Kowloon 37-7 CWB Phoenix @ King’s Park – 11 November, 2017

Kowloon overwhelmed CWB Phoenix 37-7 in the final game of four at King’s Park, the joyous celebrations of the winners and the despair of the losers more visible than in earlier games. A testament to the effort, commitment and importance of these games.

Emphasised as just prior to the final whistle in the Kowloon v CWB game, there were delirious screams of joy and happiness from the adjoining pitch as HK Scottish just held on to win 22-21 over league leaders Revolution SRC in a National League 1 game.

Kowloon started fast looking to put pressure on the CWB defence. The first scrum saw the ball fed wide to winger Wai Ling Chan who made a strong early break. The Phoenix hold firm and counter-attacked down the wing only to lose the ball forward.

Strong defence by both teams and numerous handling errors prevent either side from establishing a concerted period of pressure. CWB string some phases of possession together but lose the ball in contact and Kowloon kick it away deep but the Phoenix return as scrum half Au To breaks though the Kowloon defence. Wai Man Fung puts in a great tackle to prevent To scoring. CWB are quick to recycle and Tsang Ching Man drives over for the first try of the game on 18 minutes which Chin Po Po converts, 7-0.

Kowloon through are quick to respond, taking advantage maybe of slight drop in CWB concentration after their try, and lock Tsang Yan spots a gap to touch down, 7-5.

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2017/Womens-Rugby-Super-Saturday-Deux-Kings-Park-11-November-2017/i-b5rQ8qp/A

CWB look to respond quickly themselves but the try has given a visible lift to Kowloon, it is amazing what a little confidence can bring to a team. Passes are sticking, players arriving at the breakdown a second quicker and its all Kowloon as first Chan scores in the corner 10-7. And then they quickly add a third much to the delight of their fans. Half time 15-7.

The second half starts as the first ended with Kowloon on the attack, a quick tap penalty  almost allows Ho Yee Mak to add a fourth under the posts. The CWB defence shuts her down, but there’s good support from the forwards who secure the ball and Yan drives over for her second try of the game, 20-7.

The Phoenix ring the changes to try and get back into the match, Ling Cheung collecting a deep kick breaks forward trying to ignite the CWB attack. It’s a CWB scrum, Kowloon win it against the head and Mak sprints through to score – only for her celebrations to be cut short as the referee had already blown for an infringement.

Ka Ling Martini Ip makes a great break for the Phoenix, the ball is spread wide only for the winger to spurn the chance by dropping the pass. Hong Kong international Mak is starting to enjoy herself finding lots of space and making darting runs which are pulling the CWB defence apart. After several missed chances and strong CWB defending, the Kowloon pressure tells and Maggie Au Yeung scoots in for the try, which is converted by Mak, 27-7 after 55 minutes.

It’s all Kowloon now with CWB having difficulty holding onto the ball, let alone clearing their lines. Fly-half Chun Yan Ho caps a fine game as she finishes off a flowing move in the 60th minute, 32-7.

CWB rally themselves and look for a consolation try, but the fluency of their play which saw them take the early lead is gone. Mak and Ho are slicing and dicing the Pheonix in the final quarter but dropped passes and last ditch tackles are keeping Kowloon from adding to their score. The Kowloon pack though has the final word, driving the CWB scrum backwards, drawing in the defence to create an easy try for Wai Man Fung in the corner, Final score 32-7.

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2017/Womens-Rugby-Super-Saturday-Deux-Kings-Park-11-November-2017/i-Sj9zCGs/A

Kowloon
Yip Cho Kwan, Yuk Wun Yip, Hiu Tung Chan, Tsang Yan, Maggie Au Yeung, Winnie Cheung, Yee To Cheng, Jackie Leung, Ho Yee Mak, Chun Yan Ho, Chu Wing Yee, For Wing Florence Lee, Tsz Ki Chiu, Wai Ling Chan, Wai Man Fung
Reserve: Sin Ying Chan, Wong Wing Gee Charlotte, Lok Sze Leung, Tang Sin Chi Phyllis, Wong Kit Ying
Tries: Tsang Yan (2), Maggie Au Yeung, Wai Man Fung, Chun Yan Ho, Wai Ling Chan
Conversion: Ho Yee Mak

CWB Phoenix
Tsang Siu Ching, Chin Po Po, Ho Pui Ki, Chan Yan Yi, Suet Ying Lo, Tin Yan, Dora Chim, Tsang Ching Man, Ka Ling Martini Ip, Au To, See Wai June Au, Lam Ka Wai, Liu Kit Ying, Chan Ka Wai, Mo Tsz Ching, Ling Cheung
Reserve: Lin Yin, Wong Man Yan, Chan Po Tung, Lau Sin Tung, Ng Wing Yee, Sin Man Ng, Wing Chi Jenny Wong
Try: Tsang Ching Man
Conversion: Chin Po Po

星期六在京士柏球場的四場比賽中,九龍欖球會(九龍)對SCAA第一太平銅鑼灣鳳凰欖球會(鳳凰)是最後一場。九龍以努力,認真和進取的態度,以比數37比7取勝。

九龍一開始就打快攻,爭球成功後遠傳到邊鋒Chan Wai Ling,但被鳳凰攔截到。

雙方均有很強的防守力,但亦有很多同樣接球和傳球的基本錯誤。鳳凰首先進攻,Au衝破九龍防線,被Fung Wai Man 攔截,但鳳凰的Tsang Ching Man把球搶回並達陣,Chin Po Po踢入,7比0。

九龍乘鳳凰精神未回覆,快速反攻,由Tsang Yan首先入球,成績7比5。九龍乘勝追擊,再接再厲,15分鐘來連入兩球,上半場完場總成績7比15。

下半場,九龍繼續主攻,Mak Ho Yee錯失達陣機會,但Yan補上,成為她今場的第二個達陣, 20比7。

鳳凰改變攻勢,Cheung Ling以踢進攻,Ip Ka Ling Martini 衝出,遠傳到邊防,可惜跌球,機會錯失。再有多個失誤後,Maggie Au Yeung看準機會進攻,再由Mak踢入,比賽55分鐘,成績27比7。

不到五分鐘,Ho Chun Yan再進一球, 32比7。

鳳凰失去反攻能力,加上不斷的持球錯誤,給與九龍再次入球機會。Fung Wai Man輕易地為九龍再加5分。

images: bc magazine, hkru

w-inds – Invisible Tour @ Kitec – 11 November, 2017

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2017/W-inds-Invisible-Tour-Kitec-11-November-2017/i-tchsF6P

Japanese band w-inds entertained a packed Kitec with thier Invisible tour on 11 November, 2017.
Click on any photo to see more images

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2017/W-inds-Invisible-Tour-Kitec-11-November-2017/i-wVVFvfP

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2017/W-inds-Invisible-Tour-Kitec-11-November-2017/i-SPz4CZV

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2017/W-inds-Invisible-Tour-Kitec-11-November-2017/i-dc5thvc

 

USRC Tigers 10-7 HKFC Ice @ King’s Park – 11 November, 2017

Natasha Olson-Thorne was outstanding as USRC Tigers eked out a 10-7 victory over HKFC Ice. The Hong Kong international made some crunching tackles at key moments and scored both of Tigers tries against an Ice side who put in their best performance of the season so far but came up just short.

HKFC playing in their fetching pink and blue hoops, are a bit sloppy at the start and concede an early penalty just inside their own half. Rather than kicking for touch and taking the lineout the Tigers opted for a shot at goal, something you often see in men’s internationals where a lot of time is spent practicing kicking, but a rarity in the women’s game. It’s a fine attempt, on target but falls a little short.

The early play is fractured with neither side able to string multiple phases of play together – through some solid defence and casual handling errors. Ice steal the ball and look to attack but cough-up the ball courtesy of a thumping defensive tackle by Olson-Thorne. The Tigers kick it deep and get a very favourable bounce but can’t make anything of it. HKFC move the ball downfield only to penalised for hands in the ruck.

Olson-Thorne makes a break through the middle, offloading to Charlotte Myrans who’s stopped just short of the goal line. USRC ups the pressure and HKFC are trapped in their own in-goal area and are forced to concede a 5m scrum. The Tiger can’t take advantage of the good field position. Rachel Fong breaks out for Ice and sees open grass infront of her… Only for an instant though as Olson-Thorne makes another crunching tackle to end the HKFC attack.

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2017/Womens-Rugby-Super-Saturday-Deux-Kings-Park-11-November-2017/i-GHz6dtM

Ice recycle and Megan Richardson makes a break in the centre of the park only to be hauled back by her ponytail in a cynical and dangerous tackle by Charlotte Myrans who gets a yellow card and 10 minutes in the sin bin.

HKFC look to take advantage of the extra player and press the Tigers back deep in their own half before knocking-on. Olson-Thorne scoops up the ball, breaks three tackles and thunders 70m to score a stunning solo try on 26 minutes, 5-0.

Unfased by a moment of brilliance, Ice work the ball upfield again. The USRC defence stands firm and mount their own attack, almost scoring again in the corner. A solid Ice tackle forces a lineout instead. HKFC win the lineout and kick it deep and clear. Pou Fan Lai takes the ball cleanly passes it out to Olson-Thorne who powers her way through the Ice backline and into the corner for her second try. 10-0 after 33 minutes.

Ice kick the restart deep looking to pen the Tigers inside their own 5m, but USRC are starting to purr and suddenly it’s Oslon-Thorne again who’s away sprinting the length of the pitch looking odds on for her hat-trick. Fantastic chasing back from Crystal Wray (?) and an excellent tackle inches from the goal line saves 5 points. The Tigers can’t force the ball home, so the score remains 10-0 at half time.

USRC kicks deep and tackles hard as they look to keep Ice holed up inside their own 22. Bobby Wilson has other ideas and with a strong run breaks the Tigers grip, support though is slow to arrive and the counter-attack stalls. The ball is recycled and the Ice forwards drive for the line, the ball is lost forward though and the chance gone.

From the resulting scrum HKFC have USRC backpedaling and the ball pops out nicely for Sam Tipene who scores near the posts. Rachel Fong converts via the upright. 10-7, Ice trail by three points with over 30 minutes left in the second half.

Football Club kick deep and Tigers work the ball out but loose it forward. Another strong run from Wilson puts the Ice on the attack – the ball is lost in the tackle and it’s Olson-Thorne again making another break. As the Tiger recycle in search of another score. Ice steal the ball, but they can’t escape their own 22 and the Tigers look to strike again.

It’s getting a bit tense and testy out-there with meaty tackles and strong hits flying in as both teams push hard for the next score. A strong run from Jamie Ho gives Ice a chance but support is slow to arrive and the USRC defence reforms and looks to attack.

The Tigers have a line-out, the ball is overthrown though and Ice take advantage and it’s Wilson with another strong run over halfway. She looses the ball in the tackle and the USRC backline try to take advantage of the ragged Ice line, the pass is poor and again the chance disappears.

Ice come again as Crystal Wray powers down the wing, a go ahead try in touching distance and thump – it’s Olson-Thorne again with a thunderous try-saving tackle. Kristie Ka Hei Kwok brings the ball out and as the clock starts to wind down the pressure on both sides increases.

From a Tigers lineout Olson-Thorne makes for the line dragging three Football Club defenders with her. The attack peters out and it’s Wilson again who breaks out for Ice, her support is slow to arrive and Tigers look to hold onto the ball to see the game out.

A knock on inside the Tigers 22 give HKFC a scrum and one final chance at victory. The scrum is solid the ball released to the backs who can’t hold on and the pass goes down. Tigers hold on, just, to win by three points – final score 10-7.

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2017/Womens-Rugby-Super-Saturday-Deux-Kings-Park-11-November-2017/i-SzzqzRT

USRC Tigers
Sin Hang Ho, Charlotte Myrans, Wong Yuen Shan, Kristie Ka Hei Kwok, Tsz Lam Au Yeung, Wai Yan Lo, Wing Ni Siu, Abbey Rivers, Jessica Ho, Sarah Swinbanks, Liu Ting, Ka Man Nam, Natasha Olson-Thorne, Hebe Talas, Pou Fan Lai
Reserve: Christy Tse, Maylynn Ng, Lok Kwan Chan, Lok Tung Cheung, Wing Yan Cheung, Wing Yi Chan, Wong Kai Ying, Yu Ching Tam
Tries: Natasha Olson-Thorne

HKFC Ice
Cheryl Gourley, Fion Got 葛蕊霆, Megan Richardson, Claire Forster, Angelina Cheung 張彥龍, Sam Tipene, Martha Webber, Bobby Wilson, Steph Heathcote 許詩樂, Rachel Fong 方小晴, Crystal Wray, Jordyn Rear, Jáime Ho 何沅穎, Stephanie Siu蕭湘儀, Rachel Crothers,
Reserve: Denise Chan 陳雅姿, Shonagh Ryan, Zuzanna Osinska, Royce Chan 陳朗詩, Bernie Bray, Kim Lam 林琬淇, Helen Lee 李沛殷, Maggie Wong
Try: Sam Tipene
Conversion: Rachel Fong

三軍會猛虎欖球會(猛虎)以10比7的成績,,戰勝Natixis香港足球會(港會)。而Natasha Olson-Thorne居功不少。她作出多個重要的攔截,再加上今場的兩個入球。雖然港會陣容已是今季最強,可惜還是不敵。

講會穿上粉紅和藍色的戰衣,很有活力。可惜剛開場便犯規,給予猛虎進攻機會。猛虎選擇罰踢,但腳力不足,短了一截。選擇罰踢而不是帶球進攻多出現在男士的橄欖球比賽中,雖然猛虎沒有踢人,但是很好的嘗試。

比賽早期雙方勢均力敵,雙方都有很好的防守和少許持球失誤。港會進攻,但Olson-Thorne漂亮的攔截到。猛虎大腳踢出,但被港會接到,轉為反攻。可惜在爭球處出現失誤,Olson-Thorne看準機會衝出叢圍,再把球傳到Charlotte Myrans。本來可以成為今場的第一個入球,但被港會方小晴攔截到。

Megan Richardson 持球衝出,但被Charlotte Myrans抓住頭髮。雖然球被攔截到,但這屬於危險攔截,球證發出了今場的第一個黃牌,出場十分鐘。

港會本來想利用15人對14人的這個機會得分,可惜傳球失誤,Olson-Thorne趁機繞過三個攔截,直奔70米達陣, 5比0。

改為港會持球,但猛虎防守嚴密,並沒有給予機會。Lai Pou Fan 把球爭回,傳給Olson-Thorne。她奮力進攻,衝過港會的後衛們,在邊角達陣,賽事33分鐘,成績10比0。

港會嘗試把猛虎壓在他們的五米線內,但Oslon-Thorne 突然衝出,準備做出她的第三個入球。但最後關頭給Crystal Wray攔截到,半場總成績維持10比0。

猛虎嘗試把港會壓在她們的22米線內。但Bobby Wilson突圍而出,可惜增援來得太晚,錯失機會。

港會在爭球區作出強而有力的反攻,球傳至Sam Tipene達陣,再由方小晴踢入, 成績10比7。

Bobby Wilson再接再厲,帶球進攻,可惜遭到Olson-Thorne的攔截。何沅穎亦有機會進攻,可惜增援亦來得太晚。

港會再有多次進攻,可惜都給猛虎攔截到。加上港會的增援速度太慢,令她們錯失很多入球機會。

橄欖球是一項團體活動, 不可能只靠一人的努力。但需要加獎的還是需要的,例如Olson-Thorne,她在過去18個月裏進步神速,全靠教練Anna Richard, Jo Hull 等等的努力和幫助。

images: bc magazine, hkru

City Sparkles 3-32 Tai Po Dragons @ King’s Park – 11 November, 2017

City sparkled at the outset working hard to contain Tai Po as they looked for their first win of the season, but it was the Dragons who roared louder with a comfortable 32-3 win.

Kicking deep, City looked to put Tai Po under some early pressure. A solid scrum on the Dragons’ 22 gives the Sparkle an attacking platform and they run the ball through several phases before Tai Po are penalised. A kick to the corner, offers City a 5m line-out but they can’t take advantage as Wong Wing Ying knocks the ball on as she looks to spread it wide. Hoi Yan Poon picks up and breaks through the City defence to ease the pressure on her team.

Tai Po are looking pretty passing the ball along their backline – but all the movement is sideways and City’s defence easily contains them. It takes almost 8 minutes for the Dragons to have their first foray into City’s half.

The Dragons kick deep, its too long though and bounces into touch for a Sparkle throw-in on their own 5m line. Tai Po steal the ball at the lineout and quickly spread it wide but Wai Kwan Li drops the pass with the try line gaping infront of her. Pressure is building on City and the Dragons get another chance but this time knock-on just short of the line.

The missed opportunities are quickly forgotten as a City clearing kick is beautifully caught, a couple of quick passes and Sau Yan Kwong scores under the posts, Poon converts and it’s 7-0 to Tai Po after 15 minutes.

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2017/Womens-Rugby-Super-Saturday-Deux-Kings-Park-11-November-2017/i-J5W38Pn

City look to reply, but strong tackling keeps them out. Poon goes for a risky intercept and allows the Sparkle a chance to regroup and attack again. The City forwards drive Tai Po back and earn a penalty infront of the posts. Agnes Tse calmly slots it home 7-3 after 28 minutes.

The Sparkles concentration slips as Tai Po respond quickly to earn a line-out deep in the Sparkle 22. Poon gives a nice stiff arm and she’s over in the corner to extend the Dragons lead 12-3 after 30 minutes.

Tai Po control City’s deep restart but they’re playing inside their own 22. City force a turnover, but can’t make it count on the scoreboard. Tai Po’s Wing Yi Vincci Leung makes a strong break spreads the ball wide and Oyinlola Kim Lee scores a well worked try in the corner on 35 minutes, 17-3.

The Dragons seize the restart and it’s Poon again making a strong jinking run down the far touch line. She can’t out run the covering defenders though and the off-load is knocked on as another scoring chance goes begging as the half time whistle blows.

Tai Po look to start the second half positively, but City steal the ball and push the Dragons back – their forwards grinding out the yards as they look for a way back into the match. Keeping it tight they drive for the posts sucking in the Tai Po defence before a spreading it wide to take advantage of the overlap – the pass is knocked on and the chance is gone. The Dragons win the scrum but their clearing kick is charged down and City get another chance.

Strong Dragons defence is keeping City, who are working and playing hard as a team but seem to lack the players (or confidence) with that little extra to turn a half chance into points, from scoring. Poon runs the ball clear and Tsz Ching Chan makes a strong run before City shut her down.

The game develops into a midfield battle with each side having opportunities, but handling errors and strong tackles prevent either side from scoring. A City fumble is scooped up by Ka Hei Kwok who dances her way through the Sparkle defence and she looks certain to score until tackled just short of the line. She off loads quickly and the ball reaches Poon who scores her second try of the game on 60 minutes, 22-0.

The Dragons are enjoying lots of possession but continue to makes handling errors when their is space to exploit. City would like a try for themselves and their supporters and work hard for it but also can’t exploit their chances. Tai Po look odds on to score again but a thumping tackle from Wai Ming Wong saves 5 points.

City are penalised at the resulting 5m scrum and Tai Po line-up for a training ground practiced set move. And it works perfectly as Wing Yi Vincci Leung powers in for the Dragons fifth try, 27-3 after 70 minutes.

Strong backline running, sets up no8 Tsz Ching Chan for a score as the clock winds down to full-time. Full time score 32-3. The Dragons coach while happy with the win is frustrated at his teams sloppy errors “We want to be challenging at the top of the table, those are our ambitions but it takes time. We made lots of handling errors today. But a good win”.

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2017/Womens-Rugby-Super-Saturday-Deux-Kings-Park-11-November-2017/i-7Fp4NVQ

City Sparkle
Sze Yu Fu, Tin Yee Cheung, Pui Yan Lam, Yu Ting ‘魚’ Wong, Wu Hsiao Ching, Pui Yin ‘Yauyau’ Yau, Kar Man Hilary Tse, Chun Yi Annie Ng, Tsz Wing Donis Fung, Agnes Tse, Mila Hiu Lam Pang, Yuk Yan Ng, Rumeng Aislin Wu, Hoi Ying Cheung, Tan Tung ‘Tanya’ Lo
Reserve: Ka Yan Shen, Lai Lai ‘Haydee’ Wong, Lok Yi Tsui, Man King Cheng, Sau Yan Lam, Shu Wan Au, Tsz Ying YoYo Lau
Penalty: Agnes Tse

Tai Po Dragons
Hoi Yan Lo, Ka Hei Kwok, Wing Yi Vincci Leung, Wing Chi Tang, Wai Kwan Wan, Yin Ting Hui, Tsz Ching Chan, Wing Ying Wong, Ching Wa Lo, Hoi Yan Poon, Oyinlola Kim Lee, Hiu Tung Chan, Kwan Yi Hau, Sau Yan Kwong
Reserve: Iris Lam, Sze Pui Chow, Ting Wai, Wai Kwan ‘Kwan’ Li, Tung Yan Chui, Wai Ming Wong, Lok Ting Chan.
Tries: Tsz Ching Chan, Sau Yan Kwong, Hoi Yan Poon (2), Oyinlola Kim Lee, Wing Yi Vincci Leung
Conversions: Hoi Yan Poon

Valley Black 32-5 Gai Wu Falcons @ King’s Park – 11 November, 2017

For long periods of this match it looked as though Valley Black’s long unbeaten run stretching back almost four seasons was in peril. Gai Wu were aggressive, attacking and full of creative plays. The Falcons though couldn’t turn pressure in points and the deep pool of talent that is the current Black squad made their chances count and then added icing and a cherry on top to cap their fine performance as Gai Wu tired in the final quarter to win 32-5.

Valley spent much of the early part of the game defending deep in their own 22, as Gai Wu started hard and fast and looked to knock the Blacks from their comfort zone. An early attacking scrum on Valley’s 5m line sees the Falcons forwards stand strong, Wai Sum Sham senses an opening but takes her eye of the ball as she picks it up to look for the space and the knock on ends a promising attack.

Aroha Savage drives forward looking to create some breathing room for the Blacks, the Falcons defence is tight and Valley are forced to kick clear. Gai Wu don’t deal with the kick and Colleen Tjsvold picks up and looks to punish the Falcons for their sloppiness. A penalty ensues and with the game still scoreless Valley opt for the kick. Zoe Smith’s attempt hits the post and momentarily there is panic in the Gai Wu defence as the loose ball bounces around.

The Falcons are having trouble clearing their lines as Valley attack, but their defence is solid in the face of multiple attacks. Gai Wu eventually steal the ball and their forwards drive the Blacks back to halfway. Valley looking to respond knock-on and suddenly Greer Muir is free and making a powerful run down the far touchline. The Blacks backline have pace to burn and a fine tackle prevents the first points of the game.

Bella Milo drives Valley forward and Smith kicks deep, but Valley can’t claim the ball and Gai Wu are back on the attack. It’s fast and furious with strong tackles flying in all over the pitch as the Falcons push Valley back again.

Savage collects the ball and rampages forward through the Gai Wu defence and then produces a little piece of magic with a delightful behind her back pass to set Milo free who scores the first points of the game on 26 minutes with a try in the corner, 5-0.

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2017/Womens-Rugby-Super-Saturday-Deux-Kings-Park-11-November-2017/i-LjftZMG

A lovely restart from Gai Wu sees the ball caught at full pace, she looks to break through and reply instantly but Smith is alert and a fine tackle saves 5 points. Gai Wu continue to press but Valley respond and the ball reaches Jessica Eden on the wing who breaks a tackle and heads for the corner. A strong Gai Wu tackle looks to have saved the try, but Eden’s strong second effort sees her over the line, 10-0 after 35 minutes.

Gai Wu looking to get some reward for their strong first half play, attack again and Valley can’t contain them. A strong Falcons scrum, gives the backline good possession and it’s spread wide, Muir running a lovely reverse line powers through to score, 10-5.

A cracking first half of high intensity rugby ends with the Valley ahead 10-5 courtesy of a sublime piece of skill from Savage.

The Falcons start the second period  working hard to get on even terms and Valley again struggle to get the ball clear in the face of constant pressure. Savage makes another powerful run up the middle to turn defence into attack. Milo continues the attack and Valley are inside the Gai Wu looking to exploit a developing overlap… Chow Mei Nam has other ideas and steals the ball. Breaking out she passes to Muir and it’s a footrace the length of the field. Smith is chasing hard and hauls Muir down inches from the line to the despair of the watching Gai Wu fans.

Gai Wu continue to press, Rebecca Thompson steals the ball and Valley kick it deep. From the resulting scrum Savage picks up and Milo breaks, Smith is free but strong defence ensures the ball doesn’t reach her. Valley recycle and before the Falcons defence is set Milo is through for her second try of the game after 55 minutes, 15-5.

The Falcons are quickly back on the attack  and develop a nice overlap with open field beyond, Kelsie Bouttle though makes a fine interception on halfway and runs unopposed to score under the posts and seal the game for Valley. Smith makes an amazing conversion, her kick hitting the right upright, rebounding across to hit the left post before dropping over the bar, 22-5.

Chasing the game Gai Wu look for a quick response, Smith though kicks the ball into space and Savage is the first to react and she scores Valley’s fifth try in the corner, 27-5 after 60 minutes.

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2017/Womens-Rugby-Super-Saturday-Deux-Kings-Park-11-November-2017/i-W3WfBbL

Thompson makes some impressive pressure releasing breaks as Gai Wu continue to attack. Needing points, and perhaps feeling the effects of such an intense game, their defence isn’t as tight as earlier in the match. A clearing kick is caught and returned by Smith before she’s well tackled.

Sharon Tsang makes a strong break for the Falcons but is hauled down on halfway.  Valley recover the ball and Thompson with another strong run finishes off a fine counter attack with her first try of the game in the corner on 71 minutes, 32-5.

A fine game of rugby ends with Gai Wu on the attack. The scoreboard doesn’t reflect the closeness of the game. Valley’s strong bench and pure backline pace were too much for a fine Gai Wu side – but it was Aroha Savage’s lovely pass which swung the game to ensure the Black’s unbeaten run continues. 

Gai Wu
Lee Ka Shun 李嘉萱, Lam Ka Wai 林嘉慧, Lau Nga Wun 劉雅媛, Sharon Tsang 曾善恩, Chow Mei Nam 鄒美楠, Ching Tze Yung 程子容, Yip Hiu Ki 葉曉琪, Chan Ka Yan 陳嘉欣, Shum Wai Sum 岑惠心, Lee Tze Ting 李紫婷, Chong Ka Yan 莊嘉欣, Ho Hoi Lam 何凱琳, Greer Muir, Chiu Wing See 趙穎思, Chui Kam Chi 徐金枝
Reserve: Lee Wing Yan 李穎欣, Li Tsz Tung Vicky 李芷彤, Man Yuen Yan 文琬茵, Wong Suet Ying 王雪盈, Li Wai Ying 李慧盈, Cheng Tze Ting 鄭芷婷, Abigail Chan 陳柏鈴
Try: Greer Muir

Valley Black
Wing Yan Leung, Li Lai Mang, Becky, Akanisi Au Yeung, Ching To Cheng, Deena Ravi Thinakaran, Riva Brill, Amelie Seure, Aroha Savage, Colleen Tjosvold, Bella Milo, Tanya Young, Kelsie Bouttle, Jessica Eden, Stephanie Cuvelier, Zoë Smith
Reserve: Jasmine Cheung, Karen So, Caitlin Spencer, Jade Birkby, Laurel Chor, Nadia Cuvelier, Rebecca Thompson
Tries: Bella Milo (2), Rebecca Thompson, Kelsie Bouttle, Aroha Savage
Conversion: Zoe Smith

今場賽事十分緊湊,法興銀行華利女子欖球會(華利)的四季不敗形勢似有威脅。雞糊鷹隊(雞糊)非常進取,積極進攻,再加上新的戰術,令賽事精彩萬分。可惜華利實力實在太強,雞糊始終不敵,賽果32比5。

一開場,賽事都在華利的22米內,可惜岑惠心一不留神,沒把球穩妥接住,錯失達陣機會。

Aroha Savage全速進攻,加上雞糊接球失誤,華利得了一個罰踢機會,可惜Zoe Smith並沒有成功踢入。

雞糊雖然進攻不利,但防守非常緊密。Greer Muir本有一個入球機會,可惜給攔截到。

Bella Milo 和 Smith 合作進攻,但雞糊迅速返工,令華利無功而回。

Savage帶波衝出重圍,再傳球給Milo達陣,賽事26分鐘,5比0。

雞糊迅速反攻,可惜Jessica Eden在邊線前達陣,賽事35分鐘,10比0。

雞糊繼續反攻,在爭球區加強壓力,再把球遠傳給Muir達陣,10比5。

上半場賽事十分緊張緊湊,兩隊旗鼓相當,爭持在10比5的分數內。

下半場,雞糊努力反敗為勝,可惜再被Savage衝出叢圍,將防守轉為攻擊。鄒美楠偷球成功,傳球到Muir,直奔底線,可惜在最後關頭給Smith攔截到。

雞糊繼繼續施壓,但被Rebecca Thompson攔截到,再由Savage 和 Milo聯手進攻,做出第二球入球,15比5。

其後Kelsie Bouttle偷波成功,直衝底線,再由Smith踢入,22比5。

比賽60分鐘,雞糊採取快攻,但Smith奪球並踢給Savage作出華利今天的第五個入球,27比5。

雞糊努力防守和反攻,但還是不敵華利的攻勢。雖然曾善恩曾有一個入球機會,可惜還是被華利攔截到,並由Thompson 在邊角達陣, 32比5。

完場時雞糊仍在努力攻擊,成績不可反映真實的賽況。今場華利的勝利,功勞歸於Aroha Savage的傳球,令華利不敗的故事延續。

Super Saturday II @ King’s Park – 11 November, 2017

An enthusiastic crowd turned up to enjoy some fine rugby as the first part of the Women’s Premiership reached it’s climactic finale at King’s Park on 11 November with Gai Wu looking to end Valley’s long unbeaten streak. While the other six teams played off to be deemed ‘worthy’ of remaining in the ‘Premiership’ or to be relegated to the development league.

Sadly HK women rugby players  are so used to being disrespected and treated as second class by their ‘governing body’ that it’s like water of a ducks back and they served up 4 fantastic games while around them WNL1 and WNL2 matches were equally exciting – and bc’s camera’s were there to catch all the action.
Click on any photo for the full gallery

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2017/Womens-Rugby-Super-Saturday-Deux-Kings-Park-11-November-2017/i-Fsnsn93

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2017/Womens-Rugby-Super-Saturday-Deux-Kings-Park-11-November-2017/i-KDXdqNq

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2017/Womens-Rugby-Super-Saturday-Deux-Kings-Park-11-November-2017/i-x7gjFrq

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2017/Womens-Rugby-Super-Saturday-Deux-Kings-Park-11-November-2017/i-RkZFFM6

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2017/Womens-Rugby-Super-Saturday-Deux-Kings-Park-11-November-2017/i-FfCLKLm

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2017/Womens-Rugby-Super-Saturday-Deux-Kings-Park-11-November-2017/i-fj4VqgG

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2017/Womens-Rugby-Super-Saturday-Deux-Kings-Park-11-November-2017/i-v8dM3kh

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2017/Womens-Rugby-Super-Saturday-Deux-Kings-Park-11-November-2017/i-4PXctfS

Hong Kong Women Tour India Ahead of T20 Qualifier

The Women’s Hong Kong National Team depart for their T20 World Cup qualifying journey on Sunday the 12th of November 2017.  Arriving in Mumbai, India on Sunday the squad will be put through their paces in a grueling 5-day pre-tour before flying directly to Thailand to compete against hosts Thailand, Nepal, the UAE and China.

Coach of the National Women’s team, Richard Waite had this to say about the pre-tour in India “The next week provides a fantastic opportunity for the players to train in conditions not dissimilar to those we will encounter in Thailand, batting on turf wickets at world class facilities will hopefully give us an edge and something we inherently struggle to get in Hong Kong”.

Confidence is high in the camp following the success in the recent East Asia Cup tournament held in Hong Kong, where the hosts went through undefeated.  “In the 6 weeks since the East Asia Cup we’ve taken time to analyse what we did well and looked at areas where we can improve in the hope it stands us in good stead to finish in the top two of qualifying in Thailand” Waite continued.

The Asian qualifiers in Thailand will see teams play each other once before the top two play off to decide who will finish top of qualifying in the Asian region.

“Recent stand out performances from opener Yasmin Daswani and the rapid improvement of vice-captain Kary Chan’s bowling lead us to believe we are in a great space to compete against strong opposition to hopefully book our place in the T20 World Qualifiers in the Netherlands to be held in the middle of 2018” said the coach.

Hong Kong will take on Malaysia in their first match of the Asian Qualifiers on Monday the 20th of November 2017 in Thailand.

 

Tour to India: 12-18 November, 2017

Mariko Hill, Captain, (HKCC), Kary Chan, Vice Captain, (CCC), Yasmin Daswani, (HKCC), Pull To, (CCC), Shanzeen Shahzad, (DSLW), Jenefer Davies (KCC), Natural Yip (HKCC), Annie Ho (HKCC), Bella Poon (KCC), Chan Sau Ha (HKCC), Marina Lamplough (HKCC), Emma Lai (HKCC), Ruchi Venketesh (HKCC), Lemon Cheung (HKCC)

World T20 Asia Region Qualifiers: 18-28 November, 2017

Mariko Hill, Captain, (HKCC), Kary Chan, Vice Captain, (CCC), Yasmin Daswani, (HKCC), Pull To, (CCC), Shanzeen Shahzad, (DSLW), Jenefer Davies (KCC), Natural Yip (HKCC), Annie Ho (HKCC), Bella Poon (KCC), Chan Sau Ha (HKCC), Marina Lamplough (HKCC), Emma Lai (HKCC), Ruchi Venketesh (HKCC), Betty Chan (HKCC)

Additional reporting and images: HK cricket

Women’s Rugby Fixtures – 11 November, 2017