MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines bucked the loss of its top scorer to nip Guam, 18-17, in a goodwill rugby match played over the weekend before a sizeable crowd at the International School of Manila.
Rupert Zappia sprinted for 20 meters and took three defenders over the line to complete a solo try and give the Nationals an 18-7 cushion before hobbling out of the field early in the second half.
The Filipino-Australian winger fractured a metatarsal bone in his foot and his departure allowed Guam to mount a rally.
Joaquin Pangalinan squeezed past a couple of Filipino defenders to make it 18-12 before David Lebrun scored to set what became the final 18-17 count in the 78th minute.
It was RP’s second straight triumph over Guam, which the Nationals also subdued, 12-8, in the Asian Under-19 Rugby Union Tournament in Kaoshiung in Chinese Taipei early this year.
The Philippines U-20 Rugby Union Team will again take on Guam on Saturday at the Nomads rugby field.
