In the men's tournament, the Philippines went one better than their runners-up finish when the event was held eight years ago by claiming gold with a 24-7 victory over Malaysia at the Chua Chu Kang Stadium in Singapore.
The Philippines, the highest ranked team in the region, took the game to their Malaysian opponents from the off, Patrice Olivier and Justin Coveney crossing for two first-half tries for a 12-0 half-time lead.
Matthew Saunders added a third try shortly after the break before Malaysia pulled seven points back when Zulkiflee Azmi scored out wide and AB Rhaman converted despite the narrow angle. But the Volcanoes shut out the match when Harry Morris scored their fourth try with three minutes remaining.
The Philippines’ next task for 2015 will be to qualify for next year’s Olympic Games via the Asia regional qualifying tournament in Hong Kong in November.
"With this team, we could give Japan and Hong Kong a good crack," said coach Geoff Alley. "As long as we keep this group together, keep hammering the patterns, we should be fine."
Singapore delighted the capacity home crowd by taking the bronze medal match with a 21-0 success against Thailand.
Yusri hat-trick inspires Thai women
The Filipino women (main picture) had to settle for bronze after a 22-0 win over Malaysia, with Thailand and host nation Singapore contesting the gold medal match.
Thailand were heavy favourites heading into the final after an earlier 31-5 win over Singapore in the preliminaries, and they never looked like being seriously challenged in the final either.
Inspired by hat-trick hero Chitchanok Yusri and some determined play from captain Uthomporn Liamrat, the Thais ran out comfortable 39-0 winners.
Main photo credit: SINGSOC/Action Images
