World Footy News

The Singapore Wombats won the 2005 Asian Championships, the second win for the Wombats in six years. The Wombats fought off a fit and determined Bali Geckos in the Grand Final with the final score Singapore 7.3 (45) to Bali 2.4 (16), watched by over 700 onlookers. The Championship Cup was presented by His Excellency, Australian Ambassador Tony Hely.

Nine teams participated in the 2005 Championships - the Hong Kong Dragons, Singapore Wombats, Malaysian Warriors, Thailand Tigers, Jakarta Bintangs, Bali Geckos, China/Shanghai Tigers, Japan Goannas and the Philippine Eagles.

Under warm and dryer-than-expected conditions the teams battled through four qualifying rounds each to determine the two Grand Finalists. Exciting qualifying matches were highlighted by upsets and close results, as illustrated by the one point defeat of the highly fancied Hong Kong Dragons by the Bali Geckos early in the day. This set the scene for close and spirited tussles throughout the qualifying rounds. Japan surprised many with a small but talented squad of expats and local Japanese players. Japan missed out on a Grand Final berth by percentage only when they were defeated by another well-performed side, the Thailand Tigers, in the final qualifying match of the day. The Bali Geckos' excellent performance in qualifying for the grand final surprised many as they are a recently formed squad. It is widely anticipated that they will be a future force however, with such transient groups, any side can build a winning squad for future championships.

Superb facilities and a mini-village atmosphere greeted the players and spectators at the main polo ground where two ovals were laid out, separated by an array of sponsors marquees and catering tents. Each team had their own marquee and other facilities where they could rest between gruelling matches. The infrastructure and organisation was described by many visitors as the best ever, and the Polo Club are to be congratulated for their hospitality in making their facilities and services available.

Other sporting/social events also enhanced the Championship program. PAFL organised a golf competition with Peter Daicos for early-arriving guests at the Manila Golf Club and a football dinner on Friday evening with guest speaker Peter Daicos, attended by over 50 guests. These successful events set the scene for a great championship weekend. It was a fantastic weekend of footy thoroughly enjoyed by all those who attended.

Results and awards:
Player of the Grand Final:
Simon Walsh (Singapore)

Ladder