The hometown boys produced a fast paced try fest throughout the weekend with an all-new backline proving too much to handle for much of the competition.
Working their way through the pool stages over two days with comprehensive wins against MCU Krabi (31-0), Krabi RFC (24-5) and Simon Rugby (17-0), the Vagabonds were met by a new look Krabi RFC for the final, with several representative players added to the roster to slow the Vagabonds momentum.
After taking a 5-0 lead early in the final, the Vagabonds found themselves pinned in their own half for much of the match. It was only through determined defense and some incredible cover tackles that Krabi RFC were kept scoreless until the full-time siren. However, Krabi were able to equalize in the corner from the back of a scrum on the last play.
A first for many, this sent the game into a rugby penalty shootout, with each team selecting three players to seal the win through drop goals. Despite attempts by a particular linesman to suggest otherwise, Krabi’s second shot sailed wide, before new Vagabonds recruit Milo Wills sent his kick over the black dot to seal the cup for Phuket.
The final goal capped a fantastic tournament for Milo as he secured the Open Men’s Player of the Tournament.
Milo was well supported by his backline team mates with the ever reliable and entertaining Shaun Kober taking the top point scorer with 4 tries, and fly half Jacob King securing 2 tries and numerous dominant tackles which must have the opposition questioning why they kept running at him! Further appreciation must also go to Daniil Komandir whose sideline defense continually frustrated opponents throughout the tournament.
The dynamic backline was well supported by a solid set piece platform, with a dominant line out in particular provided by excellent efforts from Chris Brooks, Darren Parry and Khaled Khamallah.
Finally, it was new coach Tom Kilvington, a thoroughly deserving recipient of the coach of the tournament award, whose vision and back to basics approach has the new look Vagabonds firing. “Our victory is a testament to the commitment, heart and team spirit of all players, not only at the tournament but in training and preparation also,” said Tom post tournament.
“I couldn’t be prouder of each member of the team and travelling party who all played their part in the victory, and the trophy rounded off a great weekend.”
The Phuket Vagabonds train Wednesday nights from 6:30pm at the Alan Cooke Ground (ACG) in Thalang. To get involved, contact the Vagabonds via their website: www.phuketvagabonds.com.