A hardy group of Vagabonds made their way to Bangkok for a rare 15-a-side encounter against Southeast Asia rugby heavyweights, the Bangkok Bangers, and it didn’t take long for the home side to stamp their superior awareness and cohesion on the game, successfully pinning the tenacious, but shell-shocked Vagabonds in their red zone for much of the first half.
Whilst the Vagabonds went toe-to-toe in the physicality stakes, they often found themselves on the wrong side of the offside line and subsequently reeling back from the referee’s whistle.
Despite some committed defense, space soon began to appear from the weight of possession and the points began to mount, with the Bangers running in four first half tries as the visitors struggled to gain possession and territory.
The second half saw improvement from the Vagabonds, stringing together multiple phases and attacking the Bangers try line more frequently. However, despite a clear line break from loose forward Ben Williams they were unable to convert the pressure into points.
Again, the Banger’s big-game, experienced forwards were able to turn over ball at the breakdown far too often with the Vagabonds lacking urgency in securing their own rucks. Their continued committed defense, however, limited the opposition to just one try in the second half from a quick penalty tap.
Despite the mounting scoreline, the Vagabonds were commendable in their unyielding efforts and never dropped their heads or capitulated, playing to the final whistle. There were lessons well learned from technical penalties and the lift in quality opposition. Whilst it is cliché to say, the boys will be better for the hit out!
The Phuket Vagabonds would like to extend a very special thanks to the Lanna Lions and Pattaya Panthers who both committed additional team members to ensure the Vagabonds could travel with a competitive squad. Their commitment could not be faulted and their attendance was most appreciated.
An additional thank you goes out to the Bangkok Bangers for providing the opportunity and we look forward to a return match in Phuket in the coming months.
For Phuket’s rugby enthusiasts, the Phuket Vagabonds train Wednesday nights and Saturday mornings at the Alan Cooke Ground in Thalang, with age groups ranging form under 12s to opens and academy classes for younger age groups.
For more information please visit www.phuketvagabonds.com