Philippine Development Team: The first PRFU team to defeat Hong Kong and Win the 2013 International Series

The Philippine Development Team turned the tables on Hong Kong from Wednesday's narrow lost, to win the 2013 International Development series. Led by Captain Aaron Briddon, the "Tamaraws" entered the game knowing they had to win by at least a 7 point margin to claim the series trophy. This was at the back of the players' minds but first and foremost, was the passion to actually become the first PRFU National Team to ever record a win against Hong Kong. After the 36 - 30 defeat on Wednesday, the Tamaraws knew they were in with a chance to make history. The team came together early at Southern Plains to prepare for a championship game.

The Tamaraws consist of local Filipino players and expats who have lived in the Philippines for at least three years. A squad of 40 players from all the PRFU clubs including the Cebu Dragons, combined to make this year's development team. 

As the game began, it was PRFU stalwart Evans "Skins" Atandi, who led the way in the first quarter as he systematically charged onto the ball and broke the advantage line with every run to take the Tamaraws on the front foot. The front row of Glen Denton, Masa Sekiguchi, and Phil Sinclair showed they were up for the battle as they demolished the Hong Kong scrum to set up the Tamaraws' first try of the game. After winning a scrum against the feed and several pick and drives attempts, the ball went wide to Rupert Zappia who hit the line from fullback. He drew two defenders to unleash a SBW flick pass to his fellow Eagles player, Paulo Jordan, to score untouched in the corner. 

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Hong Kong then stepped up the game tempo and this only ignited the Tamaraws' backrow of Tim Kong, Dave Feeney, and Jay Coronel into action. They continually thumped the Hong Kong attackers, forcing turnovers to give the Tamaraws a narrow halftime lead of 5 - 3. 
 
It wasn't until midway though the second half that the Tamaraws were able to penetrate the Hong Kong defense. A deft kick from Tim Bweheni set up Sam Fogg for the Tamaraws' second try to take a 10 - 3 lead into the last twenty minutes of the game.

Coach Matt Cullen then gave the order to pin the Hong Kong team deep in their own territory and force them to score from their own quarter. The Tamaraws did this to perfection and used the wind and field angle to their advantage, continually pinning Hong Kong in their own quarter. Eventually, this led to frustrations by Hong Kong as they desperately tried to attack from their own territory and they gave up two penalties that were both converted by Zappia. The Tamaraws could sniff victory and Dean Gonzales  from the Alabang Eagles, who had worked tirelessly in the second row, came up with several front on tackles to stifle any attacking raids that Hong Kong tried to amount.

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The final whistle blew and the Tamaraws had turned the table and not only beat Hong Kong, but won by a 10 point margin 16 - 3. They claimed the 2013 International Development Series on aggregate by 7 points over the two games. This was the first win for the Tamaraws in the last two years and the local crowd witnessed a competitive series that resulted in a first for the PRFU. The Tamaraws became the first ever National team to beat Hong Kong in an International Competition.
 
The Philippine player of the series was awarded to Dean (Dino) Gonzales for his committed efforts throughout both games.

The PRFU are now planning to take the 2013 Philippine Development team on an International Tour and keep the winning team together to show that local Filipino Rugby talent can match it with the best in Asia.

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2013 Philippine Development Team:

Glen Denton (Eagles)
Chris Hettel (Eagles)
Masa Sekiguchi (Eagles)
Dino Gonzales (Eagles) 
Evans Atandi (Eagles) 
John Odullio (Eagles)
Tim Kong (Eagles)
Jeepy Paypon (Eagles)
Jovic Paypon (Eagles)
Tim Bweheni (Eagles)
Robert Jones (Eagles)
Rupert Zappia (Eagles)
Paulo Jordan (Eagles)
Chris Everingham (Eagles)
Chris Ignacio (Eagles)
Gerard Davis (Eagles)
Phil Sinclair (Nomads)
David Feeney (Nomads)
Jon Morales (Nomads)
Aaron Briddon (Nomads)
Steve Mommaerts (Nomads)
Sam Fogg (Nomads)
Chris Anderson (Nomads)
Geoffrey Veraces (Cebu)
Peter Sawal (Cebu)  
Merrick Magdaraog (Globe)
Francis Marcilla (Globe)
Jay Coronel (Globe)
Krish Aliwalas (Globe)
Melvin Devera (Globe)
Eddie Tesoro (Globe)
Jason Lock (Mavericks)
Lito Ramirez (Mavericks)
Marc Balucan (Mavericks)
Reb Dela Cruz (Mavericks)
Ralph Dimayuga (Mavericks)
Mark Esteban (QCPU)
Gaz Holgate

Head Coach: Matthew Cullen
Physiotherapist: Rico Barin

All photos on this page by Christopher Hettel


The Philippine Development Team would like to thank their sponsors: