| Fadhil Yunus |
GUAM were crowned champions in the Asia Rugby Championship Division III East after registering their second successive win thanks to a comfortable 52-12 win over China at the Balapan Track and Field of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex yesterday.
Chris Sgro was the star performer for his team after scoring four tries with John Martinez and Vao Vaiau also contributing with a try each while Gerard Aguon made six conversions.
China scored their tries through Xuzeng Wang and Ratu Totivi Dakainiviti Ralulu to give them hope with 31-12 down but Guam pulled away once more.
Guam head coach Tony Penn was visibly pleased with his side’s performance. “I am really happy with the way the guys went today and obviously very ecstatic that we managed to get a good victory against a tough Chinese side,” he said.
The team has not featured in a lot of matches at international level but Penn has eyed matches closer to home with Philippines and Japanese universities possible options to help his players gain some exposure and game time.
“Currently, we only travel to one tournament per year which is the Asian division in this instance,” he said.
The victory still leaves Guam, ranked 70th in the world, in uncertainty on their hopes for Division II qualification, which features higher ranked teams, but Penn is keen to return to that level.
“We love to get back to Division II. The last time we were in Division II we narrowly lost to Thailand in our first game and then we beat Uzbekistan. We learnt a lot from that higher level but I thought it was good for the guys.
“We certainly held our own and unfortunately they relegated two teams out of the four to get back to Division III.
“We hope we get promoted and test ourselves against some of the higher ranked nations but I’m happy with the way the guys performed this week.”
The head coach said that the team has only been together since last Tuesday and has previously stated that they have no domestic competition.
“The ability and passion that they showed is outstanding and I really hope that they are rewarded for the performances they put on this week,” he added.
Dr Haji Kamaruddin bin Dato Seri Paduka Haji Talib, Acting President of Brunei Rugby Football Union, presented the prizes.
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