South claims the honours in inaugural clash

Cebu International School played host to an emotional affair over the weekend, with the South taking home the trophy in the first Region of Origin match played in the Philippines.

With a squad made up of veteran players mainly from the Manila Nomads, the North came to Cebu confident in the fact that they had never lost to a team from the south. A bit short on numbers, but by no means lacking in rugby know how, they looked to dominate the game up front, and keep the ball out of the hands of the southerners backline. In a classic match of contrasting styles, it was the South who came away victorious, scoring five tries to the North’s two.

This fixture is destined to become an annual event, and will be a great platform from which to prepare for the annual mid-year international season. With the game growing fast in the Visayas, the Region of Origin match is the perfect showcase for young talent, and will be a source of invaluable match experience for up-and-coming players in the years to come.

Images courtesy of Cebu Dragons R.F.C. and Maxwell Stewart