A fun-filled morning preceded the main event, with Family Touch Rugby and the Vagabonds Junior Academy populating the paddock before almost 100 of the Hash House Harriers’ Phuket Chapter departed from the ACG on their Australia Day outing.
In a nail-biting encounter filled with incredible performances and unforgettable moments, the Phuket Vagabonds edged out the ACF Barbarians 43-41 in a charity rugby match that ultimately celebrated the spirit of the game while raising funds for a very worthwhile cause.
The match, held to support the ACF and the club’s sponsored child Nawin Kaeoytha, brought together players and fans for a day of rugby and an opportunity to assist the underprivileged.
In scorching conditions, the Vagabonds’ squad faced off against the newly formed ACF Barbarians, a team comprising players from the Vagabonds, highlighting the depth of talent and camaraderie within the club. Both sides delivered a spectacle, with the game being decided in the final moments.
A Game of Moments and Heroes
The ACF Barbarians began the match with flair, thanks to Brad Haygarth’s scintillating first-quarter hat-trick. Haygarth’s dazzling footwork, strength and ability to beat defenders left the Vagabonds struggling to contain him. Daniil Komandir added to the Barbarians’ tally, with the young Russian throttling down the left wing, showcasing his blistering pace to score in the corner.
The Vagabonds, however, refused to back down with captain Paul Rothwell leading by example to score an incredible four tries. Rothwell’s scoring spree included a last gasp equalising try, before claiming outright victory with his cultured right boot to calmly slot home the conversion, sparking celebrations among the Vagabonds faithful. Other standout performances for the Vagabonds side included Ivan Ustinov and Geoff Dasse, who both crossed the line with crucial tries.
Ken Sriwichai’s solo effort for the Barbarians was another highlight of the match. His agility and composure saw him glide past defenders to score under the posts. Brendan O’Donoghue also powered through the Vagabonds’ defensive line, proving his strength and determination.
Debutants Make Their Mark
The game also marked a significant milestone for several players making their Phuket rugby debuts. For the Vagabonds, Glenn Beer, Ash Holmes, Robin Prophete, Geoff Dasse, Georgiy Tuzov and Luke Wyszoczanski all made strong contributions. The Barbarians welcomed debutants Brendan O’Donoghue, Brad Haygarth, Alexei Kapalin, Cillian O’Neill and Sam Scholefield, with Kapalin scoring a memorable try.
Try Scorers:
Phuket Vagabonds: Paul Rothwell (4), Ivan Ustinov, Geoff Dasse.
ACF Barbarians: Brad Haygarth (3), Daniil Komandir, Ken Sriwichai, Brendan O’Donoghue, Alexei Kapalin.
A Day for a Cause
Beyond the thrilling rugby action, the day was about supporting the ACF, a charity that provides vital assistance to disadvantaged children. The funds raised - over B36,000 on the day - from the event will directly benefit the foundation and the club’s sponsored child, underscoring the importance of community and sport.
The match was a testament to the Vagabonds’ ethos of promoting the game while giving back. Both teams, led by captains Paul Rothwell (Vagabonds) and Nicolas Bruno (ACF Barbarians), displayed exceptional sportsmanship, making the event a resounding success.
Both captains were eager to thank both Vagabonds and ACG sponsors and everyone that dug deep to make this one of the clubs most successful charity events in recent history. Players from both sides also applauded the efforts and matured control of the game by referee, Jim Layard - ably assisted by his son Harry - to ensure a match void of incident, but packed with crowd-pleasing performances.
This charity match will be remembered not only for being a remarkable advertisement for the game and thrilling conclusion, but also for its purpose. It brought together players and supporters from diverse backgrounds, united by their love of the game and a genuine desire to make a difference nnd will long remain a memorable day for Phuket rugby.