The first day at the DHA Rugby Stadium began as a sizeable crowd witnessed New Zealand’s College Rifles Raiders (Auckland) and Hollywood Rugby Club (Ireland) sharing the honours.
Rifles Raiders earned the first win of the tournament, thrashing Pakistan Whites in a one-sided battle 47-0.
Hollywood Rugby Club then recorded a convincing win over another hosts’ side, beating Pakistan Universities 48-0.
Pakistan Whites suffered their second defeat when they went down fighting against Delhi Hurricanes 22-5, while Pakistan Universities were handed another loss by Uzbek Rugby Club who claimed a 26-0 triumph.
Pakistan Gold shine
However, another local outfit, Pakistan Gold saved some face when they held Kabul United (Afghanistan) to a 14-14 draw. The Afghan side had earlier posted a 26-0 win over Hong Kong’s Chinese University Rugby Club.
Pakistan Gold improved on their performance and registered the first win for the hosts, overcoming Chinese University 19-17.
However, Pakistan Greens, the fourth local side, were unfortunate to concede a last-ditch converted try which saw Cambodia Rugby Club snatch a 19-17 win.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Rugby Union (PRS) was satisfied with the results, saying the ultimate task has been achieved.
“These sides belong to the top rugby nations,” said the official. “Our teams are in the learning phase and irrespective of results, they are gaining a lot from these contests.”
Meanwhile, in other matches, Auckland Club beat Delhi hurricanes 15-5, while Irish Rugby Club overwhelmed Uzbek Rugby Club 22-0.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 9th, 2012.
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