Round 7 of the Dimbulla Estate CNX Rugby 11’s League kicked off with the match between Lanna Rugby Club and the CMU Galant. Coming on the back of a loss to title challengers the All Stars in their previous game, it was important that Lanna got back to winning ways.
Although Lanna were missing some prime players with Rufus Whitbooi out with a rib injury & Tom Stubley suspended, they were still too strong for a Gallant team that has improved significantly over the course of the league season. Early tries from Jamie Pell & Karel Thijssen got the scoreboard ticking before the gallant hit back with one of their own. David Smith went in for a third for a 17-7 lead at the break.
The second period was a tight affair with Gallant putting pressure on the Lanna defense. Jamie Pell pouncing on a loose ball, weaved his way through to get his second before the Gallant hit back for a converted try. Half time 22-14.
The second half was a scrapy affair with the slippery ball taking its toll and with the heavy ground sapping energy, mistakes were creeping in. The Gallant lads began to tire and Lanna closed out the game with further tries from Phil Gwyther (2), Timothy Andrews (1) & Felix Jones. The final score was Lanna Rugby Club 46 CMU Gallant 14. The bonus point win keeps Lanna in the hunt for the title but their destiny is now out of their hands. A lot now depends on who wins the next clash between All Stars & Cobras on 28th October.
Game two was the title contenders, Chiang Mai All Stars taking on the CMU Purple/Blacks. The game started off pretty even with both teams probing, looking for openings. To the surprise of the All stars the Purple/Blacks stole ball in midfield to race away and score. The shock of that score galvanized the All Stars into action and they started moving through the gears and building phases, which saw them draw level when Chatchanan Piaesupong went in to square it up. .Chaithawat Thepmongkun then went in for a quick fire double to put the All Stars in the driving seat. 19-7.
The Purple/Blacks came back strong after the break and got on the scoreboard again with a converted try to cut the deficit to 19-14. That was however as close as they got, as again fatigue kicked in and the All Stars took total control. Chatchanan Piaesupong was outstanding as he added a further three tries to his tally for a personal score of 4 tries. Chaithawat Thepmongkun helped himself to another as the CMU lads imploded, to take his tally to three. Peemchim, Pudis Sangsuwan & Nuttanun Junkeaw all got on the scorecard as the All Stars closed out the game, 60-14. The Purple/Blacks fought hard but the more experienced All Stars shut them down. With a bonus point win the All Stars are now favourites to win the league with two matches to go. A must win game for both the All Stars & CM Cobras on the 28th October. A cobra’s win will put them in the driving seat. An All Stars win would all but hand them the title.
Next Up
28th October 2023
Chiang Mai University Ground
CMU Gallant v CMU Purple/Blacks
Chiang Mai All Stars V Chiang Mai Cobras
