TJ Perenara inspired Black Rams Tokyo to their first win over League One powerhouses Suntory Sungoliath in 21 years with a a hard-fought 33-32 triumph at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium on Saturday.
Suntory, who were without injured stars Cheslin Kolbe and Sam Cane, lacked their usual potency in attack and allowed the Rams to grab a stranglehold of the game.
The Rams, who suffered a last-gasp defeat away at Honda Heat in round one, recorded their first win of the season at the expense of Suntory who have slipped to back-to-back defeats after being outplayed by Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights.
Tabai Matson’s Rams raced to a 19-3 lead after tries from Fiji-born wing Netani Vakayalia, Brodi McCurran, the younger brother of Japan international Nicholas and Australian lock Michael Stolberg all crossed in the opening quarter of an hour.
Full-back Ryosuke Kawase pulled a try back for Suntory who closed the gap after the half hour mark when prop Yuki Morikawa powered over from close range.
Suntory fly-half Mikiya Takamoto, who won the Rookie of The Year award last season, nudged his team in front for the first time with a penalty in the 42nd minute.
Rams fly-half Nakakusu Ichigo restored their lead before centre Yuki Ikeda scored his first try of the campaign.
Suntory’s Kawase grabbed his second and then completed his hat-trick to cut the Rams’ lead to three points before Takamoto added the conversion to make it a one-point game with 15 minutes left.
Kosei On’s side pressed for a try to try and win it and elected the run it rather attempt a drop-goal.
The Rams’ defence held firm for a huge victory which sparked euphoric post-match celebrations as they kickstarted their campaign.
Isaac Lucas’ team will host Saitama next Saturday while winless Suntory entertain Toyota Verblitz.
Pictures courtesy of photographers 雨宮 涼子 and Dominic Byrnes
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