﻿Volcanoes record another podium finish

Volcanoes record another podium finish

4/17/2017

Debutant Joshua Aragon proved a handful for the opposition at the 2017 Singapore SEA 7s. Photo Credit: Takumi Photography

Singapore: The Philippine Volcanoes spent their Holy Week bagging back-to-back bronze medals in the 2017 Singapore SEA 7s.

In torrential conditions for all teams, the Transcom Lady Volcanoes were first into the bronze medal match after comfortably beating Indonesia 30 points to 0 in their final match of Pool B. After finishing second in their pool behind Singapore, the ladies secured a semi final berth against the number one seed Thailand.

After a one sided affair against Thailand, the Lady Volcanoes fought back to beat Malaysia 17 points to 12 in the bronze medal match. The match was the only game of the tournament to go into extra time. Sylvia Tudoc became the hero after scoring a golden point try to win it for the Lady Volcanoes and secured a spot on the podium for the second year in a row.

Kaye Honoras in action against Indonesia. Photo Credit: Takumi Photography

On the flip side, the Men’s Volcanoes recently backed by Globe Telecom, also took off on a shaky start. The Volcanoes trailed the first seven minutes 17 points to 0 against Singapore in horrid conditions. The Volcanoes were little too late falling 17 points to 5 in the opening match. The Volcanoes however found their form for the remainder of the tournament. Blitzing Indonesia 35 points to 0 and 47 points to 5 against Brunei.

The Volcanoes finished the night on the podium after beating Thailand on a buzzer beater through young Madrona. Madrona scoring in the corner after full time to secure a 12 points to 10 victory. This secured another bronze medal finish and another piece of silverware for the Globe Ph Volcanoes in 2017.

The Men's Volcanoes sent a development team stacked with new blood and debutants, the young Volcanoes did not disappoint. Jonel Madrona voted Man of the Tournament by the coaching staff and Joshua Aragon played outstandingly well considering it was their first men's tournament. Christian Vitug also showed glimpses of class. All three members are graduates of the First Pacific U19 rugby development program.

"In the end, 7s is so unpredictable, so many close games at all levels. I am happy to be walking away with some sort of silverware here in Singapore. Some silverware is always credible" shared Jake Robrigado Letts, National Teams Head of the PRFU.

Both teams used this as a pre tournament warm up for the 2017 Southeast Games.

"We are on track, the Men's identified some youth and the Women's have seen what it takes to go one better" Letts commented further.

Moving forward the Men's Volcanoes are straight into preparations for the Asia Rugby Championships, the SPI Volcanoes are up against Sri Lanka, Malaysia and United Arab Emirates on May 14, 17 and 20 in Ipoh, Malaysia.