Four teams participate in round 1 with 2 games
Manila, August 11, 2024. The Philippine National Rugby League (PNRL) rugby league’s
local season started on a high note, with 2 games in round 1 taking place at Manila’s Rizal
Memorial Stadium on Sunday, August 11. This stadium is no stranger to momentous games,
hosting notable football and rugby matches.
A special mention must go to our sponsors – KEVS PLACE & ERICK ELEFANTE, and
partners – Philippine Sports Commission, their support is key to the PNRLS domestic rugby
league activities.
This season of the PNRL will see four teams in competition, with three newly formed teams
trying their hand at rugby league. The Braves and Gorillas come from a traditional rugby
background, participating in PRFU 15’s and 7’s tournaments, whereas the Panthers are
newcomers from Pampanga, collaborating with Clark Jets players to bolster their team.
Game 1 of round 1 kicking off just after 1pm, Braves RFC put forth an impressive display of
skill, determination, and collaboration. They took to the field with energy and tackled their
challenge with enthusiasm, offering spectators a compelling show.
Right from the start, there was clear synergy between the forwards and backs. A coordinated
effort from the team led to an early try with individual brilliance from Johnsen Lalongisip,
whose speed and smart play led to a second try in the opening half.
For the Panthers, it was a debut match to remember, as they claimed their very first victory
in the PNRL Domestic Shield against the Cavite-based Braves. Under the leadership of
captain Marcky Teresa and co-captain Gian Disonglo, the team demonstrated sheer resolve.
The match’s opening half saw Francis Masin scoring twice, while Jonel Madrona contributed
another, placing the Panthers narrowly ahead at halftime with 12-10.
As the second half progressed and despite facing setbacks like the injury to Francis Masin
and Harris Johnson’s penalty time in the Sin Bin, the Panthers displayed formidable
resilience. Braves’ strategic changes initially caused disruption but led to a shift in
momentum, Dave Tuscano left his mark with strong runs that enabled him to score a vital
try, warranting admiration from both his colleagues and the Philippine National Rugby
League. Cris John Engreso played a pivotal role for the Panthers, creating opportunities,
including Daeniel Ilanan’s fourth try. Joemari Rauras and Angelo Arsolon made important
defensive plays, with Gian Disonglo’s steal becoming a key highlight of the game.
Jonel Madrona clinched the game for the Panthers with two decisive tries in the last five
minutes, concluding the game with a close 24-22 victory over the Braves. This earned
Madrona the Man of the Match award, the game marking a history-making moment for both
Pampanga Panthers and Braves RFC whose debut and subsequent matches were a
testament to their hard work.
Must make special mention to Braves RFC’s Ivan Acilo strategic plays provided stability to
the team, while Lenard Perejan’s agility skills were crucial in maintaining momentum. Zept
Villanueva’s energy and tactical awareness added depth to the Braves’ game plan,
contributing to a well-rounded and solid team performance.
Game 2 kicked off at 3.30pm, the well-established Manila Storm went head-to-head with the
debutant Gorillas Rugby Club. Despite being newcomers to the revered sport, the Gorillas
presented a formidable challenge to the Storm.
The Storm’s initial try was a product of an impressive collective effort, with Julian Feleo
completing the play beautifully. Larcel Caparros, known for his prowess in Philippine Touch,
successfully executed the conversion.
For many in the Gorillas lineup, it was their inaugural rugby league match. Under the
leadership of the young captain Otto Devantier and the experienced Miguel Velis, the team
had a rigorous start facing the physically dominant Manila Storm.
Early scores put the Gorillas at a disadvantage, but Niel Pickford’s seasoned skills ensured a
try before the break, which was converted by Devantier. At halftime, Storm led 16-6.
As the second half unfolded, the Gorillas adapted and built-up strength, thanks to Marc
Smoliner and Ethan Ignacio’s dynamic runs. Maximus Ignacio managed to pierce through
the defence for a critical try following a penalty.
In the final 15 minutes, the Storm escalated their efforts, resulting in three tries from Jan
Norbin Puig and Lito Ramirez, including one originating from a strategic play by the Ramirez
brothers, capped off with a ‘magic pass’ to Lito Ramirez. Caparros’ two conversions finalized
the score at 28-12, securing the win for the Storm.
Manila Storm’s scorers included John Denmar Usman with two tries, Jan Norbin Puig and
Lito Ramirez each adding further tries, accompanied by two successful conversions from
Larcel Caparros, in addition to Julian Feleo’s noteworthy performance earning him Stom
player of the match honours.
Despite the defeat, the opening round was stellar for the Gorillas, showing early signs that
they would develop into a formidable contender as the season advances. In a gesture of true
sportsmanship, the Storm named Gorillas’ Maximus Ignacio as the Gorillas man of the
match.
GAME 1 RESULTS:
PANTHERS BRAVES RFC
FIRST HALF
Try Conversion Try Conversion
Francis Masin “” Johnsen Calipjo Billy Cardeño
Jonel Madrona “” Johnsen Calipjo “”
Francis Masin “”
12 0 8 2
12 10
SECOND HALF
Daeniel Ilanan “” Zept Villanueva “”
Jonel Madrona “” Dave Tuscano “”
Jonel Madrona “” Lenard Perejan “”
12 0 12 0
24 22
GAME 2 RESULTS:
MANILA STORM GORILLAS RUGBY
FIRST HALF
Try Conversion Try Conversion
John Denmar “” Neil Pickford Otto Devantier
John Denmar “”
Julian Feleo Larcel Caparros
12 2 4 2
16 6
SECOND HALF
Lito Ramirez “” Maximus Ignacio Otto Devantier
Jan Norbin “”
Lito Ramirez Larcel Caparros
12 2 4 2
28 12
About the PNRL
Pambansang Ragbi Liga NG Pilipinas (PNRL) is the governing body of Rugby League Football in the
Philippines. Its mission is to enable all Filipinos to have a healthy lifestyle through their participation in
Rugby League Football and to be competitive amongst the Asian Rugby League playing nations. The
PNRL focus is the promotion, development, and efficient administration of Rugby League in the
Philippines. The PNRL is non-profit volunteer organization, who are a member of the Philippine Olympic
Committee and the Philippine Sports Commission. The Philippines is a member of the Asia-Pacific
Rugby League Confederation (APRLC) and an observer member of the International Rugby League
(IRL).
