Penguins storm to 51-0 victory in Phuket Rugby 7s
PHUKET TOWN: Like one of the tropical squalls that swept the Saphan Hin field from time to time during the second and last day of the Singha Phuket International Rugby Sevens tournament, the Penguins RFC side – representing England – swept all before them, burying Germany under wave after wave of attacks to rack up a final score of 51-0. On a sopping field that saw dozens of players slide over the try line to score, the Penguins took advantage of every ball dropped by the German team to score nine tries and convert three. By the second half, the humid weather was taking its toll on Germany, who tired visibly, fumbling the ball and passing erratically as muscles and concentration waned. In contrast, the Penguins never once lost their crisp passing skills, their high-stepping running or their glue-like catching abilities. After the final, German captain Rainer Rumm admitted that he had been surprised to see the Penguins in the tournament, given that the Penguins have a mixture of nationalities. But, he said graciously, “We are not disappointed. They are perhaps the best touring team.” He added that his team had enjoyed the “great hospitality” and would be back again if invited. The Penguins coach, Bill Calcraft, said: “It’s up to us to play as well as we can. It was difficult to judge the other teams – we have never seen them in action before. We hope people enjoyed the skills we displayed.” The crowd packing the stands gave the day a festive air. Even after Thailand (who went through to Division 1 after winning both their matches in yesterday’s first round) were beaten by Germany 22-5, supporters took the loss in stride and stayed to cheer the remainder of the spectacle. Wales, after a dismal first day, managed to claim the Division 3 title with a 33-7 victory over South Korea, while the Netherlands squeaked away with a 29-21 win over tough China to take Division 2. Semifinals: Division 3: Wales 21, Malaysia 10 Korea 15, Singapore 5 Division 2: Netherlands 26, Taiwan 7 China 26, Hong Kong 5 Division 1: Germany 22, Thailand 5 England 24, Belgium 5 Finals: Division 3: Wales 33, South Korea 7 Division 2: Netherlands 29, China 21 Division 1: England 51, Germany 0
