9s 2021 – Not the Fairy Tale Ending
By Erick Paul Estepa Elefante, PNRL Volunteer
Sydney-Australia
March 2, 2021
Back Row: Jordan Brown, Chris Murphy, Kim Hillis, Gerald Reyes (C), Josh Scales, Ned Stephenson, Johnny Armas, Thomas Cartwright, Gerald Sumcad, Leslie Downie; Front Row: Frank Altamirano, Jonathan De Leon, Marcus De Luna, Chad Overton, Ryan Clarke (stand in C Bowl Final), Kytak Chan; missing from photo: Jeremy Groom.(photo: Erick Paul Estepa Elefante)
In the Philippines inaugural appearance at the Cabramatta International 9s in 2012. The country heralded its membership of the International Rugby League family, with its Golden Point extra time 18-14 win over Burwood North Ryde RL club in the Bowl Trophy Final.
With the Philippines playing in the inaugural Sydney 9s it looked like the country would again repeat its maiden appearance fairy tale, with pool results mirroring 2012, with a draw and two loses.
However going into the Bowl final, having won a historic Bowl Semi-Final against Vietnam 14-6, who were appearing in the International Rugby League stage for the first time. The Philippines lost 3 key play makers, in their Captain and halfback Gerald Reyes, Hooker Kim Hillis and strike player Kytak Chan.
Only 14 Filipinos from the original 17 that began the day’s tournament were left to play Malta in the Bowl Final and were ably led by stand in Captain Ryan Clarke. At half time the fairy tale 2012 ending was at reach with the team leading 10-4 on the score board. Unfortunately a full, refreshed 17 man Malta side returned in the second half and ran down the Philippines lead, narrowly losing 14-16.
On a day where all who represented the Philippines did the nation, their families and themselves proud. Thomas Cartwright stood out and was awarded player on the Day by Coach Marcel Noronha for his exceptional display for the Philippines in this inaugural Sydney 9s tournament.
Philippines Squad:
1. Frank Altamirano
2. Jordan Brown
3. Jonathan De Leon
4. Jeremy Grooms
5. Chris Murphy
6. Kim Hillis
7. Gerald Reyes (C)
8. Josh Scales
9. Ned Stephenson
10. Johnny Armas
11. Thomas Cartwright
12. Ryan Clarke (stand in C Bowl Final)
13. Marcus De Luna
14. Chad Overton
15. Gerald Sumcad
16. Kytak Chan
17. Leslie Downie
Coach: Marcel Noronha
Manager: Reynaldo Nery
Trainer: Jimmy Lee Johns
Trainer: Erick Elefante
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Pool Rounds
Philippines V Italy 10 – 20 (Tries: Chad Overton, Gerald Reyes; Conversion: Ned Stephenson)
Philippines V Cook Islands 10 – 20 (Tries: Ned Stephenson, Gerald Reyes; Conversion: Ned Stephenson)
Philippines V Africa United 16-16 (Tries: Kytak Chan*2, Ned Stephenson; Conversion: Ned Stephenson)
Bowl Trophy Rounds
Semi Final Philippines V Vietnam 14 – 6 (Tries: Thomas Cartwright *2, Ned Stephenson; Conversion: Ned Stephenson
Bowl Final Philippines V Malta 14 – 16 (Tries: Frank Altamirano, Johnny Armas, Josh Scales; Conversion: Ned Stephenson
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About the PNRL
The Pambansang Ragbi Liga ng Pilipinas (PNRL) is the governing body of Rugby League Football in the Philippines. Its mission is to enable all Filipinos to have a healthy lifestyle through their participation in Rugby League Football and to be competitive amongst the Asian Rugby League playing nations. The PNRL focus is the promotion, development and efficient administration of Rugby League in the Philippines. The PNRL is a non-stock, Non-profit Volunteer organization. The Philippines is a member of the Asia-Pacific Rugby League Confederation (APRLC) and an Observer member of the International Rugby League world governing body, based in 55 King St, Manchester M2 4LQ, United Kingdom
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For Additional Information
Contact Name: [pnrlvice-president:reynaldonery]
Contact Phone: [+61407610195]
Contact Email:
Facebook: [www.facebook.com/philippinesnationalrugbyleague/]