Winning four out of five games convincingly can be seen as good. But when the only game lost was in a cup final then it’s a bit more somber. Yet the long terms signals are positive for the Pattaya Panthers rugby team.
Khon Kaen University hosted its annual rugby 10’s tournament over the weekend 2nd & 3rd April with mostly other University teams participating. Having gone to a seat of learning in Northeast Thailand, the Panthers were there to deliver a lesson in rugby, using a practical teaching approach. However, the students did enjoy the lesson and showed that they are smart and quick learners by winning the enjoyable tournament.
Day one started too early for a team that had an eight-hour bus ride the previous evening, arriving near 5:00 am in Khon Kaen. A dreamy start occurred as the Panthers were over The Moon in a quick 22-0 victory. Captain AD and Marcel got their personal try scoring competing off with both men scoring two tries each, however goal kicking was not one of the strong points of the weekend.
The Pattaya Panthers team pose for a photo following their cup final defeat to Samyan in Khon Kaen.
Tour virgin Brice got the second game going with a textbook worked try on the left and made the conversion count against Gays Gang. Doug showed off his legs to add another try and conversion in the second half. Meanwhile AD and Marcel continued their rivalry with a try each and a manly 24-0 scoreline for the Panthers showed some authority and set down a marker.
Mukdaham Barbarians proved much tougher and physically bigger opposition in the next game but they still went down 17-5 to the Panthers – Brice, AD, and Marcel again contributing points. There were several mistakes in the game which was not helped by some questionable refereeing. Marcel received a yellow card which allowed Mukdadam a penalty try.
Day two was hotter and drier than the first one. Timings of the games initially looked good however a three hour interval did not help. Koe Kae (ex and present KKU students) proved formidable despite the resulting 20-5 win for the Panthers.
Marcel got a quick try, stealing the ball from the kickoff to power his way over the line. Physically present and speedy Koe Kae kept pushing the Panthers back, but an organized defense kept the Panthers pelt on. Koe Kae not to be outdone scored on a breakaway to end the first half with a try of their own. It did not help the Panthers that Mario had earlier been yellow carded for a try-stopping high (?) tackle, but Doug showed what experience and ability can do by adding two tries in the game. Then, from deep in Panthers own half, the wingers got a break with Spike passing back into Pete for a 60th minute try.
The cup final was deservingly between two teams that had not lost any games. Samyan showed why they were in the final with quick, powerful straight runs and doing the basics right. The Panthers previously organized defense was soon in disarray and Samyan were able to exploit the overlaps and score two quick tries.
The Panthers were able to settle a bit for AD to score a try and make the conversion to keep them in the game. However, injuries meant the shallow touring Panthers were without substitutes for the second half though Marcel did add another try. Samyan, using their deep reservoir of players had a continuous flow of freshness on the field. A determined Panthers could not stop the flow of tries but were able to slow it a little. The final score 36-12 for Samyan was justified.
The Pattaya Panthers have had an active year so far, playing more games and tournaments than in many years before. Each tour sees the Panthers closer to emerging as champions. With the Pattaya 10’s tournament on the horizon (30th April – 1st May) there is a chance that a potential home win will not be just down to having the hot Hooters hostesses on hand or home field advantage, but more down to a consistent build up and preparation.
