Lady Volcanoes seal Asia rugby title clash vs Singaporeans

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Lady Volcanoes returned to the Asia Rugby Women’s Championship Division 1 with a bang, hammering out a 19-5 rout over India on muddy conditions Tuesday night at Queenstown Stadium in Singapore to set a title duel with the host Singaporeans.

Playing in their first 15s international since 2012, the Filipinas put up a strong performance with Sylvia Tudoc, Tanya Bird and Ada Milby taking turns scoring to upend the Indians and elevate their scheduled game against Singapore on Friday night into a title decider. The Singaporeans had demolished India earlier, 30-5.

“It’s a great start to the tournament, credit to the players and coaching staff, they have worked hard for this victory. It’s not finished yet, Singapore will be another tightly contested match,” said Phl Rugby executive Jake Letts.

Ace center Tadoc of the Mavericks bust through the Indian defense off a 22-meter line out to draw first blood for the Lady Volcanoes at the stroke of halftime, with newcomer Agot Danton adding two points to give Phl a 7-0 upperhand at the break.

The Pinay ruggers turned it up after the restart and pouncing on back-to-back penalties, made it a 12-0 contest with back-rower Bird of English side Brigford powering her way home at the 48th. For the second time, Danton of the Davao Durians, converted to widen the gap, 14-nil.

Team leader and Asia Rugby Council member Milby came off the bench to add a third try for Phl at the 60th and jack it up to 19-0 before Priya Bansal put India on the board with her late try.

“We are really happy with our performance against India. It’s such a great feeling winning the first game of the team’s comeback after six years,” said Phl skipper Aiumi Ono.

“I was very impressed with our defense. We shut down their (India’s) runners and they couldn’t get the ball out to the wingers. Off our set plays we did really well in our zones but we have to be stronger on our rucks and have to improve for our match with Singapore,” she added.