By Chris McAsey
The Malaysian Warriors have taken out the Men’s Division 2 title at the Asian Championships after an undefeated run through the competition.
The Warriors were too strong for Japan in the Grand Final, running out comfortable winners 5.3.33 to 1.2.8.
Despite Malaysia’s dominance of the draw, there was hot competition for the minor placings, with the Philippines, Cambodia and China all having their moments in Chon Buri.
Malaysia v Japan
The competition opened with a cracking game between the China Reds and Cambodian Eagles. Led by playing coach Michael Ouzas and veteran captain ‘Whisker’ Lin, the Reds got over the line by 4 points in a thriller, 3.3.21 to 2.5.17.
The Reds were involved in one of the other matches of the tournament against the Philippine Eagles.
Although China looked stronger across the board, the Eagles brought their intensity and threw everything at the contest.
China Reds v Philippine Eagles
In a physical encounter with lots of big tackles, China looked to have gained control before livewire forward Lito Ramirez evened the scores with a sharp crumbed goal.
In the dying seconds, Ramirez struck again with a skilful dribble goal to get the Philippines over the line for a memorable victory, 4.1.25 to 3.1.19.
Malaysia v the Philippines
The Eagles also fought hard against a solid Japanese team led by captain Yamamoto Yuji. Japan dominated the first quarter but had a goal wiped off their score after a head count found they had too many players on the field.
In a high quality game, Japan’s superior kicking and system was the difference and they ran out winners by 27 points.
Japan also survived a testing encounter with the China Reds, eking out a 1-point victory, 1.1.7 to 1.0.6.
Cambodia v the Philippines
Cambodia’s moment came in the final match of the qualifying round, with an 11-point win over the Philippines to clinch third position in the final standings.
Final Div 2 Standings
- Malaysian Warriors
- Japan Goannas
- Cambodian Eagles
- China Reds
- Philippine Eagles
