The Association of Local Colleges and Universities (ALCU) Games were held last Monday and Tuesday, March 3-4, 2014, at University of Makati oval. This tournament marked the third time Touch Rugby was included in the association's calendar sports. Three women's teams and three men's teams competed for the champion title in their respective divisions. ![]() In the men's division matches, it was host school University of Makati (UMAK) Herons and the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) who battled it out for league supremacy. The rookie team Taguig City University (TCU) fought hard on all their games but were ultimately bested by the other teams' experience. The finals match between UMAK and PLM was the highlight of the tournament. UMAK Herons, who had the home field advantage and the cheers from a predominantly UMAK crowd, made their presence felt early with a diving try just seconds after the kick off. PLM capitalized on a defensive error and made a break on the wing to score their first try of the game. It was a seesaw battle from then as both teams answered back try after try. A yellow card issued to a UMAK player gave PLM the chance to win the match but the UMAK boys' awesome defense prevented them from doing so. Full time ended and the score was still 4-4 draw. Extra time was needed to determine the winner of the match. A draw and pass to the wing 3 minutes into extra time gave the PLM boys the golden point they needed to secure the crown. Hats off to both team for playing well in the finals match. ![]() In the ladies matches, University of Makati (UMAK) Herons and Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) battled it out for the women’s title. The UMAK Lady Herons, led by three national team standouts, were undefeated in the round games. PLM had a draw in their round game against the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa (PLMun) but due to higher for-against quotient, they were able to secure their spot in the finals. The Lady Herons experience and teamwork gave them an advantage against the newly-formed PLM team. Despite this advantage, PLM still managed to score a try against UMAK. Match ended with a 6-1 win for the UMAK ladies. Good job to both teams for a well-fought match. This tournament introduced Rugby's new “set and roll” rule. Traditionally, players put the ball on the ground and stepped over it upon being touched. Under the new rule, players had to kneel on one or both knees upon getting touched. Two handed touch below the chest level was also implemented plus the 'open play' option when ball is knocked back. The quick line out rule was also introduced in this year's games. This variation is more consistent with the rules of full contact rugby. All teams were able to adjust to the new rule and played fun, high-level games throughout the tournament. ALCU Games is an annual event. PRFU's goals are to include more member schools in the rugby division and be able to play full contact rugby 7s matches in the future.
The Association of Local Colleges and Universities (ALCU) Games were held last Monday, March 4, 2013, at Dizon National High School in San Pablo, Laguna. This tournament marked the second time Touch Rugby was included in the association's calendar sports. Two women's teams, three men's teams, and four mixed teams competed for the champion title in their respective divisions. ![]() photo credit: US NCA In the ladies exhibition matches, rivals University of Makati (UMAK) Herons and Quezon City Polytechnic University (QCPU) Questors battled it out for the women’s title. The first game saw the Herons, led by Rugby Sevens Development player Loujen Saldo, win by a single point for a final score of 2-1. The Questors gave their all in the second game, aiming to force a winner-take-all third match. It was a close round, but a breakaway by Herons winger Cha Bolando in the penultimate minute scored the winning try. The Herons ended the match with another 2-1 lead against the Questors, and Cha Bolando was awarded Most Valuable Player for the Ladies Division. ![]() photo credit: US NCA The men's division finals match was the highlight of the tournament, as UMAK Herons and QCPU Questors battled for the league supremacy. The Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) team fought hard on all their games but were ultimately bested by the other teams' experience. UMAK Herons, led by National Team Under 18s players Chester Anin and Raphael Ordoñez, were poised to defend their title, but QCPU Questors had other plans. Driving hard through UMAK's defensive wall, QCPU scored repeatedly by passing the ball out wide to speedy wingers. The Herons had difficulty adjusting to the Questors' pace and were unable to match the skill level. In the end, the QCPU Questors took the men's crown with a 4-0 sweep. ![]() photo credit: US NCA The mixed division saw a total of four teams: two each from UMAK and QCPU. UMAK A and QCPU A ended the pool games with a draw on their first encounter. They later faced each other again in the finals round. With accurate passing, speed, and stamina, QCPU A won by a final score of 4-2 against UMAK A, taking the title of mixed division champion. This tournament continued to adhere to Rugby's new “set and rip” rule. Traditionally, players put the ball on the ground and stepped over it upon being touched. Under the new rule, players had to turn their back to the opposition and present the ball to their teammates, who, in turn, had to rip the ball from touched player. This variation is more consistent with the rules of full contact rugby. All teams were able to adjust to the new rule and played fun, high-level games throughout the day.
ALCU Games is an annual event. PRFU's goal is to include the other member schools in the Rugby division in the future. |
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