Cobras Fightback Stuns Lanna - Chiang Mai Citylife

By Citylife | Mon 4 Nov 2024

2^nd of November 2024, Chiang Mai University, and its cup final day. The two protagonists, the unbeaten Chiang Mai Cobras taking on their old rivals, Lanna Rugby Club.

The CMU pitch was in magnificent condition and excitement was building, for the anticipated encounter, as the teams went through their warm up routines. Both teams were in fine form and who was going to run out victorious, was anyone’s guess. The 11s Rugby group flew in one of Asia’s top referees, to take charge, Khun Top Decdanai of the TRU, with AR’s Pattarapon Ekdamrong and Whittayu, along with TMO Kiatichai Noptakul, all bringing professionalism to proceedings.

Lanna captain Jamie Pell won the toss and elected to kick off. Lanna came out firing on all cylinders and forced Cobras into an early mistake resulting in a Lanna scrum. The backs attacked the line resulting in a penalty as the cobras infringed at the breakdown. Now it was the forwards turn as they trundled to the line with prop Leeroy going in under the posts and fly half, Mark, putting over the extras. Lanna 7-0 up in the first two minutes! This definitely wasn’t in the script! Lanna were dominating possession and the Cobras lineout & scrum were a mess, but stout defending kept them in the game as the first period came to a close.

The second period was again dominated by Lanna but they were finding it difficult to break through some solid Cobras defense and they resorted to kicking deep into the Cobras 22 and forcing them to react on the back foot. As the period wore on Cobras started to gain some possession and with the 2^nd rows, John Brown & Harry Gaynor carrying strongly, supported by Charlie Jones who was immense the whole game after returning from injury, gave Cobras go forward ball. It was Lanna turn to defend and they did so strongly, though it was taking a lot out of them, to quell the speedy Cobras players. Both defences were dominant and no further score was possible as Lanna went in 7-0 at half time.

Cobras were a bit lackadaisical at the restart for the second half and were penalized for holding on from the kickoff. Lanna had front foot ball and forced a scrum in the 22. The ball eventually went to Captain Jamie Pell who weaved his magic to get over and give Lanna one hand on the trophy. The kick was missed and Lanna led 12-0. This Cobras team is anything but a quitter and with Captain Jack McPherson leading by example, continued to wear down the bigger Lanna players. Some great work at the breakdown by Tama Williamson and Pop Borwornpak Boonruang, ensured that Lanna were held in check and Cobras could clear their lines. It was clear that Lanna were beginning to tire, and persistent infringing saw Cobras work their way down into Lanna’s half. From a lineout, Pudis Sangsuwan got the ball wide to Parit “Ken” Sanwichai, who carved open the backline creating the overlap, but he was unable to get the ball out to Natipong Parn Kumporn, who would surly have scored had the ball gone to hand. Lanna were penalised for an off side at the ruck, and a quick penalty by McPherson saw Harry Gaynor go up the blindside to score in the corner to drag Cobras back into the contest. The difficult kick from the touchline was missed by McPherson as the whistle blew to end the period. 12-5 Lanna and all to play for going into the last quarter.

With Lanna visibly tiring it was Cobras who were in the ascendancy. From the kick off Lanna surged forward but were held up resulting in a scrum to Cobras. A knock-on by Cobras scrum half at the base gave the advantage back to Lanna. The Cobras scrum that had been under pressure for most of the match, produced one against the head to regain the initiative. Jono Nunn & Williamson combined well in midfield forcing Lanna into giving away a penalty. McPherson played a quick tap and slung the ball wide to Sanwichai, who does what “Ken” does and flew down the outside leaving defenders in his wake, before being tackled high on the line by Pell and awarded a penalty try. Cobras 12-12. Lanna were immediately down into the 22 from the restart and the resulting scrum was again turned over by Cobras after good work by prop Ponporn “Folk” Piboosri in the front row. Cobras broke from deep into Lanna territory forcing them to concede a lineout on the 22 line. Cobras were held up just short with Lanna getting the scrum. Cobras were awarded a free kick for an early push and from the resulting tap and go, Jones almost went in before Williamson surged to the line falling just short. Gaynor was on hand to pick and drive over the line to score his second of the match and put the Cobras into the lead, for the first time in the match. McPherson converted and it was Cobras 19-12 with minutes to go. From the restart Sangsuwan was forced into touch giving Lanna a last chance to score. An infringement by Cobras gave Lanna a penalty 12 meters out and the ball went out wide to winger Dtun who made a slight knock on before going in at the corner. After consulting the TMO, the ref denied the try and awarded Lanna another penalty as Cobras had been offside. Lanna went to the right with Pell being held up just short. The Lanna prop forward, Leeroy went right again and burrowed over for his second score to make it 19-17 with the kick to come to take the game into extra time. Mark, the Lanna fly half sent the kick wide and referee Decdanai blew for full time giving Cobras an unlikely victory and the 2024 title.

A superb match by both teams and worthy of a cup final. Both teams have played some outstanding rugby this season, playing to their strengths and entertaining the crowds and viewers alike.

Matt Hirst, the Lanna Player/Coach said “‘Congratulations to the Cobras on their win. It was a real cup final refereed by an excellent team of officials between two old rivals. The difference between these types of games is often the bounce of the ball, here’s hoping next time it bounces our way. It was a great advert for rugby in North Thailand. Also congratulations to the Lanna Lionesses being crowned womens champions against a strong TNSU team. Women’s rugby is alive and kicking!”

Cobras chairman, Dave McRitchie had this to say “It was a great match and fitting for a grand final. Lanna came out strong but Cobras stood firm and never let their fighting spirit quit. The lads put in a shift and through grit and teamwork stayed with the game plan and played for each other. Truly proud of the boys and the way they support each other. The heart and determination and never quit attitude served them well in the final and will do throughout their lives”

We would like to thank Amora Hotels & Resorts, Dimbulla Estate, Whitesmith, Hell Energy Drink and Northern Thailand Rugby Union for their continued support. For all the hard work of Kiatichai Noptakul and his team of officials, you have our greatest appreciation. A big thank you to Dimbulla 11 Rugby Co. Ltd for supporting grassroots rugby and bringing 11s Rugby to the region. Last but not least, thank you to the teams who took part, Chiang Mai All Stars, CMU Purple Blacks, Lanna Rugby Club and this year’s champions, CNX Cobras and all the supporters.