THE Volcanoes Development 7s team continued to polish its team chemistry following a promising and exciting stint at the London 7s in Chiswick over the weekend.
The Philippine heritage team got off to a strong start against Nomads 7s, winning a close battle, 19-14, and settling for a 19-19 draw with Kew Occasional Rugby 7s in its second match.
The Volcanoes then progressed against OJ Renegades in the knockout rounds but went down, 17-28, in a competitive game.
“Some very close games—some went our way and others the opposition’s way,” team leader Vince Amar Young said. “We had some great support from the sidelines, up to 400 people cheering on and watching the Philippines each game.”
The matches saw some new talent, including Tomas Villalba Smith, rising to the occasion.
“Tomas was great, all the Villalba Smith brothers are exciting to watch,” Young said. “Tomas, along with Jerome Padillo Rudder, played outstanding.”
Ethan Cuison Chen also made an impact in his first tournament, Young added.
The Volcanoes are bound to their fourth and final competition at the Summer Social 7s in London this weekend.
“One more competition to go, it’s been a tremendous program for our Union to be involved in,” Jake Letts, CEO for Philippine Rugby, said. “The pandemic has forced no rugby in the Philippines or in Asia, and we are thankful and grateful we were able to play in the UK with our players residing there.”
Letts said they are looking forward to also competing in Australia, New Zealand and in the US later this year.