Yes, but, yes, but, yes, but. . .
I knew the Japanese were good, but hot damn they can move. They kept tackling whoever had the ball, and when someone retrieved it they tackled him too.
We lost both matches.
I just got off the bus with the team and it felt like a funeral in there so it falls upon me to be the ray of sunshine. This does not happen. However, having just most of the last 72 hours in these guys’ pockets, I will be a fucking ray of sunshine if I have to. I wasn’t exactly sent to Borneo for my lack of enthusiasm. (If you’re looking for psychotic intensity look no farther.)
The Volcanoes in red, the Japanese in blue. The Japanese 7s team plays together all year round. The members of the Philippine 7s team met each other last Tuesday and trained together for two days. Not an excuse, a factoid.
So here’s the upside. In the first game the Philippines lost to Japan 34-12. This is not a debacle. No one expected the Philippines to win. But the Volcanoes scored two tries (by Patrice Olivier and by Noel Flowers, conversion by Harry Morris) against Japan and after halftime came within 5 points. Japan is an established rugby nation and the defending champion in this tournament.
Noel pointed out that Sri Lanka could not match the physicality of the Filipino team. What they had was a very big player who had so much pace they couldn’t catch him. Noel, whose wife Lucy flew in from Cebu to watch him play, had two greatish matches. I guess if you grow up with the name Flowers in Australia, you’d better know how to play rugby.
In the second game the Philippines lost to Sri Lanka 26-12. The Volcanoes took the early lead (try by Justin Coveney, conversion by Harry Morris, try by Mark Chatting) 12-5 but Sri Lanka caught up in the second half and ran away. Sri Lanka is an established rugby nation, and for a fledgling sevens team to score two tries against them is, as Coach pointed out, progress.
“How did the Sri Lankan team catch up?” I asked. Harry said, “Panic.”
Now I will give you the nerd explanation, so those who have not read Dune may stop here. The Volcanoes are the Fremen scattered across the deserts of Arrakis. Japan are the Sardaukar, Sri Lanka the Harkonnen (I’m not suggesting they’re evil, just making a science-fiction analogy). The Fremen have the ability to beat the Sardaukar, but first they must unite and train with the Atreides and the Bene Gesserit. It will happen.
Tomorrow the Philippines competes for the Bowl. I feel like I should buy everyone a drink, but they’re not allowed and there are games to play tomorrow.
This exclusive coverage of the Philippine Volcanoes at the Borneo 7s is brought to you by JessicaRulestheUniverse.com through a sponsorship from Globe Telecom, which is not responsible for cusswords or Dune analogies.
Answers to questions you might be asking, unless you wandered onto this site purely by accident >>>
October 30th, 2010 at 17:00
After recently watching my local baseball team beat the Texas Rangers 9-0 in game 2 of the World Series, my first thought is: Hey guys, at least it wasn’t a total shutout.
Thanks for posting this; I was going crazy trying to Google up results. If they ever get around to having drinks, they can recite an adapted litany against fear mentioned in this comic strip: http://www.goats.com/archive/990517.html
October 30th, 2010 at 17:49
Yes, it will indeed happen. We believe in our boys. :)
By the way, are PRFU/PV jerseys for sale?
October 30th, 2010 at 19:28
Oh. Sad news. And you cussed. Hehe.
October 30th, 2010 at 20:14
We believe and we are keeping the faith on the Volcanoes!
Go go go!
And Jessica, I hope you also get enough rest and sleep. Hindi biro yung ginagawa mo diyan ha. Hindi mo lang dino-document at kino-cover yung rugby tournament, sound board, cheerleader and friend ka pa ng buong team! Ingat kayong lahat diyan :)
October 30th, 2010 at 20:32
brewhuh23 at 8:14 pm: Thank you for asking, I’m exhausted.
October 30th, 2010 at 20:48
Yujin at 7:28 pm: I cuss, they don’t. I probably have the worst manners in this group.
October 30th, 2010 at 22:10
They must be taught the weirding way. The enemies’ water must be taken. They must find a way to get revenge. They lost a lot of the tribe’s water for they were not wearing still suits.
Sabihin mo sa kanila na okay lang dahil maganda pa rin silang lahat. Yang mga Hapon na yan, kinakareer nila ang lahat ng bagay. Maliit kasi sila.
October 30th, 2010 at 22:14
Sinasabi ko na nga ba…the Japan’s rugby team is composed of highly trained ninjas.
October 30th, 2010 at 22:14
Sinasabi ko na nga ba…Japan’s rugby team is composed of highly trained ninjas.
October 30th, 2010 at 22:17
Jessica, you could be the Reverend Mother. Drink the Water of Life, change it and give it to the seitch. That would lift their spirits. You are our Missionaria Protectiva there and we channel all our energy and support to the team through you.
My request: Take care of Harry for me.
Thanks for giving us constant updates. It made my week.
October 30th, 2010 at 23:40
Dear Harry,
So you lost. Big deal. The wind still blows, the seas crash and the earth still turns. You and your team did the best that you could and made the most of what you had. For that, we are proud of all of you.
What I learned from all of you is this: We must all take the time to continue doing what we love. The things we do that give us joy is part of who we are. If we let them go, a part of us dies. I have long stopped doing the things that I love the most because of my job and the responsibilities that come with growing up. You travelled halfway around the world to do what you love. I admire and envy your passion.
I shall try to do the same.
Yes, you lost, but all of you are doing what you love. That is what is important.
October 31st, 2010 at 00:48
Will continue praying for them, and probably repeating the victory mantra over and over too.
October 31st, 2010 at 01:23
Oh we lost both matches. Sad news :(
But we’re still mighty proud of our team!!! Biruin mo kung mas matagal ang training at pinagsamahan nila? Taob sigurado ang mga hapon kahit ninja pa sila.
# 4 brewhuh23: Tama ka, di biro ang assignment na ito ni Madam Jessica. Pano nya kaya hinarap yung team after matalo?
October 31st, 2010 at 02:05
does that mean the japanese players are japanese-something as well? can’t imagine how’d they get bigger otherwise.
October 31st, 2010 at 02:10
Clearly you get to play Jessica Harkonnen-Atreides. But who gets to be the Kwisatz Haderach? And are we going to have to get Freudian with the sandworm? Not that most of us mind.
October 31st, 2010 at 03:58
Regardless of this 7s outcome, we are proud of you. There are so many, many other games ahead for you.
The future is ripe with promise. Be assured that we still support you, we faithful minions who love you from afar (indeed very far, far away).
October 31st, 2010 at 09:31
We still love you and will support you all the way Volcanoes!
Thanks for the updates Jessica, I’m constantly visiting the site for news
and pictures :)
October 31st, 2010 at 14:30
I just want to let you know that I also support the team. I was thinking of them at the time of their match. I hope the team continues playing for the longest possible time–and that rugby becomes a bigger sport here in the Phils. Also, all the guys seem very nice and humble. What a delight!
October 31st, 2010 at 14:38
Needless to say but I’m rambling so here it goes, defeat is learning how to win. I hope they don’t give up and that the government gives them the support that they need (and all sports teams in the Phils). To do something for the love of it is remarkable. (And I’m not saying this just because they’re cute guys.)