Last Play Try See Lanna Make The Cup Final
After the recent flooding throughout the city, and after two cancelled matches due to a waterlogged pitch, it was good to get in the final round of the Amora Hotels & Resorts CNX Dimbulla 11s League 2024.
With the CMU Purple Black students having to sit exams it meant that the first game was a walk over win for the Chiang Mai Cobras. The Cobras split their squad and had a game of 9 a side to brush off the cobwebs.
The intriguing battle of the day however was the clash between last years champions the Chiang Mai All Stars & lanna Rugby Club. With Lanna trailing by 3 points on the ladder, nothing short of a win would do. The All Stars could lose and still make the final if they kept within 7 points and matched Lanna’s try count. It was all set for an intense encounter.
The first quarter was a tight affair that was broken open when Jamie Pell worked a simple 2 on 1 down the touchline to go in unopposed under the posts. With defenses of both sides stifling out any meaningful attacks before they got going, it was the only score of the period. 7-0 Lanna.
The second quarter saw the All Stars gaining more possession and putting Lanna under pressure. Again both defensive walls were solid. Just when it looked like Lanna would weather the storm, intense pressure on the line by the All-Star forwards eventually saw them go over after multiple phases. The conversion was good 7-7. Lanna were quick to get back on the front foot and a lineout on the all-stars 10 metre line saw a miss move in the backs, with Pell once again using his speed and guile to go in under the posts. With the conversion the whistle blew for half time. 14-7 Lanna and all to play for.
At the start of the third stanza Lanna thought they had increased their lead when Phil Gwyther kicked ahead, but the try was disallowed for an earlier infringement. The All Stars went looking for the score that would bring them level, but a combination of last ditch tackling and a slippery ball denied them and there was no addition to the score. 14-7.
The final quarter was where it would be decided. If the score remained the same the All Stars would play the final. Another Lanna score would see them in the driving seat. A wayward All Stars lineout throw saw Lanna gain possession. At the resulting breakdown Lanna won the penalty and whilst the All Stars were still getting their act together, a quick tap to Phil Gwyther saw him run straight through a stagnant All Stars to score and give Lanna one foot in the final. 19-7. With the dreams of a cup final receding the All Stars upped the anti and after multiple infringements by Lanna on their line, the All Stars eventually got over the line to reduce the deficit to 19-12.
Just as it looked like the All tars had done enough to secure the place in the final, the last play of the game saw the All Stars attempt one last attack to get the try that would secure the draw but a wayward kick to Pell saw him carve open the tiring All Stars defence to go in at the corner and secure a dramatic turnaround which saw Lanna reach the Cup Final with a 24-12 victory. They will now play the Minor Premiers, The Chiang Mai Cobras in the Cup final on 2nd November.
Next Up
Amora Hotels & Resorts CNX Dimbulla Rugby 11s League
CUP FINAL
