Ahmedabad: The whistle of Umpire wasn’t audible due to noise in the second match of the day between Thailand and Japan. The seesaw battle was on for 40 minutes as at some point Japan was leading and next moment it was Thailand. At the end, Thailand made a fighting win by defeating Japan by 37-33. The playoffs are set for October 21, India will play Thailand and Korea will play Iran.
More than Japan, it was Kenya’s disappointment as they must have been praying for Japan’s win. It was going all equal in raiding and tackle department but in second half Thailand made the comfortable win with 18 raid points, 11 tackle points and one all out. However, in the defense department, Japan scored 6 points more than Thailand but it was their defenders who lacked the spine to register the win. Also, conceding those six extra points by Japan was too much and too good for Thailand.
The game turned when Japanese player Kuno was given two minutes suspension. It was super tackle opportunity for Japan but wasn’t given as the suspended player was considered on the mat. In the third quarter of the game, Japan was scoring super tackles but it ended soon as Japan was given all out and Thailand started leading the score board. The score was tied at several points in the match but Tin Poncho made superb tackle to take Thailand to the finish line.
In the first match of the day between Bangladesh and Argentina, it was Munshi who played all round to make a comfortable win of 67-29 for Bangladesh team. Munshi from Bangladesh is the top raid scorer of tournament followed by Tope of England. However, both Bangladesh & England will not be making to the playoffs but their players made history and will be remembered forever.