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Rain did not dampen the spirits of the Philippine Tamaraws Rugby League team who defeated the Westpac Vanuatu Rugby League (VRL) 32-16 in the maiden international test played Espiritu Santo (Vanuatu).

An impressive crowd of 2,021 fans attended in torrential rain for their first taste of live Rugby League.

It was a true island test with bamboo goalposts and makeshift goalpost pads against a backdrop of palm trees and outer islands of the Sanma Province.

This did not intimidate the Tamaraws who raced out to a 24-0 lead at half-time before Vanuatu fought back strongly in an exciting second half.

Philippines lock forward Rez Phillips won man of the match in an impressive performance while centre Nelson Law was voted Vanuatu’s best on ground and was always dangerous at left centre in attack and made some crucial tackles in defence.

The game has been declared an economic success with many fans from Australia and throughout Vanuatu converging on Santo to attend the event. Profits returned from the VRL will be reinvested in growing the game of rugby league in Santo and the rest of Vanuatu.

VRL President Tom Carlo was very happy with the way the event unfolded.

“The event wouldn’t be possible without our amazing group of sponsors in Westpac, Air Vanuatu, the Kava Emporium and Wantok Network Communications and all the local businesses in Santo who got behind the event to make it financially viable in the first place”, Mr Carlo said.

“Full credit to the Santo Boars and the organising committee of the event who did an outstanding job to ensure the event was a success. We’ll certainly be back to play in Santo in the future and it’s given us a great platform in terms of exposure and resources to further grow the game in Vanuatu and particularly in Santo”, Mr Carlo added.

Momentum continues to build for the VRL with impressive performances in Port Vila’s 28-20 victory over the Santo Boars in the annual inter-provincial fixture. A number of players enhanced their chances in a number of unique upcoming selection opportunities.

Interim Vanuatu Coach John Nash was suitably impressed with the development of the players in Vanuatu.

“In only three short years the transformation of the local players has been amazing. The Port Vila vs Santo game was a high quality game of rugby league and we’ve gone from only a handful of players being able to play at International level to a large group of players which is very exciting for us”, Mr Nash said.

“We’ll look to put together new High Performance squads in both Port Vila and Santo and those squads will be the basis to select squads moving forward.”

“We’re going to play in the International 9’s tournament in Sydney in February and also have a number of opportunities for players to play with clubs in Australia, so there is plenty for our players to strive to. The two big opportunities will be the Pacific Games team for 2015 and further Test matches at the end of 2015”, Mr Nash added.

Philippines 32 (Dennis Gordon – 2, Jonico Hardwick – 2 and Shane Gray tries. Steve Tolo – 4/4, Arwin Marcus 1/1 and Paul Sheedy 1/1 Goals) defeated Vanuatu 16 (James Wood, Xavier Philip and Sweeny Sablan tries. Joshua Tanner 2/3 Goals).

Match Report

Date: Saturday 11^th October 2014

Venue: Chapius Stadium in Luganville, Espiritu-Santo (Vanuatu)

Curtain Raiser: Port Vila 28 defeated Santo Boars 20

Main Game: Philippines 32 defeated Vanuatu 16

Referee: Nicholas Pelgrave (Australia)

Man of the Match: Rez Phillips (Philippines)

Crowd: 2,021

Vanuatu Team:

1. Shayne Tuilagi
2. Xavier Philip
3. Jason Pakoasongi
4. Nelson Law
5. Sweeny Sablan
6. James Wood (Captain)
7. Joshua Tanner
8. David Lolo
9. Anthony Delaivuna
10. Herbie Henderson
11. Joey Meninga
12. Sam Pierce
13. Samuela Loaloadravu
14. Alex Philip
15. Filimone Masei
16. Ben Lui
17. Jean Pierrez Kenie
18. Erick Tosusu
19. Tonny Lui

Philippines Team:

1. Richard Goodwin
2. Steve Tolo
3. Shane Gray
4. Dennis Gordon
5. Jonico Hardwick
6. Arwin Marcus
7. Paul Sheedy
8. Dylan Jones
9. Luke Srama (Captain)
10. Glen Power
11. Steven Bernstrom
12. Sam Bernstrom
13. Rez Phillips (Vice Captain)
14. Ellis Jensen
15. Micah Hines
16. Scott Donnelly
17. Fred Colina
18. Justin Wrigley

By the Clock:

14^th Minute: Try to Philippines Number 4 (Dennis Gordon). Philippines 4 – Vanuatu 0.

15^th Minute: Goal to Philippines Number 6 (Arwin Marcus). Philippines 6 – Vanuatu 0.

22^nd Minute: Try to Philippines Number 4 (Dennis Gordon). Philippines 10 – Vanuatu 0.

23^rd Minute: Goal to Philippines Number 2 (Steve Tolo). Philippines 12 – Vanuatu 0.

34^th Minute: Try to Philippines Number 5 (Jonico Hardwick). Philippines 16 – Vanuatu 0.

36^th Minute: Goal to Philippines Number 2 (Steve Tolo). Philippines 18 – Vanuatu 0.

40^th Minute: Try to Philippines Number 5 (Jonico Hardwick). Philippines 22 – Vanuatu 0.

40^th Minute: Goal to Philippines Number 2 (Steve Tolo). Philippines 24 – Vanuatu 0.

Half-Time: Philippines 24 – Vanuatu 0

44^th Minute: Try to Vanuatu Number 6 (James Wood). Philippines 24 – Vanuatu 4.

45^th Minute: Goal to Vanuatu Number 7 (Joshua Tanner). Philippines 24 – Vanuatu 6.

48^th Minute: Try to Vanuatu Number 2 (Xavier Philip). Philippines 24 – Vanuatu 10.

50^th Minute: Goal to Vanuatu Number 7 (Joshua Tanner). Philippines 24 – Vanuatu 12.

60^th Minute: Try to Philippines Number 3 (Shane Gray). Philippines 28 – Vanuatu 12.

61^st Minute: Goal to Philippines Number 2 (Steve Tolo). Philippines 30– Vanuatu 12.

66th Minute: Try to Vanuatu Number 5 (Sweeny Sablan). Philippines 30 – Vanuatu 16.

80^th Minute: Penalty Goal to Philippines Number 7 (Paul Sheedy). Philippines 32 – Vanuatu 16.

Full-Time: Philippines 32 – Vanuatu 16

Four Westpac Vanuatu Rugby League (VRL) players in David Lolo, Filimone Masei, Xavier Philip and Shayne Tuilagi will make their debut when the VRL take on the might of the Asian Champions in the Philippines Rugby League team, known as the Tamaraws at Chapius Stadium on Saturday 11^th October, 2014 in Espiritu Santo (Vanuatu).

The side will be captained by James Wood, who returns after missing the 2013 games through injury and Samuela Loaloadravu who led the side to two victories over Solomon Islands and Niue in Woods absence will be the teams Vice-Captain.

The squad features 11 players born in Vanuatu and 10 players from the local competitions in Port Vila and Santo. The predominantly local based side will be coached by former player John Nash who was excited about his team’s prospects.

“We’ve only had a short preparation but it has all been about quality work. The experienced players from Australia have mixed really well with the local based players that have been highly impressive so far”, Mr Nash said.

It’s been a busy week for both teams as they’ve mixed training with visiting many of the iconic attractions that the island paradise of Vanuatu and in particular Santo has to offer. The Vanuatu team has visited Malo, Port Olry, Hog Harbour, Champagne Beach, Lonoc and a number of Blue Holes while the Philippines have also taken on the Millenium Caves and a number of players have even gone diving on the world famous S.S. Coolidge.

The Philippines team have thoroughly enjoyed their time in Vanuatu and their coach Clayton Watene was looking forward to the game.

“The hospitality of the VRL and everyone in Vanuatu has been outstanding. It is one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever visited and everyone is having a great time. Everyone has a smile on their faces and is super friendly and we can’t wait for the atmosphere at the game tomorrow, it is going to be great”, Mr Watene said.

The Test match will also feature the annual inter-provincial match between the Port Vila representative side and the Santo Boars. The match expected to be a spirited affair, along with the Test match will act as selection event for the High Performance squad which involves specialized training and opportunity for selection in VRL squads moving forward, including the 2015 Pacific Games in PNG.

To keep up to date follow the Vanuatu Rugby League on Facebook or check out the recently launched website at:  www.vanuaturl.com

Tickets can be purchased at The Espiritu hotel reception (Ex-Apex) or at the gates on game day.

The final 19 man squad (including squad development players Dominique Sablan and Ben Henderson) and playing number is:

1. Shayne Tuilagi
2. Xavier Philip
3. Jason Pakoasongi
4. Nelson Law
5. Sweeny Sablan
6. James Wood (Captain)
7. Joshua Tanner
8. David Lolo
9. Anthony Delaivuna
10. Herbie Henderson
11. Joey Meninga
12. Sam Pierce
13. Samuela Loaloadravu

1. Alex Philip
2. Filimone Masei
3. Ben Lui
4. Jean Pierrez Kenie
5. Erick Tosusu
6. Tonny Lui

1. Dominique Sablan
2. Ben Henderson

The final 18 man squad for the Philippines including playing number is:

1. Richard Goodwin
2. Jonico Hardwick
3. Shane Gray
4. Dennis Gordon
5. Steve Tolo
6. Arwin Marcus
7. Paul Sheedy
8. Dylan Jones
9. Luke Srama (Captain)
10. Glen Power
11. Steveb Bernstrom
12. Sam Bernstrom
13. Rez Phillips (Vice Captain)

1. Ellis Jensen
2. Micah Hines
3. Scott Donnelly
4. Fred Colina
5. Justin Wrigley

Match Details

Date: Saturday 11^th October 2014

Venue: Chapius Stadium in Luganville, Espiritu-Santo (Vanuatu)

Gates Open: Midday

Santo vs Port Vila: 1pm

Vanuatu vs Philippines: 3pm

Half-time entertainment will be provided and there will be food and beverage (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) for purchase on game day.

Admission Prices

Grandstand Ticket: 1,500 Vatu

General Admission: 500 Vatu

Kids U/10: 100 Vatu

Tickets can be purchased at The Espiritu hotel reception (Ex-Apex) or at the gates on game day.

Local corporations in Vanuatu, headed by Westpac Bank have been instrumental in securing the future of the Vanuatu Rugby League (VRL). Westpac has renewed its major sponsorship of the VRL for a further 12 months which will include the upcoming Test match when the VRL take on the might of the Asian Champions in the Philippines Rugby League team, known as the Tamaraws at Chapius Stadium on Saturday 11^th October, 2014 in Espiritu Santo (Vanuatu).

“After the Westpac Vanuatu Rugby league’s success in international fixtures in 2013/2014we are proud to once again be supporting this great team and proud to be part of the growth of the game in Vanuatu “ says, Jeffrey Byrne, Westpac Regional General Manager, PINs.

They will be joined by returning Gold sponsors The Kava Emporium and Air Vanuatu, with Ben Lui an Air Vanuatu steward recently being selected in the 21 man squad. Wantok Network Communications are the newest sponsor to the VRL family, taking up a Gold sponsorship.

The Test match will also feature the annual inter-provincial match between the Port Vila representative side and the Santo Boars.

VRL President Tom Carlo was grateful to be partnering with such iconic brands well known throughout Vanuatu.

“I’m very pleased we have renewed our relationship with Westpac as our major sponsor for a further 12 months and look forward to a long association with a world renowned brands that has a long history of community sport in Vanuatu”.

“We’re excited that Westpac share our vision and see the potential to improve the lives of Ni-Vans through Rugby League and we thank them for their continued support”.

“I’d like to thank all our other returning Gold Sponsors all of whom are iconic Vanuatu brands in the Kava Emporium, Air Vanuatu and our newest sponsor in Wantok Network Communications. We look forward to long relationships with all four companies”, Mr Carlo said.

“We can’t do this without our sponsors and it is an absolute credit to them, especially Westpac that the VRL has achieved the things it has in only 3 short years.”

To keep up to date follow the Vanuatu Rugby League on Facebook or check out the recently launched website at:  www.vanuaturl.com

Tickets can be purchased at The Espiritu hotel reception (Ex-Apex) or at the gates on game day.

Match Details

Date: Saturday 11^th October 2014

Venue: Chapius Stadium in Luganville, Espiritu-Santo (Vanuatu)

Gates Open: Midday

Santo vs Port Vila: 1pm

Vanuatu vs Philippines: 3pm

Half-time entertainment will be provided and there will be food and beverage (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) for purchase on game day.

Admission Prices

Grandstand Ticket: 1,500 Vatu

General Admission: 500 Vatu

Kids U/10: 100 Vatu

Tickets can be purchased at The Espiritu hotel reception (Ex-Apex) or at the gates on game day.

Pre-Game Function

Date: Tuesday 7^th October

Venue: Lope Lope Resort

Time: 6pm

Cost: 3,000 Vatu per person

Includes full buffet dinner, live entertainment, jersey auction and chance to meet all the international players.

Joey Meninga has been a late addition to the Vanuatu Rugby League squad to face the Philippines in Santo next Saturday. Meninga, the nephew of Mal Meninga has played in all three Test matches for Vanuatu. Meninga currently plays as a winger for the Sunshine Coast Falcons in the Queensland Cup but is again expected to start in the second row where he has exclusively played for Vanuatu.

The final 22 man squad to be led by Coach John Nash and Captain James Wood is:

Anthony Delaivuna

Rob Franklin

Herbie Henderson

Jean Pierrez Kenie

Nelson Law

Samuela Loaloadravu

Dave Lolo

Ben Lui

Tonny Lui

Filimone Masei

Joey Meninga

Jason Pakoasongi

Alex Philip

Xavier Philip

Sam Pierce

Dominique Sablan

Sweeny Sablan

Joshua Tanner

Erick Tosusu

Shayne Tuilagi

James Wood (Captain)

Ben Henderson (non-playing)

To keep up to date follow the Vanuatu Rugby League on Facebook or check out the recently launched website at:  www.vanuaturl.com

Tickets can be purchased at The Espiritu hotel reception (Ex-Apex) or at the gates on game day.

Match Details

Date: Saturday 11th October 2014

Venue: Chapius Stadium in Luganville, Espiritu-Santo (Vanuatu)

Gates Open: Midday

Santo vs Port Vila: 1pm

Vanuatu vs Philippines: 3pm

Half-time entertainment will be provided and there will be food and beverage (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) for purchase on game day.

Admission Prices

Grandstand Ticket: 1,500 Vatu

General Admission: 500 Vatu

Kids U/10: 100 Vatu

Tickets can be purchased at The Espiritu hotel reception (Ex-Apex) or at the gates on game day.

Pre-Game Function

Date: Tuesday 7th October

Venue: Lope Lope Resort

Time: 6pm

Cost: 3,000 Vatu per person

Includes full buffet dinner, live entertainment, jersey auction and chance to meet all the international players.