Borneo Eagles bag a sixth crown
Published on: Monday, March 25, 2019
SANDAKAN: Host club, Borneo Eagles Club (ERC) bagged their sixth Borneo Sevens title when they defeated Hong Kong Dragons 19-14 in a closely fought match to wrest the title at their Stadium in Sandakan on Sunday.
ERC were bent on making up for last year’s defeat in the final to Iconz Australia when they were denied a record fourth consecutive title, and showed the Aussies the exit in the semifinals when they defeated them 21-10.
ADVERTISEMENT
Hong Kong Dragons, on the other hand, had defeated Sabah Eagles 24-0 in the other semifinals to book their berth in the final.
Expectations were indeed running high going into the tournament for hosts Borneo Eagles, but they did not disappoint their club and fans as they powered to yet another Borneo Sevens victory.
Eagles were, however, pushed hard by a spirited Hong Kong Dragons side who led 14-12 at half-time.
Eagles, coached by former All Black Josh Van Lieshout, got the breakthrough when it mattered to run out 19-14 winners much to the delight of an adoring home crowd.
ADVERTISEMENT
It was ERC’s Glen Dale Cook Cakutini who carried ERC with his two tries and a conversion which lifted his team.
Van Lieshout paid homage to his players, who delivered the victory.
ADVERTISEMENT
“The second day in a tournament is always a big day, every game is important,” said Van Lieshout.
“Let’s be honest, it was a final – the best two teams in the competition played – and it was close. You could tell by the score, so credit to both teams
“We were just going to keep doing what we were doing (in earlier rounds) and focus on our defence. They had some big forwards, and we tried to cover their strategy.
“Obviously, I am very happy the boys won. If I get the opportunity to, I would definitely love to work with Eagles again in the future.”
The women’s cup final saw Japan’s Nagato Blue Angels living up to their title favourites status after comfortably downing Australian side Southern District 39-0.
The men’s champions pocketed US$10,000 (RM40,647) while the runners-up took home US$5,000 (RM20,323) for their efforts.
The women’s champions received US$4,000 (RM16,259) while the runners-up took home US$2,000 (RM8,129).
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
Daily Express Malaysia
