Hong Kong Scottish Kukris started 2016 at 5th place in the league, with a game against 2nd place SCAA CWB Pheasants. There was everything to play for, as a win or draw would keep Kukris in the top half of the league when it splits. But both Tigers (6th) and Gai Wu (7th) could overtake Kukris…and had easier fixtures.
Training had not gone as planned, being disrupted by the weather, and with more injured players in support than players on the bench, the management team was apprehensive. Not so the ladies on the pitch.
The game commenced in a physical manner as both teams sought to open the scoring. But it was also error strewn, with numerous penalties. Nine minutes in SCAA were given a Yellow for repeated offside. Kukris used the advantage with LI Sze-ting scoring on the right by literally diving over the defense. The conversion was wide, 5/0. But SCAA struck back four minutes later with a try, 5/5. The game continued with neither team having a clear advantage, until thirty minutes when a good team effort enabled FUNG Yuen-ting to score. Halftime advantage to HKS Kukris 10/5.
SCAA clearly got the better team talk, as they came out fired-up and forced their way into the Kukris half, scoring a converted try. SCAA now had the lead, 10/12. In spite of the players tiring, Kukris responded well, and HIU Man-ling was able to outrun the defenders, score under the posts, with Karis CHENG converting. Advantage HKS Kukris 17/12. Another try would surely make the game safe, but it was SCAA who broke the Scottish defense, scoring under the posts and converting; score 17/19. As the clock ran down, Kukris surged forward, but the SCAA line remained solid. Even though Kukris has taken the lead three times, it was SCAA who were ahead at the final whistle, winning 19/17. But well played everyone. An exciting and entertaining game.
Best Hong Kong Scottish Kukris Player of the Day – LI Sze-ting.
Hong Kong Scottish Kukris
1. Rachael Wong, 2. Neon Chau, 3. Scarlet Ma Sze-Wun, 4. Claire Hunter, 5. Robyn Beese, 6. Anna Kam, 7. Huen Wai-Ying, 8. Karis Cheng, 9. Andie Ma, 10. Chung Hau-Yi, 11. Fung Yuen-Ting, 12. Li Sze-Ting, Hui Man-Ling, 14. Roshini Turner, 15. Berky Kong, 16. Mary Tsui Yung-Nga, 17. Jim Tung-Hoi, 18. Taro Yau Sin-Yu
