The SKF Mavericks beat old rivals HMR Ibons to rule the 2018 SPI Rugby Championship at Southern Plains.
The Championship encounter was everything the spectators had expected, a closely fought match where the weather could have been the difference between the two. With no rain, the match fell evenly across the playing conditions.
The Mavericks sped out of the gates early, holding nothing back, the Mavericks taking a 5-0 lead before Ronald Longasa went ahead with a stellar line break showing fabulous speed and footwork. Longasa set up the second 5 pointer for the Mavericks.
The HMR Ibons fought back scoring a try of their own. At 12 to 7, the Mavericks slotted a penalty goal through Matthew Cowley to take the Mavericks to a 15 to 7 head start.
The HMR Ibons continued to threaten the line with their potent backline, continually putting pressure on the Mavericks defense. A converted try to the Ibons put them back in the match closing the scoreline to 15 to 14 with over 10 minutes remaining.
Strong performances by Jeremy Hernandez, Jed Dimaguya and Lito Ramirez kept the Mavericks in front. Consistent efforts from Jovic Paypon and Lyndon Adlao from the Ibons kept the Ibons in the match.
In the end it was the Mavericks who capitalized on a last minute penalty to secure the win. A penalty goal added an extra three points, leaving a final score of 18 to 14 in favor of the SKF Mavericks who secured 2018 Domestic SPI Championship Title.
The HMR Ibons finished first after the regular season, taking out the Manila Carabaos in the first semifinal. The SKF Mavericks, caused an upset over an experienced Subic Shark Jets team in the second semifinal to book a place against the Mavericks last Saturday.
“A remarkable final, one of the best in Philippine Rugby history. The Mavericks and Ibons can each be proud, one very good game of Rugby to watch” shared Jovan Masalunga, Competitions Manager for Philippine Rugby.
Meanwhile, the Eagles RFC ruled the Premiership Division.
