Philippine rugby boys topple Hong Kong rivals

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine U19 rugby development team delivered a sterling performance to outclass the Hong Kong Junior Warriors, 36-12, in the opener of their two-match International Development Series dubbed First Pacific Cup over the weekend at Southern Plains Field in Calamba, Laguna.

Lyndon Adlao and Reymarc Faller Bustillo led the way as the Young Volcanoes jumped the gun on their counterparts from powerhouse Hong Kong for the first time in three years and grabbed the upperhand entering the second outing this week.

Adlao of the Eagles RFC scored back-to-back tries as the home side wiped out an early 0-5 deficit and wrested control, 12-5, after 20 minutes. Sub Bustillo of the Makati Chiefs created a huge impact with his speed and agility upon his entry and spiked his heroics with two tries in either half plus a penalty to help Phl break the game open.

Raphael Barberis added five more points in the corner off a quick tap for the MVP Sports Foundation-backed Phl team before the Junior Warriors scored a late try for the final count.