Jakarta shows a touch of class in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR (JP): Coaching manuals rarely recommend arguing with match officials, let alone pushing them around, but it was a controversial collision between a Jakarta Touch Rugby Club player and the referee that gave the Indonesian side its first international triumph last weekend.

In the nail-biting final of the inaugural Mixed Touch Tournament in Kuala Lumpur last Saturday, Jakarta beat the host, Malaysia ANZA, 4-3 in the third minute of sudden-death extra time when Darren Blakeley scored after bumping into the referee.

The try was initially disallowed but the official reversed his decision after a player on the host team said it should stand, even though Blakeley had not grounded the ball after crossing the line.

A jubilant Blakeley said afterwards: "It's not the best way to win a tournament but the important thing is that we won. The history books won't recount how it was done."

Jakarta went into the final as overwhelming favorite, having scored 22 times and conceded no tries in its four previous games. This impressive form continued in the seventh minute of the first half when Gus Heber outpaced his opposite wing to run most of the length of the field to touch down in the corner.

But Jakarta then relaxed and under gathering storm clouds allowed Malaysia ANZA back into the game. At half time the host led 2-1.

The opening of the second half mirrored the start of the first with neither side giving any quarter. Jakarta then scored two quick tries, through Marten Eddy and Blakeley, and again appeared to be coasting to victory.

But the team's concentration waned once more and Malaysia ANZA equalized shortly before the final whistle.

Sudden-death extra time in touch rugby involves one player from each team leaving the pitch after every two minutes.

Shortly after the teams had been reduced to four men and two women, Blakeley sold the opposition a dummy, darted through a gap, cannoned off the referee and crossed the line for the decisive try.

Club captain Mark Morgan was full of praise for the team: "I felt our success was due to the fabulous team spirit and the strong commitment shown by the whole squad over the last few months." (jea)