Cebu Dragons dump Manila Nomads, 29-12

CEBU, Philippines -  The Cebu Dragons thrashed archrival Manila Nomads in dominating fashion, 29-12, for their first ever 15-aside victory during the 4th Overgaard Cebu 10’s Rugby Festival at the Cebu International School grounds last weekend.

It was a sweet victory for the Cebu Dragons as they were able to overpower the reigning Philippine National 15-a-side champions and won all three installments of the Cebu 10s Rugby Festival.

The Nomads had a great start trying to run the home side off their feet, however, the Cebu side led by playing coach and captain Noel Flowers refused to budge.

 Following a good scrum, the ball came to the Dragons Matt Aspergren, who scythed through the Nomads defense to score from his own half and a great conversion followed from birthday boy Jerry Branzuela to give the Dragons a 7-point lead.

Not to be outdone the Nomads pressed again and under pressure in defense the Dragons did not clear their lines, coupled with poor tackling, the Nomads hooker ran it back hard and straight to score a converted try under the posts.

This obviously upset the all-French Cebu back row, who fought for every scrap of ball, and pressure brings points, and having won another good scrum put Flowers away to score. However lack of ball retention, let the Nomads back into it giving them an easy score to square the game at 12 -12.

The Dragons forwards rose again in the second half contesting everything and with the visitors tiring pressed on leaving outstanding flanker Jacob Sohn to roll off the driving maul to score.

Again a good take from the drop out let to Cebu pressure again on the Manila defense, causing the ball to drop into the hands of big young prop Cam Booth who powered over to score again for the Dragons. 

With the score at 24-12 to the home side, the Nomads threw everything at Cebu, however the home defense was ultra resilient holding their line until eventually the ball came loose and a kick away saw young winger Francis Chua grasp the loose ball and outpace the defense to score for the Dragons for the final result, 29-12.

The Nomad Sports Club was founded in 1914 and introduced rugby to the Philippines. They have had a thriving rugby section since the 1960s. (FREEMAN)