THE PHILIPPINE Volcanoes yielded to the fancied South Koreans, 22-52, at the close of the Asian 5 Nations tournament at Southern Plains field in Calamba, Laguna, over the weekend and missed a spot in the A5N Premier Division.
The Koreans imposed their strength early then kept pounding the hosts with their fluid game, taking a 28-15 lead at the half en route to victory.
South Korea thus clinched third place in the A5N Premier Division while the Philippines stayed at fourth in the Asian 5 Nations series, relegating the Volcanoes to Division I with Sri Lanka, Kazakhstan and Singapore for next year’s groupings.
“Korea played very well and we made it hard for ourselves especially in the second half with too many mistakes,” said Volcanoes’ skipper Oliver Saunders.
The Koreans made two quick tries early in the game, but the hosts countered with tries behind Saunders and full back Michael Letts.
Despite Saunders’ conversion and penalty kick, the Volcanoes trailed, 15-28, at the break.