The picturesque Suthep Stadium nestled in the foothills of Chiang Mai was the venue for the inaugural Lanna 7s rugby tournament. With youth, ladies and men’s tournaments it was going to be a fun day out.
Drawn in Group A were the CMU Purple Blacks, Chiang Mai All Stars, Lanna Rugby Club B and the Royal Thai Police. The CNX Cobras were in Group B with TNSU, Chiang Rai Bears & Lanna Rugby Club. The Chiang Mai All Stars finished 2nd behind the RTP in Group A and would play Lanna for a place in the cup final. The CNX Cobras won against TNSU & the Chiang Rai Bears but went down to Lanna to miss out on top spot 12-5. This meant a difficult cup semi final against the favourites the Royal Thai Police.
The All Stars put up a strong fight against Lanna in the first of the cup semifinals, but a lack of substitutes hurt them and they went down 28-12, but would play in the plate final against the CNX Cobras who found the Thai Police side too strong, going down 19-0 in their semifinal match.
The Royal Thai Police, who have been in a training camp in Lampun getting ready for the national 7s championships in October, were too strong against Lanna in the final, with pace and tactical awareness that Lanna couldn’t match, they went on to win the cup 27-0.
In the Plate Final the Cobras started fast and got on the score board early. With the All Stars chasing the game, gaps were opening up, which the Cobras took advantage of. Although the All Stars fought hard, the Cobras were the better side against a tiring All Stars, and went on to win 17-0.
In the women’s division a strong Guam side dominated the cup final against the Lanna Lionesses. In what was a competitive division, the Guam sides fitness and experience told in the end as they ran out Cup winners.
In the Lady’s Plate Final the TNSU Rugby Club were too strong for the invitational SEA Babarians team, going on to win 22-0.
Youth rugby was on display, showcasing the local talent that is coming though in the North of Thailand. This bodes well for the future as Chiang Mai reasserts itself as one of the prominent rugby regions in the country.
Big thank you to the Thai Rugby Union officiating team, Khun Pornchai Praniyom Khun Kiattichai Noptakul, Khun Kongrith Ratidech, Khun Dechdanai Wongyeun, Khun Wittaya Jumnongsup & Khun Patrapol Eakdamrong, for a job well done.
Congratulations to Matt Hirst & Lanna Rugby Club for a fun day’s action.
Next Up
Amora Hotels & Resorts Dimbulla Rugby 11s League. Match Day 4
28 September 2024 – CMU Rugby Field
CMU Purple Blacks v Lann Rugby Club
Chiang Mai All Stars v CNX Cobras
