 1, Final Day

09.05.2015

Philippines v Sri Lanka in Manila (ARC Division 1, Final)

Referee:

Preview
Sri Lanka and the Philippines were the two teams that were demoted to Division 1 following the revamping of the Asia Rugby Championship. So it is no real surprise that they square off to find the winner of Division 1. My understanding is that the winner has the right to challenge, or not, the last placed team in the ARC Top 3. As from 2016, as I understand it, that challenge will be compulsory.

When these two teams met last year Philippines won by one point, a controversial second conversion attempt of a last minute try.

Historically Philippines has the better record and with the home advantage I expect them to win.

Previous Encounters
17.05.2014 Philippines 26-25 in Colombo (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
21.04.2012 Philippines 28-18 in Manila (WCQ Asia; Asia Nations Div.1)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table: Philippines 4th, Sri Lanka 7th

World Rugby Ranking Points
Sri Lanka 46.95, Philippines 45.57

Prediction: Philippines by 13 points. Score 33-20

TEAMS

Philippines Team list not available

Sri Lanka Squad

Randika Alwis (Army Sports Club)
Suhiru Anthony (Navy Sports Club)
Dinusha Chathuranga (Navy Sports Club)
Kavindu de Costa (Havelock Sports Club)
Shehan Dimithri (Kandy Sports Club)
Ganuka Disanayaka (Havelock Sports Club)
Sharo Fernando (Navy Sports Club)
Sandun Herath (Havelock Sports Club)
Kishore Jahan (Kandy Sports Club)
Shahsika Jayawardane
Fazil Marija, Capt. (Kandy Sports Club)
Jason Melder (Havelock Sports Club)
Riza Mubarak (Navy Sports Club)
Achala Perera (Navy Sports Club)
Dulaj Perera (Havelock Sports Club)
Lavanga Perera (Kandy Sports Club)
Dushmantha Priyadarshana (Havelock Sports Club)
Kanchana Ramanayaka (Colombo Rugby & Cricket Club)
Danushka Ranjan (Havelock Sports Club)
Nigel Ratwatte (Kandy Sports Club)
Henry Terence (Navy Sports Club)
Buwanaka Udangamuwa (Kandy Sports Club)
Roshan Weeraratne (Kandy Sports Club)
Dulanjala Wijesinghe (Army Sports Club)
Sean Wijesinghe

Kazakhstan v Singapore (Playoff 3rd-4th)

Referee:

Preview
The stakes are high as the losing team will be relegated to ARC Division 2. It will be a case of the strength of the Kazakh forward pack verses the fleet footed Singapore backs. It’ll be close.

Previous Encounters
09.05.2009 Kazakhstan 22-19 in Singapore (Asia 5 Nations)
08.06.2006 Kazakhstan 29-0 in Singapore (Asia Tournament, Tier 3)
22.11.2002 Singapore 30-14 in Bangkok (Asia Champ., Div.2, Playoff 3rd-4th)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table: Singapore 5th, Kazakhstan 8th

World Rugby Ranking Points
Kazakhstan 48.91, Singapore 44.54

Prediction: Singapore by 4 points. Score 26-22

TEAMS

Singapore Squad

1 Alvin, Ho Yao Wei (Wanderers RFC) 2 tests
2 Robertson, James (Singapore Cricket Club) 4
3 Leong Rong Xian, Reiner (Oldham RFC) 4
4 Muhammad Hasif Bin Azman (Wanderers RFC) 5
5 Tan Soon Heng, Gaspar (Bedok Kings RFC) 20
6 Lee Chang You (Oldham RFC) Debut
7 Lee Yew Loong, Gabriel (Singapore Cricket Club) 12
8 Julian Albert (XV Gaulois) 4
9 Roberts, Matthew (Wanderers RFC) 5
10 Nick Rose (Wanderers RFC) Debut
11 Mohamed Ashraf Nasser (Saint Andrews RFC) 7
12 Alexander Richard (Bucks RFC) Debut
13 Etheredge, Simon (Singapore Cricket Club) 3
14 Mc Feely, Peter (Singapore Cricket Club) 9
15 Mohammad Suhaimi Bin Amran (Singapore Cricket Club) 11
16 Kay Teck Yuan, Jonathan (Singapore Cricket Club) 1
17 Marah Muhammad Fahmy (Oldham RFC) 2
18 Mohammad Saifuludin Khalid (Wanderers RFC) 1
19 Edward Carne (Dorking RFC, England) 1
20 Graham Stewart (Wanderers RFC) Debut
21 Thomas Child (Wanderers RFC) Debut
22 Groen, Nicholas (Bedok Kings RFC) 10
23 Samuel, Lau Biyong (Bedok Kings) 3
24 Tiah Nan Hong (Wanderers RFC) Debut
25 Mickael Benkimoun (XV Gaulois) Debut
Adapted from http://www.singaporerugby.com/2015/05/s ... u2015.html

Kazakhstan squad not available

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kazakhstan v Singapore in Manila (ARC Div.1, Playoff 3^rd-4^th)

ASIA RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP: Division 1, Day 1 Results

06.05.2015
Sri Lanka 35, Kazakhstan 14 in Manilla (ARC Div.1, Semi-final 1)
Philippines 20, Singapore17 in Manilla (ARC Div.1, Semi-final 2)-After extra time

Review. Copied directly.

The Philippines and Sri Lanka booked their spots in the Asia Rugby Championship Division I final after opening wins over Singapore and Kazakhstan respectively today at the new Philippine Sports Stadium outside of Manila.


The Philippines and Sri Lanka booked their spots in the Asia Rugby Championship Division I final after opening wins over Singapore and Kazakhstan respectively today at the new Philippine Sports Stadium outside of Manila.

Sri Lanka were made to work hard for their 35-14 win over Kazakhstan, despite having a man advantage for most of the match after Kazakhstan hooker Rustam Kurbanov was shown a red card for stamping after 20 minutes.

Sri Lanka had opened the scoring with two quick tries. Wing Lavanga Perera scored in the 7th minute followed by centre Danushka Ranjan two minutes later. Fullback Riza Mubarak converted the first to push the second seeds to a 12-0 lead after ten minutes.

Kazakhstan rallied for a massive effort despite being reduced to 14 men – and later 13 – when flanker Daulet Akymbekov was sin-binned moments after Kurbanov was ejected.

Sri Lanka could only manage one more try in the first half with Ranjan crossing over to complete an early brace. Mubarak added the conversion to bring the score at the break to 22-7 after Kazakhstan captain Serik Zhanseitov pulled his side back from the brink with a try from in close in the 30th minute. Fullback Ivan Olkhovskiy added the extras for his side.

Kazakhstan struck first in the second half with prop Ruslan Galiyev again scoring off of set piece play where the bulky Kazakh forwards gave them a natural advantage over the fleet Sri Lankans. Olkhovskiy’s conversion closed the deficit further to 22-14.

But the experienced Sri Lankans maintained their composure better in the second half, making Kazakhstan pay for any indiscipline. Sri Lanka slotted two penalties late in the half through Kanchana Ramanayaka and Dulaj Perera to push ahead to 28-14. Perera crossed over for a final try in the last minute. Ramanayaka’s conversion brought the final score to 35-14 and sent Sri Lanka on to the final.

Sri Lanka coach Johan Taylor commented on the result saying, “It wasn’t perfect but the main goal was to win and we achieved that, so we will look at the positives and erase the negatives from this afternoon.

“I thought our handling was pretty good and we did reasonably well in our scrums and lineouts against a bigger Kazakhstan pack. We did well in those three areas and I’m fairly happy with our performance,” Taylor added.

The second semi final was a thrilling encounter with fourth seeds Singapore pushing the hosts and top seed Philippines through two ten-minute periods of sudden death extra time before the result was finally confirmed.

Singapore enjoyed the early run of play, posting a 10-0 lead at halftime after tries from flanker Alexander Cook and winger Tom Child. The hosts meanwhile left several scoring opportunities begging as their handling deserted them for large stretches in the first stanza.

The Volcanoes first try didn’t come until early in the second half when flanker Terry Carroll capitalized on a man advantage after Singapore centre Graham Harkness was sent to the sin bin. Captain Oliver Saunders added the conversion to close the gap to 7-10.

But the Volcanoes then conceded their brief advantage as no 8 Ashley Heward was binned for failing to wrap in the tackle. Harkness returned from his spell in the bin to help spark Singapore’s first try of the second half, figuring in a nice flowing move that eventually put prop James Robertson over for the try. Scrumhalf Suhaimi Amran added the extras to push Singapore out to 17-7 with 20 minutes remaining.

The game came into its own in the last quarter with both sides pushing desperately for the win. Reserve wing Alex Aronson entered the match in the 60th minute for the home side and would prove to be the difference maker.

Aronson coolly slotted his first penalty in the 32nd minute to close the gap to 17-10 and was again on the spot in the 40th minute to cap some good work in close by the Volcanoes with a nice jinking run that brought the hosts to within two points of Singapore. Aronson converted his own try to level the scores as regulation time expired, sending the game into extra time.

Singapore attacked furiously in the first ten minutes of extra time but the Philippines defence held fast, leaving the score still drawn through 90 minutes and pushing the match into a second ten-minute golden point period.

Inspired by a large and vocal audience, the Volcanoes finally found some space against a brave Singapore defence with a series of sustained attacks that forced Singapore to concede a penalty. Aronson converted the penalty from just outside the Singapore 22 metre line to give his side a memorable win and send them through to the final against Sri Lanka on Saturday (18.00 Philippines time).

Although Singapore staked its claim today and were in contention to the last the final will be a fitting affair as the Philippines and Sri Lanka were both part of the former Asian Five Nations Top Five format last year.

In 2014, the Volcanoes pipped Sri Lanka 27-26 – benefiting from successfully being able to re-take a conversion of another last-gasp try after Sri Lanka had prematurely charged a failed first attempt to eke out an away win in Colombo and finish fourth behind Japan, Hong Kong and South Korea.

In 2015 both Sri Lanka and the Philippines were relegated due to the revamped format where the premier Division is now reserved for the top three sides - Japan, Hong Kong and South Korea, playing on a home-and-away format.

Fittingly the two sides will again face off to see who can claim boasting rights as the top Asian team outside of the premier competition.

http://www.arfu.com/news/2015/05/top-5- ... division-i

Saturday’s Fixtures
Sri Lanka v Philippines (Final)
Kazakhstan v Singapore (Playoff 3rd-4th)

ASIA RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP: Division 1

6 –9 May

Image thanks to https://www.facebook.com/PhilippineRugby

Philippine Sports Stadium.
Image thanks to https://www.facebook.com/PhilippineRugby

The Asia Rugby Championship Division 1 is being played in Manila.It has come as a surprise that this is the only ARC tournament that is not round robin.

Sri Lanka and the hosts The Philippines are the favoured teams. Singapore are always strong. Kazakhstan were strong a few years back but their standard has slipped.

Day two on Saturday will see the winners playoff for the Division 1 title whilst the two losing teams will fight it out to avoid relegation.

Games Day One
Sri Lanka v Kazakhstan

Referee:

Last Five Encounters
06.04.2013 Sri Lanka 49-18 in Colombo (WCQ Asia; Asia Nations Div.1)
15.05.2011 Kazakhstan 34-18 in Almaty (Asia 5 Nations)
10.11.2007 Kazakhstan 24-17 in Colombo (Asiad Cup)
08.05.2007 Kazakhstan 71-6 in Almaty (Asia Nations Div.2)
12.11.2005 Sri Lanka 24-12 in Almaty (WCQ Asia D3 playoff, 2nd leg)

The rivalry between these two nations goes back to 2002.

GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table: Sri Lanka 7th, Kazakhstan 8th

World Rugby Ranking Points
Kazakhstan 48.91, Sri Lanka 46.95

Prediction: Sri Lanka by 15 points. Score 41-26

TEAMS

The Sri Lanka 15s squad:
Randika Alwis (Army Sports Club)
Suhiru Anthony (Navy Sports Club)
Dinusha Chathuranga (Navy Sports Club)
Kavindu de Costa (Havelock Sports Club)
Shehan Dimithri (Kandy Sports Club)
Ganuka Disanayaka (Havelock Sports Club)
Sharo Fernando (Navy Sports Club)
Sandun Herath (Havelock Sports Club)
Kishore Jahan (Kandy Sports Club)
Shahsika Jayawardane
Fazil Marija, Capt. (Kandy Sports Club)
Jason Melder (Havelock Sports Club)
Riza Mubarak (Navy Sports Club)
Achala Perera (Navy Sports Club)
Dulaj Perera (Havelock Sports Club)
Lavanga Perera (Kandy Sports Club)
Dushmantha Priyadarshana (Havelock Sports Club)
Kanchana Ramanayaka (Colombo Rugby & Cricket Club)
Danushka Ranjan (Havelock Sports Club)
Nigel Ratwatte (Kandy Sports Club)
Henry Terence (Navy Sports Club)
Buwanaka Udangamuwa (Kandy Sports Club)
Roshan Weeraratne (Kandy Sports Club)
Dulanjala Wijesinghe (Army Sports Club)
Sean Wijesinghe
Stand by
Ashoka Jayalal (Army Sports Club)
Hirantha Perera
Rohan Theagarajah (Havelock Sports Club)
Reserves
Rahul de Silva (Colombo Rugby & Cricket Club)
Anuradha Herath (Colombo Rugby & Cricket Club)
Ganidu Lakshan

Kazakhstan Squad not available

Philippines v Singapore

Referee:

Preview
Singapore spent a week in Perth preparing for this game. They played Western Force ‘A’.

Previous Encounter
15.04.2012 Philippines 37-20 in Manilla (WCQ Asia; Asia Nations Div.1)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table: Philippines 4th, Singapore 5th

World Rugby Ranking Points
Philippines 45.57, Singapore 44.54

Prediction: Philippines by 12 points. Score 30-18

TEAMS

Philippines

15. Gareth Holegate (Alabang Eagles) 27, 3
14. Jeff Gregson (Broadstreet RFC, England) 26, 3
13. Timothy Bweheni (Alabang Eagles) 28, 2
12. Justin Coveney (West Red Sparks, Japan) 29, 16
11. Harry Morris (Alabang Eagles) 30, 10
10. Oliver Saunders, (Capt.) (Easts RFC, Sydney, NSW) 28, 15
9. Jake Letts (Alabang Eagles) 27, 23
8. Steven Howorth (Cornish All Blacks RFC, England) 24, 10
7. Benjamin Mudie (Alabang Eagles ) 24, Debut
6. Terry Carroll (Northern Outlaws, Noosa, Queensland) 23, 6
5. Ashley Heward (Burgess Hill RFC, England) 21, 4
4. David Feeney (Manila Nomads) 30, 7
3. Matthew Bellenie (Brighton RFC, England) 25, 7
2. Michael Duhig (Brothers OBRC, Queensland) 29, 17
1. Austin Dacanay (Tampa Krewe RFC, Florida, USA) 38, 22

Replacements
16. Masayuki Sekiguchi (Alabang Eagles) 33, 1
17. Philip Abraham (Abu Dhabi Harlequins RFC, UAE) 31, 10
18. David Robinson-Polkey (Maungarua RFC, New Zealand) 26, 7
19. Fred Morris (Pavours RFC, England) 28, 6
20. Christopher Anderson (Manila Nomads) 31, 4
21. Cleo Gomez (Gordon RFC, NSW) 26, 7
22. Daniel Matthews (Eastwood RFC, Sydney, NSW) 22, Debut
23. Alexander Aronson (CBRE Mavericks) 24, 8

Head Coach: Stu Woodhouse

Information thanks to Jake Letts, Philippines RFU
Team list from https://www.facebook.com/PhilippineRugby

Singapore Squad

1 Alvin, Ho Yao Wei (Wanderers RFC) 2 tests
2 Robertson, James (Singapore Cricket Club) 4
3 Leong Rong Xian, Reiner (Oldham RFC) 4
4 Muhammad Hasif Bin Azman (Wanderers RFC) 5
5 Tan Soon Heng, Gaspar (Bedok Kings RFC) 20
6 Lee Chang You (Oldham RFC) Debut
7 Lee Yew Loong, Gabriel (Singapore Cricket Club) 12
8 Julian Albert (XV Gaulois) 4
9 Roberts, Matthew (Wanderers RFC) 5
10 Nick Rose (Wanderers RFC) Debut
11 Mohamed Ashraf Nasser (Saint Andrews RFC) 7
12 Alexander Richard (Bucks RFC) Debut
13 Etheredge, Simon (Singapore Cricket Club) 3
14 Mc Feely, Peter (Singapore Cricket Club) 9
15 Mohammad Suhaimi Bin Amran (Singapore Cricket Club) 11
16 Kay Teck Yuan, Jonathan (Singapore Cricket Club) 1
17 Marah Muhammad Fahmy (Oldham RFC) 2
18 Mohammad Saifuludin Khalid (Wanderers RFC) 1
19 Edward Carne (Dorking RFC, England) 1
20 Graham Stewart (Wanderers RFC) Debut
21 Thomas Child (Wanderers RFC) Debut
22 Groen, Nicholas (Bedok Kings RFC) 10
23 Samuel, Lau Biyong (Bedok Kings) 3
24 Tiah Nan Hong (Wanderers RFC) Debut
25 Mickael Benkimoun (XV Gaulois) Debut

Management

Head Coach - Afeaki Inoke Unaanga
Assistant Coach - Forrester, James
Assistant Backs Coach - Mee, Casey Jonathan
Manager – Yazid Rosli
Head Physio - Walter, Joan Margaret
Physio – Sam Brennan

Adapted from http://www.singaporerugby.com/2015/05/s ... u2015.html

ASIA NATIONS DIVISION 1 Singapore v United Arab Emirates

23.04.2014
Singapore v United Arab Emirates in Dubai (Asia Nations Division 1)

Venue: The Sevens

Referee: Taizo Hirabayashi (Japan)

Preview
The first match in the 2014 Asia Nations competition sees United Arab Emirates host Singapore in Dubai. For both teams a new rugby chapter opens.

Last year the Emirates side was relegated from the Asia 5 Nations competition, the elite level of Asia 15’s men’s rugby. It was a great disappointment for the Gulf area as the original Arabian Gulf RFU had been at the elite level since the Asian competition was revamped.

Singapore is not new to Division 1. Relegated from a brief stint at the elite level in 2009. They lost two Division 1 finals in 2010 and 2011. They then found themselves relegated down to Division 2 in 2012 but fought their way back up to Division 1 for this season.

The Emirates side this year is an inexperienced side but sees the return of veteran Chris Burch to lead the team.

The Emirates side has proven to be below the strength of the original Arabian Gulf side. Singapore to win.

These two sides have never met before.

GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table: UAE 5th, Singapore 8th

IRB Ranking Points
Singapore 44.54, UAE 30.00
Note: UAE started on 30.00 when their union was reformed.

Prediction : Singapore by 10 points

Teams

UAE Squad

Forwards:
Ali Ghulam Shaheen
Adam Telford Jebel Ali Dragons
Jay Danielson Abu Dhabi Saracens
Mohamed Hassan Arabian Knights
Rossouw van Dijk Arabian Knights
Joe Cooper Jebel Ali Dragons
Mark Weissenborn Dubai Hurricanes
Graham Murphy Abu Dhabi Harlequins
Pete Sampson Abu Dhabi Saracens
Riaan Boshoff Abu Dhabi Saracens
James Parker Dubai Hurricanes
Chris Jones-Griffiths Abu Dhabi Harlequins
Daniel Minks Jebel Ali Dragons

Backs:
Cyrus Homayoun Jebel Ali Dragons
Adel Alhendi Abu Dhabi Harlequins first test
Neil Robert Pommerel Abu Dhabi Saracens
Mohammad Alawi Shaheen
Ray Gilburt Jebel Ali Dragons
Jono Bester Xodus Wasps
Michael Lancaster Xodus Wasps
Charlie Sargent Dubai Exiles
Chris Burch Dubai Hurricanes (Capt.) Age 35
Gareth Armstrong Xodus Wasps
James Elliot-Square Dubai Hurricanes

Head Coach: Roelof Kotze,

http://www.thenational.ae/sport/rugby/uae-step-into-the-unknown-ahead-of-asian-five-nations

Singapore Squad not available

ASIA NATIONS DIVISION 2

Asian Rugby Rivalry resumes in Kuala Lumpur: Singapore and Malaysia book spots in HSBC A5N Division II Final

India and Iran to meet in relegation match

[Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, June 4 2013]: One of Asia’s longest running rugby rivalries will resume on Saturday, June 8, (kick-off at 18.00) as Singapore and Malaysia advanced from their semi final matches of the HSBC Asian 5 Nations (HSBC A5N) Division II competition today at the Petaling Jaya Stadium in Kuala Lumpur.

Singapore, smarting from their demotion last year to Division II, beat India 67-8 to book its place in Saturday’s final, while Malaysia cruised past Iran 48-10 in front of a passionate local crowd of nearly 1,000 spectators.

Playing to its traditional strength in the forward pack, three Singapore forwards scored braces in the Rugby Lions’ victory: No 8 Peter McFeely, who opened the scoring in the 15^th minute; flanker Matthew Roberts, who scored twice in the first half; and lock Murray Wyllie. Openside flanker Simon Etheridge, suiting up in replacement of team captain Daniel Marc Chow who was ill, added a try to see the pack account for seven of Singapore’s 11 tries on the day.

Singapore jumped out to an early lead through tries to McFeely and Roberts (2). Wing Bryan Ng added a nice solo effort with a 60-metre dash to represent the backline in the first half. Two conversions from scrumhalf Suhaimi Imran pushed Singapore into the lead 24-5 at the break. India prop Suresh Sajwan got his team on the board in the 27^thminute with an unconverted try.

After the resumption of play, Singapore winger Nicholas Groen added to India’s woes with a try in the 45^thminute before India replied with a penalty through scrumhalf Sujai Lama in the 50^th minute. Lama’s penalty accounted for India’s last points of the afternoon as it was all one-way traffic for Singapore from there on out, especially with India losing two players to the sin bin in the second half.

McFeely scored his second try in the 52^nd minute, with Imran’s conversion pushed Singapore further ahead at 36-8. Making their man-advantage count, Singapore crossed over for five more tries in the second half through Zaki Muhammad, Etheredge, Wyllie (2) and centre Andrew Bourke, to complete the rout at 67-8.

Match captain and hooker Gaspar Tan summed up his team’s effort nicely saying, “It was a strong display from the forwards. We started off really slow and gave up too many penalties but in the second half we made adjustments. We were more disciplined and just kept moving forward with the ball and the tries flowed from there.”

A disappointed India captain Nasser Hussain said, “We were up against a team that was recently relegated from Division I and it showed. There was a considerable difference between the two sides and they analysed our game well and took our strengths away. But despite the score line there were a few positives today and hopefully we can build on those for Iran on Friday.”

SIngapore brushed off India 67-8 in the HSBC A5N Div 2 semi-final.

Malaysia also enjoyed a relatively uncomplicated passage to the Division I promotion decider on Saturday with a 48-10 win over a physical Iran XV that was every bit the hosts’ match in terms of physicality and commitment but lacked composure at times.

Malaysian fullback Mohd Fairuz ab Rahman paced his side to an early 11-0 lead after converting his first penalty chance in the second minute, followed by a try in the 3^rd minute and another penalty in the 8^th minute.

Ab Rahman’s solo effort was rounded out by No 8 Timoci Nacokula to push Malaysia ahead 18-0 at the 15-minute marker.

Iran’s first half points came through captain and No 8 Iraj Rostami who finished a nice offload from hard charging lock Morteza Rasouli at Malaysia’s 5-metre line to send his side into the sheds with some momentum at 18-5.

In the second half, Rasouli added his own try early in the opening minutes in a fitting reward for a tireless defensive effort on the day, bringing Iran within touching distance at 18-10. But the visitors’ lack of match experience began to tell with unforced errors creeping into the game and poor kicking from hand conceding significant possession to the Malaysians.

Malaysia made the most of their opportunities in the second half scoring four more tries through centre Atunaisa Takuba, reserve back Zulkiflee Azmi, scrumhalf Mohd. Nazeer Mohd. Nesharah and Wan Izzudin Ismail. Ab Rahman added another conversion, before handing off the kicking duties to reserve fullback Nazreen Fitri Nasruddin whose two penalties and a conversion brought the final score to Malaysia 48, Iran 10.

Fullback ab Rahman, who collected 15 points on the day with a try, two penalties and two conversions was pleased with the day’s work, saying, “We’re really happy with the performance. Iran is a big, heavy team and our strategy was to get the ball wide and avoid contact and we were successful.”

Malaysia captain Mohd Syahir Asyraf fends off the Iranian defence en route to the D2 Finals v Singapore.

Iran coach Pedram Baniameriyan credited the opposition saying, “Malaysia were very good today but I am proud of my boys. We played good rugby today but we are lacking the experience at test match level that we need and it shows.”

India and Iran will now face off in the Division II 3^rd/4^th place match to decide who is relegated to Division III in 2014. The relegation match will be played on Friday June 7 at Petaling Jaya Stadium in Kuala Lumpur.

Singapore and Malaysia will meet in the Division II final on Saturday at 18.00 at Petaling Jaya in a match that resumes one of Asia’s fiercest rugby rivalries.

“Singapore v Malaysia is like the French playing the English it is that kind of rivalry,” said Singapore coach Inoke Afeaki, adding that, “I like the Malaysian style of rugby. It is very fluid and it brings Singapore rugby out of its comfort zone, which is what we need. I think it will help us to play a more balanced kind of rugby, which is what we need if we want to go back up to the next level.”

Singapore captain Daniel Marc Chow added, “Playing Malaysia is always big for us and for them I’m sure. We really want to get the better of each other. It doesn’t matter what we are playing for when we are playing Malaysia. It’s more than just promotion on the line there is a lot of pride at stake which is going to really help the boys get motivated for Saturday.”

HSBC A5N Division III semi-finals will be held tomorrow as part of a festival of rugby in Kuala Lumpur. Top seeds China will face off against newly promoted Qatar in the second semi final at 17.00, while second seeds Guam face Indonesia in the first semi-final at 15.00. All games are held at the Petaling Jaya Stadium in Kuala Lumpur. Admission is free.

ASIA FIVE NATIONS DIVISION 2, DAY 1

04.06.2013
Singapore 67, India 8 in Kuala Lumpur (Asia Nations Division 2)
Malaysia 48, Iran 10 in Kuala Lumpur (Asia Nations Division 2)

Briefly
Both results a bit of a shock considering both India and Iran are teams on the rise.

Final will be Singapore v Malaysia for promotion to Division 1 2014, and play-off India and Iran relegation to Division 3 for 2014.

ASIA FIVE NATIONS DIVISIONS 2 AND 3

Festival of Rugby returns to Kuala Lumpur with hosting of HSBC A5N Division II and III tournaments at Petaling Jaya Stadium

Four new coaches at Division II level out to make their mark

[Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, June 4 2013]: HSBC Asian 5 Nations (HSBC A5N) rugby action returns to Kuala Lumpur this week with the hosting of the Division II and Division III tournaments at Stadium Petaling Jaya. The action opens on Tuesday (4 June) with the semi-finals of the Division II tournament featuring top seeds Singapore, hosts Malaysia, Iran and promoted 2012 Division III champions India.

 

Top seeds Singapore are out to redress their shock relegation at the hands of Chinese Taipei in 2012, a result which saw the Rugby Lions fall to their lowest spot in Asian rugby (10^th) since the inception of the HSBC A5N in 2008. 

 

The Singapore Rugby Union has assembled an experienced coaching team to address the precipitous drop in its rugby fortunes in 2013. New SRU Technical Director and national 15s coach Inoke Afeaki, (ex-captain of Tonga and the Pacific Islands and a veteran of the Wellington Hurricanes, Llanelli and Ricoh Black Rams in Japan among others) takes the coaching role for the first time in an A5N competition, supported by Assistant coach and national 7s coach James Forrester (ex-Gloucester).

 

“It’s not where we want to be (Division II) obviously,” said Afeaki. “The guys have been at the heights of playing against Japan, Korea and Hong Kong in Asia and that is where they want to live. And they can do it as long as things are well planned. Singapore is a busy place and we need to balance our amateur set-up with the demands of working with players who are all professionals with jobs to do and work and family commitments to meet.

 

“Last year, the build-up was not ideal with the domestic season ending just weeks before Division I. This year, we re-structured the League to finish a few months prior to the competition, which has allowed us to intensify our preparations,” added Afeaki.

 

Prior to Division II, Singapore toured Japan where they played the Japan Under-21 side as well as local clubs in Saitama. The match experience will be key for the Rugby Lions who arrive with 11 new faces in the team for the 2013 campaign, and under a new captain in Daniel Chow of Bedok Kings. 

 

“James (Forrester) has done a great job recruiting some of the newly eligible expatriate players in the league while we are also excited to have several new local players making the step up to senior level. I think our team is really representative of the Singapore rugby scene which is how we want it to be,” said Afeaki.

 

Hosts Malaysia have their own score to settle after failing to capitalize on a prime opportunity to win the same competition in 2012, losing 19-22 to Thailand in last year’s Division II final also at Petaling Jaya.  The frustration after spoiling the chance to close out the match against Thailand, the Malaysians knocked on at the try line in the 81^st minute last year against the Thais, is still keenly felt.

 

 

The memory of the lost on the same ground in 2012 should provide inspiration for a side that doesn’t feature wholesale changes to last year’s team.

 

One important change to the structure is the addition of two former players into the coaching team in new head coach Mohammad Mazuri, coach of the Malaysian league champions this year NS Wanderers, and 27-cap veteran Nik Safuan Bin Ismade. Mazuri is confident that things are in place for Malaysia to go one step further than 2012 saying:

 

“Last year, we only lost focus in the last minute of the last match. We had many opportunities to close out the game but we didn’t take advantage. This year, our build-up has been longer and better and from top to bottom and we have the right mindset to gain promotion. Last year, the reserves failed to make the impact required but this year the difference in quality from the starters to the reserves is minimal. We have had a very competitive build-up which should help at crunch time.”

 

Mazuri is equally clear-eyed about Malaysia’s opponents in the opening semi-finals, Iran, saying:

 

“Iran is a big and physical team, particularly in the pack. We want to move their big men around the park and use our fitness and speed as our main weapons,” added Mazuri.

 

The Malaysians will be using six of their long-time Fijian-born nationals against Iran, including fielding a fully Fijian back row as well as at flyhalf, inside centre and wing with burly captain Mohd Syahir Asyraf taking his customary outside centre spot.

Hosts Malaysia are intent on running off with Division II silverware this week.

 

India will face Singapore in its opening semi-final, in a reprise of the first ever official test match played by the India Rugby Union back in 1988. On that occasion, India lost 85-0 and tomorrow’s semi final will offer a timely analysis of how far the team has come in the intervening years.

 

India also arrives in Kuala Lumpur under a new coach in Ronny Ibrahim of Sri Lanka. The team toured Colombo en route to Malaysia playing matches against some of the top club sides in Sri Lanka, newly promoted to the 2014 HSBC A5N Top 5 after winning this season’s Division I competition. 

 

With a basic target of maintaining its Division II place after being promoted last season, India will mount its challenge with a veteran side under the captaincy of centre/fly-half Nasser Hussain, who has 10 A5N caps since 2008.  However the side will be missing its first choice fullback Rohaan Sethna whose metronomic kicking has accounted for many of India’s points in the HSBC Asian 5 Nations since 2009.  Sethna will be replaced at fullback by Delhi Hurricanes’ fullback Makesh Mankotia who is set to make his A5N debut.

 

Iran round out the coaching changes as former player Pedram Baniameriyan steps up to assume the coaching reigns, taking over a settled side that features many veterans from recent A5N campaigns. With raw talent and size to burn, the question for Iran always remains the challenge of securing enough regular international competition to enter the tournament with a chance of proceeding past the semi final stages. With its opponents in this year’s field boasting some of the best preparation to date for Division II competition, Iran’s challenge will be manifestly more difficult in 2013.

 

On Tuesday (June 4), Singapore will open its HSBC A5N account versus 3^rd-seeds India (kick-off at 15.00) followed by Malaysia versus Iran (17.00). 

 

On Wednesday, the Division III semi-finals will be held. Thursday is a rest day for all teams, with the combined 3^rd/4^th place relegation games for Division II and III on Friday (June 7).

 

The Division II and III finals (promotion matches) will be held on Saturday, June 8.  The Division III champions will be promoted to next year’s Division II tournament, while the 2013 Division II champions will join the 2014 Division I competition alongside relegated Top 5 side UAE, Kazakhstan and Chinese Taipei. Thailand was relegated from Division I this season and will round out next year’s Division II. 

 

About HSBC and Rugby

HSBC is a long-term investor in Rugby in Asia and around the world. As well as being the title sponsor of the Sevens World Series, Asian 5 Nations and Asian Sevens Series, the bank is co-title sponsor of the Hong Kong Sevens from 2012. HSBC is the Principal Partner of all the Hong Kong rugby teams, and the British & Irish Lions, who will play in Hong Kong in 2013 en route to Australia. The bank is also the title sponsor of the Waratahs Super 15 team in Australia, the Penguin International Coaching Academy and the Cobra 10s tournament in Malaysia.

Asian Rugby Football Union (ARFU)

Marking its 45^th anniversary in 2013, ARFU was founded in 1968 with 8 member unions. In the past decade its membership has trebled to 28 full and associate members. Ranging from Kazakhstan in the north to Indonesia in the south and Lebanon in the west to Guam in the east, ARFU covers a territory of over 44 million sq. kilometres and more than three billion people. ARFU is the sanctioning body for the HSBC A5N, (which doubles as the qualifying event for the Rugby World Cup), and the HSBC Asian Sevens Series, which was held for the first time in 2011. ARFU also offers international competition for women and youth across Asia.

ASIA NATIONS DIVISION 2 Day 1

04.06.2013
Singapore v India in Kuala Lumpur (Asia Nations Division 2)
Malaysia v Iran in Kuala Lumpur (Asia Nations Division 2)

Singapore Squad

Name Club CAP(s)

1 Leong Rong Xian, Reiner - Oldham - Debut

2 Tan Soon Heng, Gaspar - Bedok Kings RFC - 17

3 Vis, Dirk Erik - Bedok Kings RFC - 5

4 Lee Yew Loong, Gabriel - SCC - 9

5 Hewitson, Robert Alexander - Bucks RFC - Debut

6 Wyillie, Murray James - SCC - Debut

7 Chow Kwok-Ho Daniel Marc (Captain) - Bedok Kings RFC - 6

8 Mc Feely, Peter William - SCC - 5

9 Mohammad Suhaimi Bin Amran - SCC - 7

10 Cumbers, Ryan Murray - Wanderers RFC - 6

11 Ng Chung Jin, Bryan - SCC - Debut

12 Bourke Andrew - SCC - Debut

13 Tan Wei Liang, Blandon - Oldham - Debut

14 Sidney Kumar - Bedok Kings RFC - 5

15 Muhammad Zaki Bin Mahmood - Bedok Kings RFC - 10

16 Robertson, James Alexander Fair - SCC - Debut

17 Alvin, Ho Yao Wei - Wanderers RFC - Debut

18 Muhammad Hasif Bin Azman - Wanderers RFC - 3

19 Etheredge, Simon Peter - SCC - Debut

20 Lee Junhao, Jonathan - Bedok Kings RFC - 11

21 Roberts, Matthew John - Wanderers RFC - 2

22 Kay Teck Yuan, Jonathan - SCC - Debut

23 Groen, Nicholas Alexander - Bedok Kings RFC - 7

24 Samuel, Lau Biyong - Bedok Kings RFC - Debut

25 Toy, Neil Carr Maxwell - Bucks RFC - Debut

http://www.singaporerugby.com/2013/06/s ... 13-kl.html

Predictions
Singapore by 8 v India
Malaysia by 3 v Iran

WORLD CUP QUALIFYING TEST RUGBY: ASIA

21.04.2012
Chinese Taipei v Singapore in Manilla (WCQ Asia Nations Division 1)

Venue: Rizal Memorial Stadium

Referee:

Preview
This match is a sudden death playoff. Whoever loses drops to Division 2 and any Rugby World Cup qualifying hopes will go out the window.

Chinese Taipei were once an Asian rugby force who threatened Japan and Korea as the giants of Asian rugby. That was back in the eighties. Today rugby on the island of Taiwan is struggling to keep a place at the level below the elite of Asian test rugby. A loss tomorrow will see the Chinese back in Division 2.

Singapore had a season in the elite level of Asian rugby two years ago but they to could well be dropped to Division 2 if they lose tomorrow.

Last Five Encounters
13.11.2008 Singapore 23-22 in Tainan (Asia Nations Division 1)
14.06.2006 Singapore 34-22 in Singapore (Asia Tournament, Division 3)
06.12.2003 Chinese Taipei 19-6 in Tainan (Asia Tournament, Pool B)
29.04.2000 Singapore 22-18 in Singapore (SC Tri-Nations)
05.06.1999 Chinese Taipei 20-11 in Singapore (SC Tri Nations)

This Tournament
Chinese Taipei
v Sri Lanka L 8-36
v Philippines L 12-34

Singapore
v Philippines L 20-37
v Sri Lanka L 10-35

GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table-Singapore 8th, Chinese Taipei 10th

IRB Ranking Points
Singapore 43.77, Chinese Taipei 42.64

Prediction: Singapore by 5 points

Teams as yet unavailable

Chinese Taipei

Singapore

WORLD CUP QUALIFYING ASIA NATIONS R2

18.04.2012
Sri Lanka 35, Singapore 10 in Manilla
Philippines 34, China Taipei 12 in Manilla

Saturday 21 April
Sri Lanka v Philippines-Decides who goes to Asia5Nations 2013
Singapore v Chinese Taipei-To see who drops down to Division 2 and elimination form 2015 Rugby World Cup

Media Release

Sri Lanka and the Philippines set up showdown for promotion to HSBC A5N Top 5 in 2013

Singapore and Chinese Taipei face off in Div I relegation match on Saturday

[Thursday, April 19, 2012]:  Sri Lanka and the Philippines setup a showdown for promotion to the HSBC Asian 5 Nations (HSBC A5N) Top 5competition in 2013 after winning their Round II matches at the HSBC A5NDivision I yesterday at Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila. 

Tournament top seeds Sri Lanka and the Philippines (third seeds) will battle for promotion to next season’s Top 5 on Saturday (Apr 21 at 17.00) while Singapore and Chinese Taipei will fight to avoid relegation to Division II on Saturday(19.00).

Victory was a family affair for the Philippines Volcanoes as they started three sets of brothers in yesterday’s win.  Winger Luke Matthews scored on both of his first two touches of the ball to help pull the Philippines away from a spirited challenge from fourth seeds Chinese Taipei this afternoon.

Blowing off steam PHI Volcanoes winger Luke Matthews scored 2 tries in the HSBC A5N D1 win over Ch. Taipei.

Matthews’ brace of tries equalled that scored by his brother Joe, (who also started at wing today for the Philippines), in the team’s 37-20 victory over Singapore in Round 1 last Sunday (April 15). Matthews’ credited his forwards for some stirring defence early on that helped put the Philippines in the position to break through their last remaining barrier to reaching the promotion match, saying:

“It felt amazing to score twice today but we have to hand it to our forwards whose defence was outstanding and set a great platform for the backline.” 

The Philippines started three sets of brothers against Chinese Taipei: 15s captain Michael Letts and his brother and Philippines Sevens captain Jake, flyhalf and centre Oliver and Matthew Saunders, and the Matthews brothers.  A third Matthews family member, younger brother Daniel, has already represented Philippines at Under 20 level.

When asked if there was a sibling try stakes going at home, a modest Luke Matthews replied, “I’m so proud of Joe. He played great on Sunday and had another great game tonight. It really is incredible to be able to run out on to the pitch alongside him and represent both our country and our family.”

Sri Lanka escaped a tense first half encounter with Singapore this afternoon to emerge victorious 35-10.  The score at the half was 14-10 before Sri Lanka scored three tries in the second stanza whiles hutting out Singapore to close out the match convincingly.

Winger Sandun Herath scored his own brace of tries against Singapore, proving that the Sri Lankans also have plenty of pace out wide, setting the stage for what should be some great running rugby in the final.

Not to be outdone, the Sri Lankans feature their own unique family connection as the captain Yoshitha Rajapaksa and hooker Namal Rajapaksa are the sons of the country’s president, Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Both have been strong performers to date, with Namal returning from injury in match one to support the team through the grueling task of playing thrice in seven days. 

The captain, Yoshitha, a standout for his Navy club and a veteran of Sri Lanka’s2011 Top 5 campaign, has provided a steady hand at the tiller for this young and hungry group of players.

Lankan fullback Rizah Mubarak gets by Singapore's Nicholas Groen at the HSBC A5N Div I.

Former England hooker Phil Greening extended his unbeaten streak on his debut tournament as Sri Lankan coach with the team’s second win today.  Greening commented on the win saying, “I’m proud of the guys, especially the way they fronted up today. We knew how Singapore would play and we put a plan in place to nullify that effort and the guys responded well. But we’ve won nothing so far and I will remind the team of that.

“The Philippines in my eyes are the top team so far”, added Greening. “They are the team to beat there is not doubt about that. There are quite a few players in the Philippines team playing professionally now in Japan or at high level in Australia while seven out of our 22 players earned new caps either today or last Sunday. We have five 19 year olds in the squad also, so I am very pleased with the way our players have taken to the international arena.”

Commenting on the result versus Chinese Taipei, Philippines Coach Expo Mejia said: “That was a tough match and it was just what we needed. They really stretched us and we will be better for it. They were desperate and they really picked it up and tested our defensive structures, which was great for us.

“It will be a very tough match against Sri Lanka on Saturday but it is fitting that it will be the final. It comes down to who recovers best and who steps up most.Both teams are capable of winning and Sri Lanka isn’t quite surprising us. They have a good structure and are very solid in what they do. They have pace out wide and strong forwards. They have it all really, so we are going to have to peak on Saturday to win.

“But our guys are really keen to perform for our fans. We have been dying to have ahome final and show Filipinos what we have got and we finally have that chance.The boys are up for it.”

The results from the opening matches on Sunday saw Sri Lanka and the Philippines both move up in the International Rugby Board world rankings.  Sri Lanka’s 36-8 victory over Chinese Taipei took them three places up the table to 43rd, shunting Malta, Uganda and Ivory Coast down one spot.  Their comprehensive win at Manila’s Rizal National Stadium puts them on 48.02 ranking points, and continued success in the Asian tournament would nudge them further up the ladder.

Perhaps the most note worthy result of the weekend was when the Philippines capitalised on home advantage to surprise Singapore in the first match between the two countries.

Going into last Sunday’s match the Singaporeans were ranked world number 52 and the Philippines 20 places lower, but a 37-20 victory elevated the hosts 10 places in the rankings to number 62 in the world.

Today’s results leave the Volcanoes and Sri Lanka tied at the top of the standings with twelve points each as both picked up a second bonus point.  Singapore and Chinese Taipei have yet to post points but that will be rectified in a tight competition next Saturday to see who retains their Division I spot.

ASIA NATIONS WORLD CUP QUALIFYING TOURNAMENT

Asia Nations Division 1 in Manilla

Sri Lanka v Singapore

Referee:

Preview
Sri Lanka won their first round encounter against Chinese Taipei 36-8 whilst Singapore lost to Philippines 20-37. The odds look stacked against Singapore.
A win to Sri Lanka could well set up a grand final against Philippines Saturday

Last Five Encounters
17.04.2010 Sri Lanka 23-16 in Singapore (Asia Nations Div.1)
11.11.2008 Drawn 20-20 in Tainan (Asia Nations Div.1)
25.06.2005 Sri Lanka 34-17 in Colombo (WCQ Asia Qualifying, Div.3A)
02.07.2000 Singapore 15-12 in Aomori (17th Asia Champ. Div.2)
31.10.1998 Singapore 25-13 in Singapore (16th Asia Champ, Sect.B, Final)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table-Sri Lanka 5th, Singapore 8th

IRB Ranking Points
Sri Lanka 48.02, Singapore 43.77

Prediction: Sri Lanka by 14 points

Teams

Sri Lanka Squad

Henry Terrence (Havelocks), Achala Perera (Kandy SC), Kishore Jehan (Kandy SC), Hasitha Perera (Upcountry Lions), Sharo Fernando (Upcountry Lions), Sumeda Malewana (Navy), Yoshitha Rajapaksa (Captain, Navy), Sajith Saranga (Kandy SC), Srinath Sooriyabandara (Upcountry Lions), Rehan Weerakoon (Navy), Dinesh Kumara (Kandy SC), Charith Seneviratne (Air Force), Dinusha Chathuranga (Navy), Sandun Herath (Havelocks), Reza Mubarak (CR and FC), Nushal Meepage (Army), Namal Rajapaksa (Navy), Sathya Ranathunge (Navy), G.Rathnayake (Kandy SC), Dev Anand (Navy), Dhiren Warnakulasuriya (Havelocks), Suranga Pushpakumara (Navy SC), Mohomed Sheriff(CR and FC), Saliya Handapangoda (Army SC) Officials – Phil Greening (Coach), Sanath Martis (Assistant Coach), Air Commodore Leonard Rodrigo (Manager)
http://www.dailynews.lk/2012/04/03/spo02.asp

Singapore Squad

SIDNEY KUMAR (BKRFC)
ARRIOLA KEITH ANTHONY RAPHAEL (WRFC)
LOO YU CHENG (SCC)
MOHAMMAD SUHAIMI BIN AMRAN (SCC)
MOHAMAD NURHISHAM (BKRFC)
MUHAMMAD ZAKI BIN MAHMOOD (BKRFC)
MUHAMMAD AZMI BIN SULIMAN (BKRFC)
LEE WEIMING ANDREW (BKRFC)
CHEW YEW WAH, ALEXANDER (SCC)
NICHOLAS ALEXANDER GROEN (BKRFC)
LOOI JIAN DANIEL (OLDHAM)
MUHAMMAD HASIF BIN AZMAN (WRFC)
LEE JUNHAO JONATHAN (SCC)
LEE YEW LOONG GABRIEL (SCC)
VICKNESWARAN S/O SELLATHURAI (BKRFC)
MOHAMED ASHRAF (BLACKS)
TAN SOON HENG, GASPAR (BKRFC)
RIADY PERDANA (BKRFC)
MARC WARBURTON (SCC)
PETER WILLIAM McFEELY (SCC)
DIRK ERIK VIS (BKRFC)
BENJAMIN GOH HIN MIN (BUCKS)
ALAN JOHN KENT (SCC)
LEONARD YAP QUAN FENG (WRFC)
JULIEN ALBERT MICHEL VALETTE (BUCKS)
BKRFC: Bedok Kings
WRFC: Wanderers
SCC: Singapore Cricket Club
OLDHAM: Oldham
BLACKS: Blacks
BUCKS: Bucks

http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=60f ... 1520086b86

Chinese Taipei v Philippines

Referee:

Preview
Chinese Taipei lost their first game to Sri Lanka 8-36 and will have their work cut out when they face the hosts in this round 2 rugby test match. The home side should win setting up a probable grand final against Sri Lanka Saturday.

But wait! Rugby is a funny game. Could this be an upset?

These two teams have never met before in a test 15’s international

GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table-Philippines 7th, Chinese Taipei 10th

IRB Ranking Points
Chinese Taipei 42.63, Philippines 41.90

Prediction: Philippines by 9 points

Teams

Chinese Taipei

Philippines Squad

Forwards:
Phil Abraham, JC Bautista, Mat Bellenie, Terry Carroll, Austin Dacanay, Michael de Guzman, Michael Duhig, Kit Guerra, Chris Hitch, Chris Hettell, Steve Howorth, James Neilson, Tyler Perez, Nick Perry, Darran Seeto, Richard Taylor, Josh Tolentino, Jaime Urquijo, Jake Ward

Backs:
Justin Coveney, Chris Everingham, Cleo Gomez, Jake Letts, Michael Letts, Joe Matthews, Luke Matthews, Jon Morales, Harry Morris, Patrice Olivier, James Price, Matt Saunders, Oliver Saunders, Kenny Stern, Brian West
Management:
Expo Mejia (Head Coach), Jarred Hodges (Assistant Coach), Matt Cullen (Manager), Damian Raper (Physiotherapist)

ASIA NATIONS TEST RUGBY: Division 1 pictures

Pictures below thanks to Sean Moore, Asia RFU

Namal Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka slips the Chinese Taipei defence in Rd 1 of HSBC A5N Div 1 Championships in Manila.

Philippines Volcanoes slipped by Singapore in the HSBC A5N Div 1 Opener in Manila

Results again

15.04.2011
Sri Lanka 36, Chinese Taipei 8 in Manilla (WCQ, Asia Nations Div.1.)
Philippines 37,Singapore 20 in Manilla (WCQ, Asia Nations Div.1.)

Next Round Fixtures

18.04.2012
Sri Lanka v Singapore in Manilla (WCQ, Asia Nations Div.1.)
Chinese Taipei v Philippines in Manilla (WCQ, Asia Nations Div.1.)

Final Round Saturday 21 April
Sri Lanka v Philippines in Manilla (WCQ, Asia Nations Div.1.)
Chinese Taipei v Singapore in Manilla (WCQ, Asia Nations Div.1.)