In most instances brains beat brawn, but in battles the winners usually boast both. Rugby is one of those battlefields where intelligence is as important as muscle use.
On Saturday, Oct. 3, a visiting Sri Lankan Navy team sailed in for a sparring session with the Pattaya Panthers Rugby Club. Initially a full game was planned but after already playing the Thai Navy 1st Team the Sri Lankans were not keen on a full game. However, games bring players and spectators out of the woodwork, with Pattaya having a full 22 including four Thai players from Bangkok. A compromise game was agreed.
Four Panthers players joined the depleted visitors to make it 15 v 15 and give some structure to the Navy team. Generosity is a hallmark of Panthers, but sometimes this is taken for granted. There were no ballast busting tackles, but physical play presented the opportunity for tackle trials. Uncontested scrums did change the Panthers’ game plan, but it was a learning experience as suggested.
In the first quarter, the Navy team showed agility and quickness befitting of a backs game. Kicking, ball handling and darting runs coupled with the Panthers’ slow start allowed the visitors to claim the first try and conversion. Commanded by Panthers’ exchange player, Doug, the visitors utilized quick hands to find the space to score another try. The Panthers’ habitual slow start had been exploited again but the home team soon rallied into action.
Calling the refereeing questionable would be polite. Actually reading the law book rather than just being aware of its existence is a requirement. Even a sparring match needs some formalities.
The second quarter showed Panthers playing to their plan; the forwards moving the ball up the field with repetitive short plays. The ball then went to the centre where Captain AD scored Pattaya’s first try and made the conversion count.
The game showed hints of deterioration earlier, but denial was not possible as the Navy tried some quick plays, utilizing questionable calls and some “underhand” moves. A try and conversion by the Navy meant they kept the lead but not domination. Panthers settled down and played their own game, keeping possession with short plays and occasionally moving the ball through the backs. The visitors did not deal with the domination well and resorted to dirty tactics that were not representative of rugby. Brawn needs brains!
Pattaya Panthers and Sri Lankan Navy players pose for a group photo following their overly physical encounter at Horseshoe Point on Saturday, Oct. 3.
The third quarter started with Pattaya barricading the visitors in their own half. The siege brought out even more desperate measures by the Navy, which is where the sparring ended. Pattaya Panthers showed there was no need to use brawn unnecessarily, especially when being respectful is an essential essence of rugby.
Sportsmanship requires an understanding of mutual respect. In tense times, this grounding guides players in what is allowable and not. Aggression and assertive attitude do not need adulterating to abuse. Panthers’ players, Phil, Augustin, Spike, Paddy and others had many opportunities to retaliate, however they showed maturity and control. After all, the social and World Cup games at Tavern by the Sea needed attending too afterwards.
Pattaya Panthers next match will be against a touring team from Tokyo on the 1st November.
