THE Philippines’ Carabaos, playing in their first rugby league tournament as a team, bounced back from losing, 12-4 to Fiji in the first to game. They tied against Niue, 16-16, in the second game but blasted Portugal out of the park 20-0, and finally won by a ‘golden try’ against Burwood-North Ryde, 22-18, in extra time.
Leading the pack was sensational captain Luke Srama, the Carabaos’ diminutive hooker who called the shots, played the full distance and scored tries in three of four games touching down for the winning touchdown in the Bowl Cup final.
Another ”surprise packet” in head coach Clayton Watane’s eyes was utility back Richard Goodwin. ”He came up with some excellent runs and kick-returns to help us get back into the lead on many occasions,” Watane said.
Tall and strong front-rower Rez Phillips was especially fearless in defence and dominant with his powerful line-hits in offence.
With the best of Filipino spirit, the Carabaos were down, 18-14, in the dying minutes of the final when Goodwin broke through the line and scooted home to level the score, 18-18.
Second-rower Steven Bernstrom conversion kick to give the Carabaos victory at full-time sailed wide off the posts. But the team sealed the match with Srama’s golden try in extra time.
It was clear from the outset that the Carabaos were an attacking side, moving ball well in the backline, with the forwards charging at the defence wall with robust runs to create openings.
The Carabaos, a selection from the Philippines’ National Rugby League, had gone into the tournament rank outsiders, understandably because they were a spanking-new team making its first-ever appearance in competition.
Rugby league aficionados were supportive but doubtful of any success. But the first game against Fiji put all doubt to rest when second-rower Rene Payne scored the Carabao’s first-ever try in the first half.
”This was a dream start for the Philippines’ National Rugby League, which only came together as an organisation three months ago in November 2011 with a volunteer board from Australia and the Philippines. The Filipino-Australian Rugby League players are from the ACT, NSW and Queensland,” said team spokesman Erick Elefante.
Players will now return to their respective rugby league clubs in Newcastle, Sydney, Mackay, Brisbane and Canberra, according to Elefante.
On the planning board are test matches with Thailand Rugby League in Pattaya, Thailand, on October 20, and a Clark Nines tournament in Angeles City, Philippines, the following weekend on October 27.
The Carabaos will not regroup for Sydney competitions, Elefante said.
Filipino community supporters watched the games and met the players between and after the matches. The Philippine Consul General in Sydney, Anne Jalando-on Louis, who witnessed her first game of rugby league.
”The Carabaos are without sponsors at the moment,” Elefante said. ”The players and staff paid all tournament costs out of their own pockets. We are an entirely volunteer league.
”Hopefully, we will attract sponsors at some time in the near future.”
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