Lady Volcanoes eye crown vs Singaporeans

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Lady Volcanoes aim to overcome the odds as they shoot for the Asia Rugby Women’s Championship Division 1 diadem against fancied host Singapore tonight at Queenstown Stadium in the Lion City.

The Lady Volcanoes enter the 7 p.m. game the underdogs against the Singaporeans, who not only carry the highest ranking in the field at 34th against Phl’s 51st but also enjoy tremendous crowd support.

Playing in their first international 15s tournament in six years, the Filipinas showed fine form and nipped unranked India, 19-5, last Tuesday, to set up a title showdown with Singapore.

“We’re really happy with our performance against India,” said Phl skipper Aiumi Ono. “I was very impressed with our defense; we shut down their runners and they couldn’t get the ball out to the wingers. Off our set plays, we really did well in our zones but we have to improve for our match with Singapore.”

Sylvia Tudoc scored the first for Phl try just before half-time then Tanya Bird and veteran and Asia Rugby Council member Ada Milby took turns bursting through the Indian defense in the second half to widen the gap.

The Singaporeans flexed their muscles in a 30-5 beating of an Indian side that played its first ever international test.