Rugby: Philippines wins silver in Asia Trophy Series

The Philippine women’s rugby team after winning the silver medal in the 2018 Asia Trophy Series in Brunei. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The Philippine women’s rugby team settled for the silver medal after bowing to Malaysia, 10-7, on Sunday in the 2018 Asia Trophy Series in Brunei.

The Lady Volcanoes went undefeated, winning their first five games of the two-day competition before running into the Malaysians in the gold medal match.

“I couldn’t be more proud of how the team performed overall. Not only is it the best result the team has ever had in a single tournament, the entire team was composed of Philippine homegrown players. The program is on track for a competitive rematch against Malaysia in the Southeast Asian Games next year,” said Philippine team head coach Ada Milby.

The Philippines beat Uzbekistan, 12-10, to open its campaign then, crushed Pakistan, 38-0, and topped India, 17-10, in the first day of the tournament.

The Filipinos picked up where they left off with a 43-0 romp of Nepal before edging Guam, 10-7, in the semifinals.