The Chiangmai Hedgehogs represented Northern Thailand against teams from Vietnam, Singapore, Hongkong, China and from around Thailand. This is the Chiangmai Hedgehogs first international tournament since Sarawut Pengsannoo took over.
The first game was against a well drilled HKT8 Masters team which won the competition last year which ended in a loss. Second game was against eventual winners, Sea Turtles Touch from Singapore which also ended in a loss. Next up was Hanoi Dragons from Vietnam, a really intense game ensured with one of the tries of the Tournament scored by Tawan Kiatngamphom but frustratingly ended 5-5.
Last of the group games was against MBFC Tuk Tuk with the Singapore Outfit showing great structure. However tries from Korndanai Sangkomon and Sirasit Kae powered the Hedgehogs to a 3-1 win. Their first in an international tournament.
Going into Sunday, the Chiangmai Hedgehogs went into the Bowl Competition as top seeds (narrowly missing out on the Plate Competition). First up was a crunch match against MBFC Tuk Tuk from the day before. The game was end to end with each team exchanging scores. The pivotal moment came when the Hedgehogs failed to find hands with the try line begging and the scores locked at 4-4. The MBFC Tuk Tuk’s then raced up the pitch to score a run away try
After the defeat the 11/12th play off was against the Pattaya Panthers. The Pink Panthers players were relentless in attack however the Hedgehogs never game up. The game ended 6-5 to the Hedgehogs thanks to some great play from the middles and a fantastic Siarsit Kare try.
This meant the Hedgehogs ended the weekend with 3 losses, 2 wins and 1 draw. Well done to Daniela Andrade on her player of the tournament performance.
Lastly, thank you to support from Route 66 Chiangmai, Fellowship Cafe and Cluck for their sponsorship for this tournament. You’ve really helped to put Chiangmai on the map.
Next tournament will be February 15-16 2025 at the Bangkok International 10s followed by the Chiangmai International Touch Tournament on April 26-27 2025.
