Cobras Rugby Club v Lanna Rugby Club
September 18th 2021 Pre-Season Friendly
After all the stop start in peoples lives and other hardships being caused by our friend C. Vid it was nice to see the buzz and feel the excitement, at the home of Lanna Rugby Club, in San Khampeng, as they prepared to take on the newest rugby club in town the Chiang Mai Cobras.
The Lions had good numbers and were vigorous in the warm up as they looked forwards to locking horns with their nemesis the Cobras who were formed after a breakaway from the Lanna Club.
The Cobras had a mix of experienced expats and youthful Thai lads and after the extensive training they have been doing over the last months, were confident they could wear down the youthful but inexperienced lanna side. The The Lions Captain Mike Foehn & Cobras’ Matty Valentine agreed to play 10 a side with three 15 minute periods with the Cobras kicking off.
From the kick off the Cobras attacked and it was obvious that all the trining had paid off as they took the game to the Lions forcing numerious turnovers and pressurising their defence into making errors. With all the possession going the Cobras way it was only a matter of time before they scored and it duly arrived when scrum half Most Padabyod danced his way to the line. Two other tries by captain Matty Valentine and Josh Lim arrived in quick fashion. As it looked like the Cobras would run away with it a loose ball fell the Lions way & the clearing kick was knocked on by Most deep in the cobras half. The loose ball was scooped up by Dtun who fed to Stanton centre field who brushed aside a couple of tackles to barge over and reduce the deficit. Game on!
With so many new players it was always going to be an uphill battle for the Lions and so it proved to be. Although Greg Fredlund and Matt Hirst tackled themselves into the ground they couldnt stop the Cobras’ offloading and support game. The Cobras were dominating possession, territory and taking the game away from the Lanna side at every opportunity. With tries by Matty 2, Josh 3, Most 3, Tanachod Omsin 2 & Damien May 1 it was a good run out for the Cobras. The 60-5 scoreline was a good reflection of the Cobras domination but didnt reflect the work and commitment of the Lions who fought to the end.
This was a game needed by both teams as preparation for the upcoming truncated 10 a side league which kicks off on 2nd October with the Lions v Maejo. Regardless of the scoreline rugby was the winner. The large crowd who stayed to watch the game enjoyed the BBQ atmosphere courtasy of Bruce and prop David Hendershot, along with Greg Fredlund and Matt Hirst, were named the Lions men of the Match with Most Padabyod, getting the honours for the Cobras.
Upcoming 10 a side league schedule
Northern Thailand Rugby 