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By Regina Shiroma

Paradise Zombie Ninjas’ Kayla Taguacta runs the ball down the line towards the try zone. (photo by Asha Robles)

The second Heineken beach rugby tournament wrapped up its action-packed weekend with its cup matchup between the first place Paradise Zombie Ninjas and the second place Da Smurfs. The teams put on an exciting game for those in attendance, displaying their rugby talents in the way they quickly moved the ball up and down the line with ease and executed crafty plays to outsmart each other’s defense. Though the Zombie Ninjas were down in the first half, they came from behind and eventually took home the title 5-3.

Da Smurfs Janae Sagun put her team up 3-1 at the start of the second half. Cera Taguacta calmed her team’s nerves by scoring a try of her own to bring the Zombie Ninjas within one try of their opponent. Taguacta went on to score two more tries in the half assisted by sister Kayla Taguacta and teammate Jeric Abisia, taking the lead 4-3 with less than 30 seconds remaining. Abisia assisted the final try, passing the ball quickly over to Nate Baza at the wing who then dove into the corner of the try zone securing the win.

McDonald’s Player of the Game: Pardise Zombie Ninjas, Cera Taguacta. Four tries.

In the first half, Da Smurfs’ Jeremy Manglona scored the first try of the game; however, their lead was short-lived as Cera Taguacta followed after tying the game at 1-all. A few minutes later, Epeli “Ratu” Uluiviti allowed his team to take the lead once again, intercepting the ball and running it back down to his try zone.

“We never practiced as a team, but when we played the first day there was chemistry already, right from the get-go. So I think that’s what got us going every game. And just communicating, defense, offense, and really the chemistry is what got us to the finals,” said Cera Taguacta, who scored four tries in the win.

Cera Taguacta of the Paradise Zombie Ninjas puts the ball down after being touched. (photo by Asha Robles)

The chemistry came easier probably because they were playing with their siblings (the Taguacta sisters, Cera, Kayla and Kimberly and the Abisia brothers, Joshua and Jeric) and close friends explained Cera Taguacta.

Since it was the championship match, the halves were two minutes longer than the normal time. “It was tiring, I know I was getting fatigued throughout the game, but you know just focusing on one play at a time, getting back five; just doing the simple things will get you far,” said Cera Taguacta.

The plate winners, the Seeweed Blazers, grabbed the win in sudden death, thanks to Vinson Calvo’s try. The Bowl went to the Heineken Ninja Turtles who defeated the Fire Ballers.

PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Da smurfs make a quick pass down the line. (photo by Asha Robles)

Paradise Zombie Ninjas’ Kayla Taguacta looks for an open gap as she gets closer to the try zone. (photo by Asha Robles)

Paradise Zombie Ninjas’ Joshua Abisia gets swarmed by Da Smurfs defense. (photo by Asha Robles)

Da Smurfs look for open space to run. (photo by Asha Robles)

Da Smurfs Jeremy Manglona looks for an open teammate to pass to. (photo by Asha Robles)

Joshua Abisia from Paradise Zombie Ninjas tries to drive through Da Smurfs defense. (photo by Asha Robles)

Paradise Zombie Ninjas’ Kayla Taguacta kicks off the ball. (photo by Asha Robles)

Paradise Zombie Ninja’s Nate Baza makes a quick pass as Da Smurfs defense gets closer. (photo by Asha Robles)

Da Smurfs look for an open teammate to pass to. (photo by Asha Robles)

Players from the Paradise Zombie Ninjas and Da Smurfs shake hands after their championship match in the Heineken Beach Rugby tournament at the Beach at Gun Beach. (photo by Asha Robles)

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