Pattaya Panthers rugby union squad made sure that the Manila Nomads took no trophies as they ambled through Pattaya on November 28.
The Nomads tour of Pattaya included a game against the Panthers at Horseshoe Point on a balmy Saturday afternoon. Conditions were perfect for a friendly encounter and as generosity is a feature of the Panthers, three of the home players were loaned out to the Nomads.
Due to the number shortages with the Nomads, three 15-minute thirds of 15s were agreed upon with a fourth quarter to be added if the bodies held up. Both sides play a similar style of rugby but the Panthers had the advantage of some enthusiastic and competent Thai players in their ranks. Uncharacteristically, the Panthers got off to a relatively quick start; a quickly taken tap penalty by Chris Mander saw him lay the ball off for Sam to run in for a try.
Settling into the game, the Nomads took the fight back to the Panthers with some scintillating runs and the game was camped mostly in the Panthers’ half. Being on the back foot for much of the time meant the there was some relief for the Panthers as the whistle blew to end a tense first 15 minutes of play.
The Nomads continued where they left off at the start of the second period with a continued onslaught on Panthers’ defence. Two sets of mauls allowed the visitors to then make a quick break straight through a static Panthers’ back line to score.
The Panthers reacted positively and prevented their home field from becoming Nomads’ territory with a sensational smoking run by Sam to go through the center and between the posts. The returning Panther showed the hunger, fight and determination of a released caged cat. Following a successful conversion the game then slowly drifted around the halfway line, with neither side making many metres.
The third period started relatively slowly with fatigue beginning to show in the Nomads. Both teams resorted to kicking for field position which gave plenty of line out practice. For Pattaya, Sam again proved to be the superhero as with a quick inside break and step out he outpaced the defence to score the Panthers’ third try of the game.
The home side got their game rhythm going, retaining possession and working the ball out to the wings. With a youthful elegance, Thai winger Thae brought the game to an end with a last play try on the wide left. Unfortunately AD’s valiant kick attempt did not count and left a final score of 24-5 in favour of the Panthers.
Post game formalities saw hat-trick hero Sam being awarded Man-of-the-Match after some short rambling speeches. It had been a good game played between two fair-minded sides. Thanks to go to the Nomads for passing through and also to Horseshoe Point for providing the excellent facilities.
