By Mae Koime – EM TV Sports, Port Moresby
With an ever increasing influence of Papua New Guinean students in the Philippines, Philippines National Rugby League ended its season with two teams in the finals.
Albay Vulcans and the Manila Storm are coached by PNG’s Timothy Buipe, who is a student and the rugby league development officer.
The Manila Storm had an 18-man squad, but through good use of their bench they managed to hold off determined Albay Vulcans’ attack on their home soil.
This had been their first game of rugby league, which they had been waiting to play for almost two years.
The Albay Vulcans team had well planned and organised set pieces coming from their rugby union background. The home crowd appreciated their players’ effort – win or lose.
