We were hoping to be competitive in this competition as the best teams in Asia were competing.
Teams came from New Zealand, Taiwan, Borneo, Australia, Thailand, Brunei and all states of Malaysia.

Our Boys proved to be more than competitive after the first day we were placed fourth - with 3 wins out of 3 Games.
On the second day we won our first game setting us up to play for the cup quarter finals. Unfortunately we let the STAR (cup favourites) score after the whistle to even the score.
This set us up for a golden point situation and STAR scored first which knocked us out of the cup.

By this time, it would have been easy for the lads to give up as they were feeling the 34 degree heat & 90% humidity, but they were determined to bring something home for their efforts.
They went on to win the next game to qualify for the plate final. Unfortunately, we lost the final 21-19. Ending up in 4th place ( plate runner-up) and top international team.

We made many new friends and our boys showed sportsmanship on and off the field, they were fantastic ambassadors for the Southern Lions.
I’m sure the boys will remember this trip for a long time.

On a personal note I have handed the Coaching reigns over to Matt Whaiapu. I’m very confident Matt will take these boys to even higher heights.

I can’t wait till next year and I can take next year’s team to the Cobra 10’s.

Many thanks to RPC Surface Coatings, MSS Maintenance, The Chiccino Family, QMCS,
and most importantly Peter Scoles – Manager of the Under 16’s without whom the trip would not have been possible.

Terry Eastwood