Dimbulla Estate Rugby 11’s League Rd 3

Lanna Dominate & All Stars Continue to Strengthen

The third round of the Dimbulla Estate CNX Rigby 11’s league was held at the Chiang Mai University ground on 9^th September. The first game of the day was CMU Gallant up against a strong Lanna Rugby Club. After a strong showing against the All stars the week before, it was thought that the Gallant would pose some problems for the Lanna side.

From the kick off it was evident that the bigger, more physical Lanna team intimidated the CMU side, as they took an early lead through a well worked try, by Jamie Pell. As the Lanna side continued to dominate with further tries by Matt Hirst, Katel Thijssen and Nathan Risteen, the try bonus point was in the bag at the break.

Though Gallant fought hard, they were no match for the Lanna team. They began to drop off tackles, and gaps started appearing all over the park as they began to tire. What was hoped to be a competitive match turned into a rout as further tries from Jamie Pell x 2, Rufus Witbooi, Tawan Kiatngamphom, Thomas Stubley, Tomothy Andrews, Felix Jones & Edwin Greyling sealed an emphatic victory for Lanna. 70-0. This is by far their biggest win in their history and will take some beating!

The second game by contrast was a more competitive match between the Chiang Mai All Stars & the Chiang Mai Cobras. The Cobras started strong, but the All-Stars were up for it. An early yellow card for Dave McRitchie for a deliberate knock on led to a slight opening on the outside which was exploited by the All-Star wing Chatchanan Piaesupong as he raced away to score. The kick was missed and they led 5-0.  The All Stars started to assert themselves, putting the Cobras forwards under pressure in midfield. After some relentless pick and drives, the ball went out to the backs and Pudis Sangsuwan danced through to give All Stars another score. The try was converted by Pongporn Piboonsri with the All Stars 12-0 up as the break loomed. Some slick handling by the Cobras backs put Kon Papadopoulos away with a try under the posts. With Jack McPherson converting it brought the Cobras back into the game. Both teams had to work hard in defense to repel the other and All Stars led 12-7 going into the break.

The game was still in the balance and the All Stars came under sustained pressure from the Cobras. Only resolute defense and handling errors from Cobras kept them out. A break from their own half saw All Stars Chakrist Jaruwan break through to score, the kick was missed and it was 17-7 All Stars and the game was slipping away from the Cobras.

The third quarter was all about Cobras pressure but the All-Stars defense held strong and though there were chances at both ends neither team could get the ball over the line. Going into the final period it was all still to play for. All Stars 17-7.

Just after the break another yellow card for Cobras’ Popadopalos created space which the All Stars took advantage of with another outside move, that left the Cobras exposed and Titisan Changsom went in to score in the corner. The kick was missed and All Stars, with the bonus point try, led 22-7. As the last period progressed, things were tense as Cobras fought to get back into the game. The All Stars however stood strong and kept the Cobras at bay. A break from the All Stars saw them go in at the corner to close the game out 27-7. With the clock ticking down, Pop Borwornpak Boonrueng, at the back of the scrum, secured fast ball and broke across field. The All-Star defense was for once caught wanting and a big gap appeared for Boonrueng to run in under the posts, unopposed. Jack McPherson kicked the conversion, and with that the ref blew for full time. All Stars winning 27-14. This was the most entertaining game of the league so far and as the season develops so will the competitiveness of the games.

Mike Penistone, the Rugby 11’s coaching consultant said after the day’s action had concluded, that “It’s good to hear lots of constructive advice given by coaches and captains at half time. It is so important to build a playing culture of support and advice.”

Dimbulla Estate CNX Rugby 11’s League Table

Next Up

16^th September 2023

Chiang Mai University Ground

CMU Gallant v Chiang Mai Cobras

CMU Purple/Black v Chiang Mai All Stars