The Singapore Sunbirds recorded a historic first international victory with a 30–16 win over Vanuatu in their Women’s International Nines clash at Korman Stadium in Port Vila on Saturday, June 6.
The hosts opened the scoring early when Vanuatu’s Majory Thompson crossed out wide in the second minute. Singapore responded quickly in the fifth minute through Lilly Pickering, who ran 80 meters to score under the posts. In the 13th minute, a powerful run from Koh created space to send the ball out wide to Grace Thomas, who scored to give the Sunbirds the lead heading into the first interval.
Singapore nearly extended their lead in the 26th minute, but Chu was ruled to have lost the ball over the line. However, the Sunbirds capitalized in the 30th minute when Sherienne Koh produced a 90-meter run to score the only try of the second period, extending Singapore’s advantage.
Vanuatu fought back early in the final period to put the home team back in contention. Thompson crossed for her second try of the match, followed shortly by a quick four-pointer from Salote Kalpol, which narrowed Singapore’s lead to 18–16.
The Sunbirds responded to the pressure in the closing minutes. Talia Berryman ran the length of the field to score in the 41st minute, before Koh made another break in the 43rd minute, linking up with Eunice Chu on a return pass to secure her second try of the day. Chu kicked her third goal of the match to finish the scoring and secure the 30–16 win for Singapore.
SINGAPORE SUNBIRDS 30 DEFEATED:
Tries: Sherienne Koh 2, Talia Berryman 2, Grace Thomas, Lilly Pickering
Goals: Eunice Chu 3
Squad: Nicohl Parekalam, Kaitlin Koh, Loo Zi Jia, Grace Thomas, Harmani Taylor, Lilly Pickering, Talia Berryman, Sherienne Koh, Eunice Chu, Chloe Bromage, Miuki Murakami, Aqilah Adriana
VANUATU WOMEN’S TEAM 16
Tries: Majory Thompson, Salote Kalpol
Goals: Mella Cyrus 2
Squad: Squad: Majory Thompson, Bryanna Kallack, Jessica Neverservette, Winona Kalpukai, Mella Cyrus, Amele Shem, Jerolyne Kawo, Doreen Dick, Louisa Obed, Salote Kalpol, Tasha Sekiai, Antoinette Kara, Makelesi Ralukana, Ashley Daniel, Stephanie Garae.
