14/01/2026
ASIAN CHAMPS FINAL MATCH REPORT:
Newcomers Singapore and hosts Philippines earned the right to contest the Asian Championships Final after wins over Japan and Hong Kong China respectively two days previously.
Played at the impressive International School in Taguig, Manila on a balmy afternoon, the Singapore Memerang were looking to create history playing in their first ever tournament.
It took just five minutes for the Memerang to open the scoring when right centre Wayne Baxter scored out wide. Tylan Berryman slotted the conversion for an early 6-0 lead.
Shortly after, fullback Jake Tobin burst through the middle and ran 55 meters to score a great try, Berryman converted.
Philippines Tamaraws, playing with five heritage players and twelve players from the domestic competition, tried hard to get back into the contest but were unable to control the ball, gifting field position to the Memerang.
Singapore left centre Connor Postlethwaite scored back to back tries in the 17th and 20th minutes exposing the Tamaraws right edge. Berryman converted both for the margin to stretch out to 24 as a huge thunderstorm rolled in bringing some torrential rain.
A kick from Berryman that rolled into the in goal was spilled by the Tamaraws resulting in a further Baxter try. Try was not converted.
Philippines were not doing themselves any favours with a further error whilst in possession that saw winger Liam Postlethwaite picking up a loose ball and scoring. Berryman converted to push the score and the contest out to 34-0.
The lack of possession through errors and some ill discipline was frustrating the Tamaraws which enabled Berryman, who plays Jersey Flegg for South Sydney to control the play. He set up left winger Postlthwaite who ran into space and turned the ball back to Berryman who raced away to score.
Simgapore were not done yet and scored again two minutes later following a right shift with winger Cuba Cleaven-Vanderlak scoring out wide. The try was not converted and Singapore went into half time with a shock 44-0 lead.
As the rain continued to tumble down as the second half got underway, the Tamaraws started much better making good metres up the middle and completing their sets.
The match became an arm wrestle in the conditions until the 55th minute when a spilt bomb from the Philippines resulted in the Memerang regaining possession. Fullback Tobin was able to use the advantage of a short side overlap to score. Berryman slotted the goal for the score to reach 50.
The Tamaraws continued with their improved play and built considerable pressure on Singapore however, the desperation regardless of the score was an impressive trait of the Dane Campbell coached Memerang who kept them out.
Following a left shift, Singapore replacement winger Kayden Chia was able to score in the left corner with five minutes remaining. Berryman, whose goal kicking has been almost faultless put it over from the sideline for 56-0.
Singapore was not done with yet and it was fitting that their best player, half back Berryman scored the final try by supporting a break made by Liam Oakley through the middle. Haresh Krisnan kicked the final conversion and at full time the final score was 62-0.
A memorable victory for Singapore winning the Asian Championships playing their first international matches.
In the play off for third place, Japan scored three out of the last four tries including the last one in the final minutes to sn**ch a remarkable come from behind victory over Hong Kong China 34-30.
Hong Kong dominated for most of the game however, the never say die Samurai, who were depleted with injury just kept hanging in for the full 80 minutes with Sean Hasegawa scoring the winning try with a strong charge.
SINGAPORE 62 (Tylan Berryman 2. Wayne Baxter 2, Jake Tobin 2, Connor Postlethwaite 2, Liam Postlethwaite, Cuba Cleaven-Vanderlak, Kayden Chia tries; Tylan Berryman 8 goals, Haresh Krisnan goal) defeated PHILIPPINES 0. Played at International School Manila on 29 November 2025. Crowd: 300. Half Time: Singapore 44-0. Referee: Salvatore Marigiliano (Australia). Touch Judges: Rami Abu-Mansour (Australia) and Billy Joe Cardeno (Philippines)
HISTORY OF ASIAN CUP/CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS:
2025 - SINGAPORE def PHILIPPINES 62-0 in Manila
2019 - JAPAN def PHILIPPINES 74-4 in Baler
2017 - PHILIPPINES def THAILAND 64-2 in Mahasarakham
2015 - THAILAND def JAPAN 30-6 in Bangkok
2013 - PHILIPPINES def THAILAND 46-10 in San Narciso
2012 - PHILIPPINES def THAILAND 86-0 in Bangkok
