Subic Shark Jets, SKF Mavericks Eye on 2018 Domestic Rugby Title

Lito Ramirez of SKF Mavericks, Jovic Paypon of Eagles RFC, Jonel Madrona of Subic Shark Jets

​MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Subic Shark Jets and Santos Knight Frank (SKF) Mavericks are the only teams with two wins from the first two games in the 2018 SPI 15s Rugby Championship.
 
Last Saturday at Southern Plains, saw Philippine Rugby field six teams for the 2018 SPI 15s Rugby Championship division. The SKF Mavericks held together strongly to withstand a late Albay Bulkans attack, holding onto a 20 points to 17 victory in fantastic weather at Calamba, Laguna. The Mavericks were lead around the park by Philippine Volcano Lito Ramirez, and in the engine room by Jeremy Hernandez.
 
“Ramirez and Hernandez once again stood out for the Mavericks, both leaders on the field and show promising talent. If they can continue their form, both are on the verge of once again being selected for national duties in 2018” shared Jake Letts, a National Teams Head of Philippine Rugby.
 
In the second match of the day, the HMR Ibons bounced back from their loss to their Mavericks three weeks ago to put in a dominate performance over the Makati Chiefs. The Chiefs suffered and the Ibons capitalised on the weakened opposition. Jovic Paypon returned with lightning footwork and fearless defence. The Chiefs will be looking to welcome back big names Spargo, Near and Menard for Round 3.
 
The final match of the day saw the Subic Shark Jets and the Manila Carabaos in what was a David and Goliath encounter. The Shark Jets, an amalgamation of Subic Sharks and Clark Jets, were up against a bigger and physically stronger team in the Manila Carabaos. But the speed and agility of the Subic Shark Jets proved too much for the Carabaos and the Shark Jets prevailed 57 -26. Strong performances by Philippine Volcano Jonel Madrona and Michael Morales proved too much to handle.
 
“We knew the Carabaos were going to be physical up front, our players tackled low to prevent their big men gaining strong momentum. We always knew our speed would eventually be too much for their big men also. Credit to the Carabaos, they are a solid team, it was a tough match” shared Jovan Reyes Masalunga, Philippine Volcano and co-captain for the Shark Jets.   
 
Whilst the HMR Ibons now try to catch the leading two teams, the Shark Jets and SKF Mavericks don’t face off until round 4 of the 2018 SPI 15s Rugby Championship.
 
Round two of the 2018 SPI 15s Rugby Premiership takes place this Saturday 10th March from 12.30pm at Southern Plains, Canlubang.