In the 3rd/4th place play-off Indonesia held off a spirited challenge from hosts Laos to take out an 11-10 win.

The Asian Rugby Football Union Division III East championships was held in Vientiane, Laos.

The Division III East third-place playoff was a tense affair with both sides fighting for limited scoring opportunities. Indonesia took the early lead after two first half penalties from flyhalf Gareth Rae, but it was Laos who took the momentum into the locker room after a try from centre William Luangrath in the 39th minute.

Flyhalf Thitouthone Thirakoun’s conversion was successful, giving the hosts a 7-6 lead at the break.

Indonesia scored its only try in the 50th minute when wing Reza Bein capped a nice move with a good solo effort to cross over. The missed conversion from Rae left Laos some hope as they trailed 11-7 with 30 minutes remaining. Laos collected a penalty in the 70th minute from winger Chris Mastaglio to bring the score within one point.

The climactic final ten minutes were marred by indiscipline with four players, one from Indonesia and three from Laos, being sin-binned.

Laos battled bravely to breach the Indonesian defence but couldn’t compensate for the lack of numbers with fatigue setting in. In the end, Indonesia scraped away with a 11-10 win.