Volcanoes take silver in Asian 7's developmental tourney

By Ivan Saldajeno

AL AIN--The Philippine Volcanoes finished second in the Asia Rugby Development 7's Series which concluded over the weekend.

The Volcanoes, who placed third in the tail-end of the two-legged rugby tournament series, finished in a tie with UAE, and Thailand for the silver with the Filipinos getting the better of the two others on points scored.

Jonico Hardwick emerged as the top tie scorer of the tournament with 15, while fellow Volcano Sean Lynch followed with 14.

“It was a positive result for the Volcanoes to achieve silver in the tournament in Asia. The playing conditions and schedule in both Chennai and Al Ain were grueling and challenging, yet the players were able to persevere and improve with each game, we look forward to rebuilding and going one better next year,” skipper Justin Coveney said about the Volcanoes' second place finish.

Chinese-Taipei, which won both the Al Ain leg and the preceding Chennai leg, booked a promotional spot to the Asia Rugby 7's Series later this year.

Meanwhile, focus will now be on the Volcanoes' title defense bid in the Southeast Asia 7's tournament in Singapore in April that will begin their buildup for the Southeast Asian Games.

Also, the 15's team will return to action as it plays in the Asia Rugby Championship Division 1 tournament on May 8, 11, and 14 in Kuala Lumpur.

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