Age was just a number in the most recent hit out for the Phuket Vagabonds against a touring collection of Arabian Gulf Legends. Yes, the Legends were predominantly a vets team and yes, they had already subjected themselves to two nights indulging under the bright lights of Bangla Road in Patong. However, it was a welcome chance to return to form for the Vagabonds against an experienced and hardened squad from the Middle East.
With the annual Phuket International Rugby 11s tournament only weeks away the Vagabonds made the most of the opportunity to work on combinations with a full squad and find their attacking flair.
The Legends made it anything but easy as they consistently challenged the ruck defense with a barrage of bulky ball carriers and an incessant swarm at the breakdown.
It didn’t take long though for the Vagabonds to acknowledge that success could be found in the wider channels and the pace of winger Alex Sears found space on the edge leading to the first try of the match. Two more tries followed in rapid succession again from the outside backs in Thomas Powell and a second to Alex Sears.
The early lead was not without cost, however, as club President Joe Miles succumbed to a nasty gash across the brow, ending his day early. It was a tough day at the office for the forward pack with props Paul Hickey and Darren Parry initially having trouble at the scum before finding their feet against a tenacious Legends tight five.
There was yet more competition at set piece as Vagabond turned Legend Lee Stones kept the Vagabonds line-out honest in an excellent contest throughout the game.
GENEROUS
Not long into the second half however seasoned Vagabonds captain Sten Van Aardt and fly-half Dan Ashburn combined seamlessly in the midfield with Sten bouncing off his right foot and showing a turn of pace to score beside the posts.
More tries followed with impressive new recruits Cillian O’Neil and Shane Buckley once again finding their way to the line following excellent recent performances.
The Legends were not to leave empty handed though as they scored a fantastic long range try after finding space amongst a broken Vagabonds defensive line late in the second half.
Overall, the Vagabonds were pleased with the hit out and grateful to Lee Stones and the Gulf Legends for making the trip and providing the challenge. Post game the ACG clubhouse was filled with praise for all that made the effort as both teams bonded over adult beverages and a barbecue feast.
Presentations also included a generous donation of junior playing kit in the Legends strip with the Vagabonds logo for the Phuket Academy squad to utilise in coming fixtures, a heartfelt and generous gift from the Legends. Once again, on another enjoyable Saturday at the ACG Phuket, rugby was the winner!
The Vagabonds will be back in action at the Phuket International Rugby 11s, hosted at the ACG next weekend (June 6-7). Spectators are most welcome. If you would like to learn more about the Phuket Vagabonds visit their website at www.phuketvagabonds.com