Eagles, Mavericks, and Gorillas to Begin Strong for Luzon Leg 2

by Mark Villamora

The Men’s Eagles RFC, Women’s SKF Makati Mavericks, and Colts Gorilla Rugby dominated Leg 1 of the PRFU Annual Luzon 7s Series, held at the Alabang Country Club on August 17.
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These teams will vie for their top spot in the upcoming Leg 2, which rescheduled on September 28 (Saturday) following its postponement due to Typhoon Ferdie.

Joe Dawson of Eagles RFC made a breakaway as he sprinted with the ball. Photo by Raymond Braganza.

​Men’s Division

The Men’s Eagles RFC started Leg 1 with back-to-back shutout games in Pool A, defeating Gorilla Rugby B and Nomads Carabao with scores of 48-0 and 50-0, respectively. This performance advanced the Eagles to the cup trophy elimination round as the second-ranked team, behind the Manila Nomads, who also kept their opponents scoreless and accumulated 5 points more than the Eagles, gaining a positional advantage.

The Eagles RFC then eliminated the third-ranked SKF Mavericks with a 41-5 victory to secure a spot in the men’s cup final.
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The final battle between the Eagles RFC and the top-seeded Manila Nomads was an intense Leg 1 decider. However, the Eagles managed to turn the tide, claiming the Men’s Division Championship with a 12-7 victory over the Nomads.

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Women's SKF Mavericks imitating Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo's landing as they secured back-to-back wins in Leg 1 of the PRFU Luzon 7s Series. Photo by Raymond Braganza.

Women’s Division

The Women’s SKF Makati Mavericks clinched a streak of clean sheets, leaving their opponents scoreless throughout Leg 1.

The SKF Mavericks began with back-to-back shutout victories against the Manila Nomads Rogues and Eagles RFC, with scores of 27-0 and 48-0, respectively, advancing to the Leg 1 finals as the only undefeated team in the women’s division.

​In the Leg 1 finals, the Mavericks faced the second-seeded Eagles RFC, who had earned their spot after a 27-15 win over the Rogues. The Mavericks once again left the Eagles scoreless, claiming a dominant 50-0 victory.

The SKF Women’s Mavericks have consistently practiced at least once a week since Leg 1, and increased their focus on fitness and scrimmages despite the weather conditions.

“Actually, nanghinayang kami kase napostponed yung Leg 2. Excited pa naman ang buong team kase alam namin na mas challenging sana kase for sure, pinaghandaan din kami ng aming opponent, pero mukhang ang panahon ang hindi prepared samin,” said Sylvia Tudoc of SKF Women’s Makati Mavericks.

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Gorillas Rugby Juniors and SKF Makati Mavericks marking a strong return as they debuted in the Luzon 7s Series again after 5 years. Photo by Raymond Braganza.

Colts Division

​The Gorillas Rugby Juniors and SKF Makati Mavericks made their debut in the newly revived Colts Division after a 5-year hiatus, providing an exciting match in Leg 1 for these developing players.

The Gorillas Juniors started strong with a 10-5 lead in the first game, but the SKF Makati Mavericks kept pace, forcing a 14-14 draw in the second match. The deciding game of Leg 1 favored the Gorillas Juniors, who secured a 7-point advantage, winning 26-19.

​Leg 2 will once again feature familiar faces competing in back-to-back matches throughout the day, with 13 teams participating from the men's, women's, and colt divisions, although the Eagles Ostrich will not be competing in Leg 2.

About Philippine Rugby Football Union
​The Philippine Rugby Football Union (PRFU) is the governing body for the sport of rugby in the Philippines. Established in 1998, PRFU is dedicated to the development and promotion of rugby across the country, from grassroots to elite levels. PRFU oversees various rugby programs, competitions, and national teams, aiming to make rugby a major sport in the Philippines.

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