The Chiang Mai Cobras made the trek South for their annual tour to the capital for the Bangkok International Rugby 10’s held at the Pattana School sports complex over the weekend of 17-18 February.
Drawn in a strong group B with title contenders Nak Sue & Bangkok Bangers, along with Kamesenryu Rugby from Japan, it was going to be a tough weekend at the office. Combining resources with old friends, the Hanoi Dragons, added extra strength to the Cobras as they put in competitive performances against all the teams. Nak Su Rugby, an invitational side, full of talent and rather large islanders, were too strong in game one, and though it was close at half time, Nak Su ran away with it in the 2nd half to win 31-0.
A much better performance in the 2nd game against the Bangkok Bangers Colts saw the Cobras pressure the Bangers line for long periods but superb defence kept them at bay. A couple of intercept tries and a well worked score from their own line saw the Cobras go down 17-0. The last game of the day was against the Japanese side Kamesenryu Rugby. By now the Cobras were warmed up and ready to go. Led by Rowan Caroll and Josh Lim, Cobras controlled the game and after a try in the corner by Ork and a superb try by ken, took a 10-point lead at half time. Kamesenryu came out fighting in the second half and an early converted try put them back in the frame. Dragons, Sholto & Travis were instrumental in defence, and Dave McRitchie was a menace at the breakdown as the Cobras held on for their first win of the weekend 10-7. 
Day two saw the Cobras taking on the Tokyo Gaijin for Japan in the Bowl competition. In a tight fought game, the Cobras scored first when Parit “Ken” Sanwichai got the ball in space for the first time during the weekend and danced his way through for a score in the corner. The conversion was missed which would prove crucial, as the Cobras fought tooth and nail to get the all important second score. In an evenly balanced game, the Gaijins scored under the posts to go ahead 7-5. Cobras put them under intense pressure and would have scored the winner had the final pass in a sweeping move from their own half gone to hand. As it was the whistle blew and the Cobras had gone down 7-5.
The Cobras then dropped down to the Shield competition. In a sign of the quality of the whole tournament they met a very strong KL Tigers team from Malaysia in the semifinal. The Cobras took the game to the Tigers and 2 well worked tries had them leading at half time 12-7. The Tigers came roaring back in the second half and scored from the kick off when a kick through was allowed to bounce and they scored under the posts to take the lead 14-12. Though the Cobras came close to getting on the board again, the Tigers broke free and scored what would be the winner with the last play of the day 21-12 Tigers.
A great weekend of action. Great experience gained by the young Thai lads in the Cobras group. Josh Lim on his return from training in New Zealand, was immense. Fantastic support from the Hanoi Dragons lads helping make the Cobras more competitive. Many thanks to Eddie Evans & Darryn Mathee for putting the tournament together and all their crew who made it a quality weekend of rugby.
Next up for the Cobras is the tour to Hanoi for the Hanoi Dragons anniversary 10’s over the weekend of 16-17 March.
For more information on the Chiang Mai Cobras Rugby contact Dave on chiangmaicobras@gmail.com or check out the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/cobrasrugby
