SINGAPORE — They may have fallen short of the two gold-target at the 28th South-east Asian Games, but the Singapore national men’s and women’s rugby sevens players — who won bronze and silver respectively — were still beaming as they stood on the winner’s podium at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium today (June 7).

Two losses to the Philippines (17-0) and Thailand (14-10) for the men’s team in the pool rounds had placed the them in joint-second position with Malaysia and Thailand, as they eventually missed out on the final due to point difference.

Despite the disappointment on missing out on gold, the Singaporeans bounced back to win the bronze in the playoff against Thailand, winning the match 21-0 to avenge their earlier loss in the pool games. The Philippines eventually claimed the gold after defeating Malaysia 24-7 in the final.

“We started off slow and ultimately that cost us a place in the final,” said captain Daniel Marc Chow. “We didnt’t get any favours from the referees but there are no excuses. That’s the way rugby sevens is, one mistake will cost you. I’m very disappointed as we were definitely at least the second best team here. A couple of the senior guys may or may not have played their last Games, and this is an opportunity missed, but I can’t fault their heart and commitment. We did all we could have done.”

Also up against Thailand were the Singapore women’s sevens side, but the players found the tables turned on them against their speedier, more experienced rivals in the women’s final. Led by the tag team of 26-year-old Yusri Chitchanok – who scored three trys – and Liamrat Uthumporn, the Thais were unstoppable, winning the first half 24-0 before closing the match and claiming victory, 39-0. The Filipino women were awarded the bronze after posting a 22-0 victory over Malaysia.

“We are happy to be able to perform well out there especially with the home crowd and I’m still happy with the silverware,” said captain Samantha Teo. “Every team was really good here, and in the finals, Thailand brought the game to us.”

Added coach Gene Tong: “I’m disappointed. Thailand were definitely a cut above us, they are very experienced and have a core team that have been together for many years. Our team is very young, with an average age of 20 to 23 so we need to build them up, get really good athletes. We need more speed as Thailand had speed and good individual skills.”