NTT Docomo retain Top League place

OSAKA (Feb. 15) – NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes beat Honda Heat 41-29 Saturday in a promotion/relegation playoff game to ensure they remain in the Japan Rugby Top League.

A superb first half from Docomo, who finished the regular season in 15th spot in the league, laid the foundations for the win with fullback Yoshihito Sato leading the way with a try, four conversions and a penalty goal.

Top West champions Honda had taken an early lead through a penalty by Takahiro Furuya in the 16th minute.

But NTT struck back with Daisuke Motegi, Sireli Bobo, Koki Shigeno and Paea Mifi Posechi touching down, with Motegi adding the extras to his try and Sato converting the other three.

A try from Honda flanker Manabu Kawazoe in the 33rd minute closed the gap to 20 at 28-8, before Sato finished the half strongly scoring a penalty and converting his own five-pointer a minute before the break.

A much improved second 40 minutes from Honda saw them close to within nine points at one stage with Tomasi Soqeta crossing twice and Furuya scoring a try and three conversions.

But Docomo wrapped the game up with a second penalty from Sato two minutes from time.

The day’s other promotion/relegation playoff game between NTT Communications Shining Arcs and the top regional runner-up Yokogawa Musashino Atlastars was postponed till Feb. 22 as a result of the snow that fell in the Kanto area.