Jakarta shows a touch of class in Malaysia

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)