The CNX Lanna Cobras had been drawn in a strong Mens Opens Group B, which had last years champions, the UUDS Tuskers Mudchooks, going through to the Cup semi finals finishing top with some exhilarating performances. The CNX Lanna Cobras lads, representing Chiang Mai, finished in an impressive second place to take the final Cup semi final place, with the 10-7 win over the Llantrisant Black Army, from Wales, being the decisive result.
The CNX Lanna Cobras were up against a strong Royal Queens Hussars side from the UK in the cup semi final. In a highly entertaining and competitive match they went down 7-0 in the dying minutes, in a heartbreaking loss which saw them drop down, to compete in the Plate final against the KL Tigers from Malaysia.
The disappointment was palpable, and it is always difficult to raise up to the same standards achieved in a previous knockout game, especially when it was so close, and so it proved for the Lanna lads. Although they competed hard and challenged for every ball, the KL Tigers were too strong, finishing winners 17-0.
Make no mistake, this was superb performance for the debutant Lanna Lions in Phuket, playing against quality international competition, and they can hold their heads high, and Chiang Mai can be proud, of their performances. All was not doom and gloom however, as a considerable contingent from the Lanna Lionesses ladies team, joined forces with the newly formed Phuket Vagabond Sirens, to help them secure the womens Plate trophy, with a hard fought win over last years champions, the Bangkok Bangers Belles, 10-5.
The Lanna Rugby Club’s Captain, James King, had this to say, “The recent Lanna Rugby tour to Phuket was seen by all as a major success, both on and off the field. The squad, including some of our formidable female players representing Phuket, left everything out on the field against some fairly decent international competition who provided a serious physical challenge. The privilege was ours to enjoy one of Thailand’s most vibrant towns in the South, and we will continue to take advantage of the opportunity to play the sport we love, no matter where in Thailand it takes us. We hope to travel as much as possible (as a club) in the future to spread the name of Lanna Rugby.”
Matty Hirst, the tour leader and influential figure in the development of the club, was enthusiastic in the achievements adding, “It’s was a great tour to Phuket 11s both for the guys as Lanna Cobras and to the women who joined in with the Vagabond Sirens. It’s a testament to the team that we only trained for a few weeks but managed to qualify for our first international 11s cup semi-final, and being in touching distance of the final. Thanks to Josh, Nils, Rowan, Bomber & Pat from the Cobras for helping this happen and to 11s Rugby Co Ltd for putting on another successful tournament”.
For more information about Lanna Rugby Club contact lannarugbyclub@gmail.com
For more information about upcoming 11s Rugby events contact info@11srugby.com
