PH rugby record wins over NZ Navy Te Kaha

The Philippine Residents 7s team out performed a strong contingent of New Zealand navy seaman last night in a two game international friendly held at the International School Manila.
 
The Philippine Residents 7s team was comprised of members from the Globe Ph Volcanoes who are in preparation for the upcoming 2017 Singapore SEA 7s tournament to be played on April 12 and 13.
 
The Philippine team, led by experienced members Gareth Dela Rosa Holgate and Justin Villazor Coveney started strong and did not take a backwards step against a physical NZ opponent. The Philippines raced off to 15 point lead in the first 7 minutes of the game scoring tries through Coveney, Harry Dionson Morris and Alex Norona Aronson. Te Kaha fought back with pressure early in the second half to score, however it was the Philippines who closed out the first match through Winger Steven Near.   
 
The Philippines went back-to-back in the second match, replicating the same score 20 points to 5. It was the performances of local homegrown players Jonel Madrona and Lito Ramirez who showed sparks of individual brillance. Both players, although very small in weight and height proved size can play to their own advantage in the game of rugby 7s. Edlen Hernandez showed his physical presence and proved he is a player for the future as a Philippine Volcano.
 
The spirit of rugby was the real winner here, bringing together two nations playing a competitive game of rugby in good nature and showing true sportsmanship.

"It was a great event, played in the best spirits of rugby. The NZ players were big and quite physical. Our players however looked very comfortable on the field. You could see the skill level, its pleasing to see. Dave Johnson (Head Coach) and I wanted to come away with a couple of wins here before we depart to Singapore next week for the SEA 7s" shared Jake Letts, National Teams Head of the PRFU. 
 
The match was organised by the Commanding officer HMNZS Te Kaha Commander Steve Lenik, RNZN in conjunction with the Ambassador of New Zealand H.E David Stratchan and Matt Cullen of the PRFU.