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By Ruben D. Manahan 4th, Reporter
THE Philippine Rugby Football Union is very
proud of its men’s team for winning the silver medal in the 24th
Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.
PRFU General Manager Rey Gigataras said that
he’s more than satisfied with the performance of the team which
debuted in the biennial meet.
“Of course, we want to win the gold medal, who
doesn’t? But the fact that these players had a shot for the gold
considering that this is their first time to play in the SEAG,
winning the silver is truly amazing,” said Gigataras.
In the semifinal round, the Philippines scored a
12-7 victory over Malaysia. The Malaysians actually dominated the
pool round, posting clinical wins over five competing countries,
including a 17-12 triumph over the Filipinos.
In the finals, the Philippines put up a strong
challenge against the tough Thailand side but lost, 14-28.
“Our players gave their best and made
themselves proud,” said Gigataras. “They suffered a 0-22 loss to
the Thais in the pool round and they were able to improve their game
in the finals.”
The PRFU is now gearing up the next SEAG to be
hosted by Laos in 2009. “We will try to work on our game and make
the team more competitive to have an even better chance to win the
gold,” said Gigataras.
Meanwhile, Gigataras said the team will start
preparing for the triangular test matches possibly with Guam and
Macau from June to July next year.
“We have 1-win 1-loss record in last year’s
test matches. We would like to have a better standing this year,”
he added.
Gigataras also bared plans to put up a women’s
team. “It’s a long process but we’re very interested to have
one.”
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