World Footy News

The Malaysian Warriors at the fourth attempt have taken out the Manila Cup with a 22-point Grand Final win over the Singapore Wombats. Grand Final Malaysian Warriors 7-5 (47) d Singapore Wombats 4-1 (25)

Wins over Philippine Eagles, Jakarta Bintangs and the Wombats and a loss to previous Cup nemesis Hong Kong Dragons in the preliminary round robin games were enough to put them thru to the Final with a rematch against the Wombats.

The matches played under clear blue skies and in energy sapping searing heat showcased the skills of all the participating teams but kept the ‘interchange gate’ turnover high.

Warrior’s Best Players of the day were Jason Flanagan, also most goals (6), Adam Kaminsky and Marcus Coombes excelled in ruck, and captain Benedict Simpson worked hard all day. Adam Kaminsky best of the new guys was rated one of the stars of the tournament, showed amazing stamina and was great through the midfield. Ex St Kilda ruckman Michael Rix playing his maiden Warriors tour matches was also instrumental in driving the Warrior’s winning running game.

The Warriors now will have to invest in a Trophy Cabinet, as the Manila Cup is the first piece of silverware they have won in any of the Asian tournaments in the club's history. The Grand Final win was also captain Benedict Simpson’s 50th game for the Warriors so a win to be savoured by all. ‘Reports’ from around Kuala Lumpur’s pubs are testament to the Warrior’s jubilation and joy with celebrations continuing for several days after the team arrived home.

Having been runner’s up several times in the tournament and to beat archrivals Singapore to say the achievement is most satisfying could be described as a huge understatement. The Singapore Wombats are touring to Kuala Lumpur on 23rd June so the ‘rematch’ should be a most interesting encounter.

Match results for the day:

Warriors 4-3 (27) d. Philippine Eagles 4-0 (24)

Warriors 5-5 (35) d. Jakarta Bintangs 2-0 (12)

Hong Kong Dragons 4-1 d. (25) Warriors 3-3 (21)

Warriors 3-6 (24) Singapore Wombats 3-2 (20)

Grand Final: Malaysian Warriors 7-5 (47) d. Singapore Wombats 4-1 (25)

All the teams match results and tournament ladder can be viewed at:

http://www.pafl.com.ph/manila-12-a-side-cup12.shtml

Thanks to Michael D'Oliveiro for assistance with this story.