The Jr. Philippine Volcanoes lost to visiting Malaysia, 17-36, and fell short of a podium finish in the U19 Asia Rugby Championships on Saturday at the International School Manila in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

The Filipino squad started flat, trailing 9-27. Skipper Kai Ledesma Stroem rallied the home team with his second try in the 66th minute slicing the lead to 14-36 but the Malaysians were too good to conquer.