The Hindu : Sport : India defeats Guam

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Jun 24, 2007
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Sport

Sport - Sports : General

India defeats Guam

MUMBAI: India overpowered Guam 47-0 in the Hutch-sponsored 2007 Asian Nations Series rugby home match at the rain-drenched Bombay Gymkhana ground. Emil Vartazarian emerged the standout performer for the host side with five conversions, three penalties and one drop goal.

The opening match of the three-nation series was organised by the Indian Rugby Football Union. The winner travels to Manila next month for an away match against the Philippines.

Taking control

Ganesh Sawant, playing wing, set the momentum with a successful try in the 16th minute, followed by tries from forward and Indian captain Nasser Hussain. The host, coached by Englishman David Wiggins for the first time led 24-0 at the breather.

Indians stuck to their pre-match gameplan of compact play and aggressive running by the forwards, showing no leeway despite heavy thundershowers in the second half.

Vartzarian on song

Vartzarian, playing fly half and in his elements on the slushy turf, scored the drop goal. “We had trained for set pieces, including the drop goal but this time it happened because of a bad pass. I went for a drop goal to get out of an awkward situation,” said the Chennai Cheetah player.

Guam, ranked six places above India (88th) at 82 on the International Rugby Board world ratings, was denied the space or time to switch the ball around at rapid pace.

The results: India 47 (Emil Vartazarian 5 conversions, 3 penalties, 1 drop goal, Ganesh Sawant 1 try, Nasser Hussain 1 try, Muffaddal Indorewala 1 try, Francis Brown 1 try, Bikash Jena 1 try) bt Guam 0.