The rejuvenated Alabang Eagles came out with a determined attitude when they lined up against Nomads in the second round of the 'A' Division PRFU 10's league at Nomads last Saturday evening. An under strength Eagles team had lost their first encounter against Nomads in round one and knew that a loss in round 2 would give the Nomads the league trophy by winning 2-0 in the best of 3 games.

The Alabang Eagles had everything to play for and with the return of their inspirational Captain and National Player Andrew Wolff, the Eagles looked ready to take on a strong Nomads outfit. The Alabang Eagles were also boosted with the inclusion of the Zappia brothers, Rupert and Raf, who are both current Philippine National Men’s Team players and made themselves available for the second round clash.

The game started at a ferocious pace and it was Eagles Captain Andrew Wolff who busted through some solid Nomads defense to score beside the posts, the try was converted by Rupert Zappia. The second try for the Eagles was scored by substitute player’ ‘Hookey’ after Ronald Fong stole a Nomads ball at a line out to set up the Eagles backs who showed classy hands to score out wide, the try was again converted by Rupert Zappia.

It seemed as though the game was in the bag but to their credit Nomads came back and started to lift the tempo of the game. With Rupert Zappia sitting on the sideline with a yellow card, Nomads applied the pressure and were able to score before halftime to take the score to 14-7 at the break.

The Eagles regrouped at halftime and obviously recognized that Nomads were capable of winning the game. The Eagles played with more flair and were able to run the older Nomads team around the park. The Eagles ran in four unanswered tries in the second half to win the game 38-7. The Eagles best player went to Ronald Fong who is an ex Brent School Graduate who last played for the Eagles when they made the Cup Final at the Manila 10’s in 2005. Ronald proved time and again that solid defense and strong running up the middle of the ruck will always win Rugby Games.

This now sets up for the final showdown at the Eagles Tens tournament on Saturday March 7th at the Ayala Alabang Country Club, where the game between the Eagles and Nomads will decide two trophies, the Eagles 10's Trophy and the PRFU 10's league trophy. Both teams will be motivated to win this game and take the first PRFU league trophy for the 2009 season. What better way to prepare for the upcoming international matches in the Manila 10's.

• 
• 
• 

Carabaos Upset Japan Rugby Club

The Carabaos registered their first win in the PRFU 10's 'B' Division series by beating a defiant Japan Team by 36-22. In this high scoring affair the Carabaos ran in 5 tries to 4 and it was goal kicking that made the difference with the Carabaos converting three tries compared to Japan's solo conversion. The game was a physical encounter and the Carabaos were able to secure position in the second half to hold out spirited Japanese Team.

Ibons Jump to Outright Lead in PRFU 10's Division 'B' League

With one round left to play at the Alabang Eagles 10’s this coming Saturday, March 7th; it is the Alabang Ibons who have taken the outright lead in the 'B' division of the PRFU 10’s league with wins over the Carabaos and MAAP.

The Ibons looked strong from the start of the game and were able to outmuscle their smaller MAAP opponents. It was JJ Dawal from HMR who opened the scoring for the Ibons which was closely followed by a try from Josh Moja from the Adventist University who also ended up with the best player award. Josh was well supported by Adventist Club mate 'Hookey' who ended up running in 4 tries and is pushing for a starting position in the Eagles 'A' Team.

The Ibons won the game 57-12 and only have to defeat the Japan Rugby Club this Saturday to claim the Division 'B' PRFU 10's League Trophy.

See the results HERE