Philippines 86, Malaysia 20
The Philippines made an emphatic statement about its own Top 5 aspirations in today’s 3rd/4th play-off with an 86–20 rout of Malaysia. The Philippines become one of only two teams this year (alongside Iran in Division II) to retain their spot after being promoted a year earlier.
The Volcanoes rumbled to a 26-0 lead by the 15th minute today. The Philippines centre pairing was too hot to handle for Malaysia as inside centre Justin Coveney scored four tries while outside centre Gareth Holgate, (who along with captain Michael Letts is one of two Volcanoes to have been signed to play professionally in Japan next season), added a hat-trick of his own to put Malaysia out of reach.
Philippine’s Justin Coveney
is off to play in Japan in 2012
Winger Joven Clarke continued his strong debut tournament for the Philippines adding two tries this afternoon to the one he tallied on Wednesday against Korea. Other try scorers were props Austin Dacanay and Josh Sutcliffe, No 8 Chris Hitch, scrumhalf James Price and reserve back Patrice Olivier in a 15-try blitz.
Malaysia captain and flanker Nik Safuan Ismade added his own impressive performance in a losing effort today scoring all of his side’s points through a try and five penalties.
Malaysian flanker (headgear) and captain
scored all of Malaysia’s points.
Philippines Manager Matt Cullen commented on the win saying, “We were gutted after losing to Korea on Wednesday but I am proud of the boys for picking up the pieces and making a statement today.”
“We have a young side whose average age is just 22 and I think we have shown this week that we have what it takes to compete at this level. What we need now are more games against the Korea’s, Hong Kong’s and Japan’s of Asian rugby to help us close the gap on the Top 5. We will come back even stronger for next year’s Division I tournament.”
Philippines were too good for Malaysia
and stay in Division 1 for 2012.
HSBC Asian 5 Nations Division I 3rd/4th Place Playoff
Match: Malaysia vs Philippines
Half- time score: 17 – 38
Full- time score: 20 – 86
Scorers
| Name | Country | Try | Conv. | Pen. | DG | Total (pts) |
| Joven Clarke | Philippines | 2 | 1 | 12 | ||
| Gareth Holgate | Philippines | 3 | 15 | |||
| Oliver Saunders | Philippines | 7 | 14 | |||
| Justin Coveney | Philippines | 4 | 20 | |||
| Ismade Nik Man | Malaysia | 1 | 5 | 20 | ||
| Chris Hitch | Philippines | 1 | 5 | |||
| James Price | Philippines | 1 | 5 | |||
| Austin Dacanay | Philippines | 1 | 5 | |||
| Patrice Oliver | Philippines | 1 | 5 | |||
| Josh Sutcliffe | Philippines | 1 | 5 |
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