India beat Philippines in rugby; move ahead to Asian group 4

Mumbai, July 2 (UNI) The Hutch India rugby team beat Philippines 11-3 in the last match of the triangular Asian Nations Division 5 series at the Nomads Sports Club ground in Manila.

According to information received here today, India are back in the group 4 from which they were relegated after losing to Thailand and Malaysia last year.

India were down 0-3 at half time by a fourth minute penalty. Soon after resumption, India's world class kicker, Emil Vartazarian converted the penalty and it was 3-all. India finally scored the first try of the match through Mukarram Faizullabhoy. Vartazarian put the issue beyond doubt with a drop goal.

India's British coach David Wiggins said ''Our superior fitness told in our favour.'' Skipper Nasser Hussain said ''It was a hot game but we had better control.'' Scores: India 11. Tries: Mukarram. Coversions: Nil. Penalty: Emil. Drop goal Emil.Philippines 3: Penalty Ron Pena.

UNI