Top Challenge Series: Sanix, Heat open TCS with wins

FUKUOKA (Jan. 12) The Top Challenge Series got underway Sunday with wins for Fukuoka Sanix Blues and Honda Heat.

The four-team competition features the winners of Top East, Top West and Top Kyushu and the winner of Top Challenge 2, the playoff tournaments for the sides finishing second in the three regional leagues.

Top West champion Honda won the first of the two games at Level 5 Stadium, by thrashing Top East runner-up Musashino Yokogawa Atlastars 80-8.

Manabu Kawazoe, Yuki Taniguchi and Sabir Slaimankhel all crossed twice for the Heat.

In the second game, Sanix beat a Mitsubishi Dynaboars Sagamihara side that included Wales legend Shane Williams and New Zealand Rugby World Cup hero Stephen Donald 34-20.

Sanix flyhalf Hiroshi Tashiro proved to be the difference between the two sides, knocking over four penalty goals, two conversions and a drop goal.

Sanix take on Yokogawa next Sunday, while Mitsubishi must beat Honda to remain in contention for the one automatic promotion spot to the Top League.

The three other sides can still get into the top flight but they face a promotion/relegation game against the sides finishing 13th to 15th in the Top League.