By Ivan Saldajeno
KUALA LUMPUR--The Philippine Volcanoes suffered a heartbreaking loss right in the final day of the Asia Rugby Championship Division 1 tournament as they bowed to Sri Lanka, 25-21, on Saturday at the Royal Selangor Club.
The Volcanoes saw their comeback from an 11-20 halftime deficit go down the drain as Sri Lanka scored on a last-second try to steal the win.
Entering the final day in the lead, the Volcanoes slipped to third behind Malaysia and Sri Lanka.
“It was obviously gut-wrenching to lose in the final play. The players rallied and worked really hard to grab the lead at the end. I'm so proud of the fight back the Volcanoes showed," said returning Volcano Jakey Letts.
Malaysia secured the Division 1 title plus a spot in the promotional playoff with a 40-20 rout of Singapore.
Singapore's blowout loss staved the Volcanoes from a potential relegation to Division 2, keeping their Division 1 status in the process.
Volcanoes to host rugby 7's event
Meanwhile, the Volcanoes will welcome several rugby 7's teams overseas as they will host the Manila 7's.
Happening for the first time ever, the Manila 7's will take place on Aug. 13-14 at the Southern Plains Field in Calamba.
Clubs from New Zealand, Australia, and England are expected to grace the inaugural rugby 7's event.
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno
“It was obviously gut-wrenching to lose in the final play. The players rallied and worked really hard to grab the lead at the end. I'm so proud of the fight back the Volcanoes showed," said returning Volcano Jakey Letts.
Malaysia secured the Division 1 title plus a spot in the promotional playoff with a 40-20 rout of Singapore.
Singapore's blowout loss staved the Volcanoes from a potential relegation to Division 2, keeping their Division 1 status in the process.
Volcanoes to host rugby 7's event
Meanwhile, the Volcanoes will welcome several rugby 7's teams overseas as they will host the Manila 7's.
Happening for the first time ever, the Manila 7's will take place on Aug. 13-14 at the Southern Plains Field in Calamba.
Clubs from New Zealand, Australia, and England are expected to grace the inaugural rugby 7's event.
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno
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