Behind second half turnaround, PH Volcanoes defeat Singapore

The Volcanoes turned the tides in the second half to gain a head start in their two-game series. (Photo: Philippine Rugby – Philippine Volcanoes National Team/ Facebook)

MANILA — The Philippine Volcanoes drew first blood against Singapore in the Asia Rugby Championship Division 1 series with a 32-24 win at the Southern Plains Rugby Field in Calamba, Laguna on Saturday.

The Volcanoes turned the tides in the second half to gain a head start in their two-game series.

Behind a scoring spree from Jonathan Barber, Singapore quickly opened a 14-5 lead 24 minutes into the match.

But just before halftime, Joe Dawson found an open lane at the right flank following a scrum and went all the way to the end zone for the try. Daniel Matthews scored the ensuing conversion that cut the lead to just two, 14-12, at halftime.

The one-possession swing sparked the Volcanoes’ second half show, outscoring the Singaporeans, 20-7, for most of the half with Dawson and Matthews initiating the attack and substitutes Rob Fogerty and Edlen Hernandez sealing the comeback with dagger tries.

Ishraff Marah, meanwhile, drilled a long-range penalty for the final tally.

Both teams will face off again on Tuesday at the said venue.

In the first game, London-based Penguins Rugby Club proved to be too much for the Volcanoes’ developmental side Residents XV after a 67-10 rout.