By Chris McAsey
The Japan Goannas are Asian Champions for the first time since 2019 after an unbeaten run in the Mens Div 3 competition.
After an arm wrestle early in the Grand Final, Japan’s superior foot skills, running power and pressure overwhelmed the Indonesia Volcanoes, running out winners 20 – 2.
Japan moved the ball quickly and directly, and their relentless attack on the ball set up repeated opportunities for their tall forwards to clinch the title.
Japan’s tournament got off to a flying start in Round 1 with a powerful 46 – 0 win over hosts Thailand Tigers.
PHOTO – CAREY_PECK
The Tigers battled hard and never gave up, but lacked some class with ball in hand. The positive for Thailand is that local players from their CUBS development squad gained valuable experience and some young guns hit the scoreboard against the Asia Barbarians in a 29 – 7 win.
The Indonesia Volcanoes also went through Round 1 undefeated before coming up short in the Grand Final. Their powerful line-up put on a clinic while scoring big wins over the Barbarians and Tigers. The Volcanoes had clearly trained hard and prepared well in the lead-up and showed many positive signs with local players coming through the ranks.
PHOTO – CAREY_PECK
Resplendent in pink guernseys, the Laos Elephants were made up almost entirely of local players. They gave a good account of themselves in Round 1 with a big 55 – 0 win over the Barbarians, before hard fought losses to grand finalists Indonesia and Japan.
PHOTO – CAREY_PECK
The Hong Dragons’ expats and local players combined well to get over the line against the Thailand Tigers 17 – 13 in a competitive game.
RD 1
JG 46 – TT 0
LE 55 – BB 0
IV 16 – HKD 0
TT 29 – BB 7
IV 21 – LE 0
JG 34 – HKD 0
HKD 17 – TT 13
JG 31 – LE 7
IV 73 – BB 7
IV 69 – TT 6
JG 56 – BB 0
LE 16 – HKD 9
GF
JG 20 – IV 2
