HSBC COBRA 10s Tournament
10th to 16th November 2009, Kuala Lumpur
The club returned to Kuala Lumpur for the 11th time as a participant in the HSBC COBRA 10s.
Due to known financial limitations, the club decided only to participate in one tournament in the region as opposed to two tournaments in previous years. Also, the tournament attracted less overseas teams than normal. This gave the club an opportunity to lock horns with more local sides. Thanks to all those who helped getting the tour together, especially Dean Herewini for his work in setting up things in Malaysia, and those who helped in selection. Thanks also to Hang Kek Kang, who, as always, had things expertly organised for our arrival and provided a first class service.
In a change from previous years, the tournament was held at the COBRA fields, Utara, instead of the PJ stadium. The facilities provided by COBRA ensured the tournament would be a success, although hopefully, work will be undertaken to improve the playing surface in years to come.
Nine of the team where on their first Penguin trip, including coach Botica. Only two of the team had played in the COBRA 10s before so a new experience for most. The team had a steady build up to the tournament with 4 training runs. In addition the team ran two coaching sessions for youngsters. The first for the RSC Club at the RSC fields, and the second for local school children at the COBRA fields.
Results
Pool A
Penguins 95 – 0 Kuching RFC (MAS)
Penguins 73 – 0 ASAS (MAS)
Penguins 43 – 0 Sabah Eagles (MAS)
Quarter final
Penguins 24 – 12 NS Wanderers (MAS)
Semi Final
Penguins 0 – 22 Borneo Eagles (MAS)
Team
Squad: Tony Penn (Tukapa, Taranaki, Hurricanes, NZ Maori – Captain), William Whetton (Northcote, North Harbour), Craig Degoldi (Kariat, Bay of Plenty, NZ 7s), Nathan Hohaia (Costal, Taranaki), Ashee Tuala (Manurewa, Counties-Manukau), Reece Robinson (Marist, Manawatu, NZ Maori), Josh Sutherland (Marist, Waikato), Hua Tamariki (Marist, Southland), Nick Thomson (Taradale, Hawkes Bay, NZ 7s), Nick McLennan (Lincoln, Canterbury U21), Jason Hooper (Narbonne, Taranaki, Hurricanes), Sam Christie (Fraser Tech, Waikato), Sean O’Connor (Marist, Manawatu), and Luke Hamilton (Western Sharks, Northland, NZ 7s)
Coach: Frano Botica
Manager: Craig Brown
Academy Coaches: Ben Fisher and Neil Young
Liaison Officer: Hang Kek Kang
Physio: Marc Daniels and Lydia
Photos
Team photo before the tournament
The team with the children from RSC following a very wet session
Waiting to depart the hotel for training
At the tournament
Training
The backs being organised by coach Frano
Forwards dicussing the finer points of the lineout
Warm up for day 1
Warm ups
Lining up for a match
Scrum time
Goldi up high for a good clean take
