Valley Black 88-0 Kowloon @ Happy Valley – 4 November, 2017

Valley Black beat Kowloon 88-0 at Happy Valley in a match that for the first half was a lot more even than the scoreline suggests. Chloe Mak pulled Kowloon strings again in a highly competitive first half when Valley appeared lethargic. A halftime roasting from coach Ra saw an energised Valley emerge who deftly and clinically dissected a tiring Kowloon defence.

Kowloon kicked off deep, looking to put some early pressure on the Black defence, the Valley back line as it looks to do each game started on the front foot and were soon passing their way downfield looking for weak point in their opponents defence. Nadia Cuvelier spots one and is away and looking for the opening score.

Chun Yan Ho had other ideas with a beautiful try point saving tackle. Valley recycle, but the Kowloon defence is back and stops the Blacks again. It’s third time lucky though as the ball is again recycled and reaches Jessica Eden who scores easily, 5-0 after three minutes.

Kicking deep again Kowloon look for a quick reply, with Valley knocking on Kowloon have a scrum inside the Black 22, but they can’t take advantage. A big shove from the Valley forwards has them win it against the head only for the pack to see their effort wasted as the backs blow a 5 on 2 overlap.

Kowloon are spending a long time in and around the Valley 22 without really threatening to score. A misplaced Kowloon pass is scooped up by Rebecca Thompson who runs two-thirds of the length of the pitch to score under the posts and give Zoe Smith an easy conversion, 12-0 after 15 minutes.

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An attacking 5m scrum gives Kowloon a chance, but the pass is dropped and the chance goes begging. Aroha Savage collects the ball, a deep clearing kick isn’t fielded well by Kowloon and Kelsie Bouttle collects the loose ball and swings it wide to Amelie Seure who scores between the posts, which Smith converts, as Valley ruthlessly punish the Kowloon error, 19-0.

The hooped shirts are playing well and making Valley work hard. A clearing Kowloon kick is fielded by Smith who spots Eden in space on the wing and she scores despite the best effort of several Kowloon defenders – 26-0.

The resulting kick-off is deep again from Kowloon, it’s caught cleanly inside the Black 22, two passes out to the wing and it’s in Eden’s hands again who shows a clean pair of heels to all as she sprints 70+m for her second try in a minute, 31-0 on 35 minutes.

Kowloon looking for a score before halftime earn a penalty inside the Valley 22. Spotting the tryline Mak takes a quick one and Valley’s Li Lai Mang, Becky takes a yellow card for the team as the whistle goes for half time. Kowloon have worked hard, but Valley while not playing well have clinically taken advantage of every error.

The Valley players may need to check the Maori dictionaries, as coach Ra offered a strong motivating half time roasting of her squad. It worked though as the Blacks dominated the second half. Riva Brill’s attacking run is ended by Rita Fung, Shan Shan Sandra Pong accepts the offload and scores the first of nine second half Valley tries 90 seconds after the restart, 36-0.

Two minutes later and Kowloon are penalised for taking too long with their lineout and Bouttle powers over close to the posts, Smith convert 43-0.

A minute later and Valley have their third try in three minutes. A quickly taken Black line-out is cleanly caught, the ball swiftly moved through the hands of the backs and Cuvelier scores her first try of the match which Smith converts, 50-0.

Kowloon have no answer to a motivated Valley and Cuvelier scores her second try four minutes later which Smith converts, 57-0 after 52 minutes.

Again from restart Kowloon concede a try, as Brill catches the kick passes it to Seure who scores her second try of the game out wide, 62-0.

Aroha Savage the Black’s dynamic number 8 looked to cap her fine performance by dribbling the ball, football style, through her opponent’s backline for a score. Kowloon managed to drop on the ball just short of the line to prevent the score. Minutes later though it’s Bouttle who scores her second under the posts 69-0.

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Smith scores and convert her own try as Kowloon have no answer to the Black’s pace 76-0. Fung prevents another with her second try saving tackle of the day, while Smith drops a pass three metres from the line to spoil another chance.

Digging deep Kowloon prop Yip Cho Kwan makes a break looking for a consolation score. Valley though steal the ball in the ruck and Laurel Chor scores in the corner 81-0.

To their credit Kowloon battle to the end, another misplaced pass though allows Colleen Tjsvold to scoop the ball and score from 50m with Smith adding the conversion. Final score 88-0.

Valley Black
Wing Yan Leung, Akanisi Au Yeung, Jasmine Cheung, Ching To Cheng, Deena Ravi Thinakaran, Riva Brill, Amelie Seure, Aroha Savage, Shan Shan Sandra Pong, Rebecca Thompson, Nadia Cuvilier, Kelsie Bouttle, Laurel Chor, Jessica Eden, Zoë Smith
Reserve: Li Lai Mang, Becky, Pui Man Choi, Colleen Tjosvold, Jade Birkby,
Qiu Rang Wong
Tries: Jessica Eden (3), Nadia Cuvilier (2), Rebecca Thompson, Shan Shan Sandra Pong, Laurel Chor (2), Colleen Tjsvold, Amelie Seure (2), Kelsie Bouttle (2),
Conversions: Zoe Smith (9)

Kowloon
Yip Cho Kwan, Yuk Wun Yip, Hei Tung Chau, Tsang Yan, Maggie Au Yeung, Winnie Cheung, Yee To Cheng, Jackie Leung, Ho Yee Mak, Ching Hei Victoria Wong, Tsz Ki Chiu, Chun Yan Ho, For Wing Florence Lee, Wai Ling Chan, Wai Man Fung
Reserve: Lok Yee Cham, Wong Wing Gee Charlotte, Chu Wing Yee, Lok Sze Leung, Sin Ying Chan

法興銀行華利女子欖球會(華利)在跑馬地球場大敗九龍欖球會(九龍)88比0。總成績並不可以道出完整的比賽,因為在上半場比賽中,兩隊實力相若。
九龍把球大腳踢出,希望增加進攻能力。但華利後方們默默觀察對方的弱點,Nadia
Cuvelier先拔頭籌,進攻弱點。但被Ho Chun Yan攔截。華利再次進攻,但又再給攔截。
來回多次,最後Jessica Eden達陣。開場三分鐘,5比0。
九龍打快攻還擊,在華利22米線內爭球,可惜失敗。華利把球傳開做了五對二的場面。
九龍傳球去誤,Rebecca Thompson 看準機會,把球拾起直達達陣線。由Zoe Smith 踢入,比賽15分鐘, 12比0。
九龍本有進攻機會,可惜傳球再次失誤,機會給了華利的Aroha Savaga。Kelsie Bouttle把球遠傳給Amelie Seure達陣,再由Smith踢入, 19比零。華利多在九龍的技術失誤中贏取入球。
九龍攻勢不弱, 華利說努力防守和進攻。Smith看準邊防的空間,把球傳給Eden,再由Eden衝過多個攔截達陣, 26比零。比賽35分鐘,Eden再發虎威,直奔70米達陣,成為她第二個入球, 31比0。
九龍努力在上半場入球,可惜失誤太多,令華利有機可乘。而九龍的Becky拿了今場的第一個黃牌,令下半場九龍更陷困局。
下半場,華利優勢繼續,Riva Brill帶球上陣,雖被Rita Fung攔截,但在最後關頭,Brill把球傳給了Shan Shan Sandra Pong達陣。成為下半場的首個入球, 36比0。
兩分鐘後,由於持球太久而不開球,九龍再次犯規。Bouttle猛力衝至底線, 43比0。
一分鐘後,華利做出純熟的傳球,有中場到邊場,最後由Cuvelier達陣,50比零。不到一分鐘,Cuvelier再次入球。這是開場四分鐘內的第四個入球。
九龍再次開球,但被Brill搶到並傳給Seure達陣,成績62比0。
其後Bouttle再次入球,成為她今天的第二個達陣。Smith 和 Laurel Chor 相繼入球,成績變為81比0。九龍一個傳球失誤,給了Colleen Tjsvold入球機會,總成績88比0。

Match Report: HK Scottish Kukris 26-5 USRC Tigers – 25 February, 2017

The Women’s National League 1 quarter final between Hong Kong Scottish Kukris and USRC Tigers had all the makings of a classic encounter, but the form was difficult to predict. Andrew Robertson reports as the teams who finished fourth [Kukris] and fifth [Tigers] in the league, faced-off in the Grand Championship.

Head to head Kukris had narrowly beaten Tigers at King’s Park, while in their most recent clash, the Tigers had easily beaten Kukris at The Rock. So much for home advantage. And the noise from the stands showed that the visiting Tigers supporters had every intention of being the loudest.

The match started at a frantic place, with both teams giving away penalties. Over eager or nervous? It was hard to tell. After a period of stout defending, the Kukris drove up the field. With ball in had LI Sze-ting passed the 22, and found two defenders between her and the try line. A classy double sidestep put her clean through, and she scored under the posts. Karis Cheng converted; 7-0 to HK Scottish.

The Tigers responded well, only for Kukris to soak up the pressure. Then HK Scottish won the ball and displayed excellent team work. Twice the ball carrier was tackled, only to execute an offload, putting Chung Hau-yi through to score. Karis Cheng converted; 14-0.

With halftime approaching Tigers looked to reduce their deficit, but Nieve Heskin gained the ball, drove through the defense and score Kukri’s third try. No conversion; 19-0 at halftime.

After an exceptionally thorough motivational briefing, Tigers came out with intent. But they reckoned without the Kukris defensive wall. Time and again the Tigers surged forward. Time and again the Kukris repelled. Then, with Kukris in possession, the ball was worked wide to winger Hui Man-ling, who sprinted from the halfway line to score under the posts. Karis Cheng converted again; 26-0.

The Tigers refused to give up and resumed their assault getting ever closer to the try line. A penalty against them seemed to have cleared the danger. But a hasty, as opposed to quick, tap left the Kukris unsupported. The Tigers pounced, stole the ball and easily scored in the corner. No conversion; 26-5. Kukris responded with another attack, while Tigers sought to regain the ball.

Neither team was able to trouble the scoreboard again before the referee blew full-time. The victorious Kukris will meet Tai Po in the semifinals, while the Tigers will be disappointed with the end to their season.

Match Report: CWB Phoenix 12-5 HKFC Ice @ So Kon Po – 14 January, 2017

Saturday saw a tough, hard fought Women’s Premiership match between HK Football Club Ice and SCAA Causeway Bay Phoenix at So Kon Po, Sarah Shuttleworth reports.

An early injury to Ice’s second row, Angelina Cheung, saw Zuzanna Osinska replace her and she proceeded to make her presence felt in the forward exchanges.

HKFC controlled the early possession in Causeway Bay’s half, causing pressure and displaying impressive scrum and line-out technique. Bobby Wilson made a clean break, after 15 minutes, but a resilient Phoenix defence refused to let Ice score.

Another drive from the HKFC forwards saw full back Jane Cheung sprint clear and run deep into Causeway Bay’s half. A strong try-saving tackle though saw her brought to ground within touching distance of the line.

Causeway Bay Phoenix made their first real scoring opportunity count, as a clean break by their wing Hau Sin Man secured the first try of the match. Hooker Chin Po Po made the conversion, 7-0 at the break.

Causeway Bay started off the second half confidently, looking threatening every time they had the ball. And the pressure paid off, as Hau Sin Man scored her second try extending Phoenix’s lead to 12-0.

Sophie Short came on at number 9 for HKFC, with Royce Chan moved into the front row to replace Denise Chan, and demonstrate some fast game play and exceptional tackles.

The new stringent interpretation of the tackle rules saw both sides have players yellow carded for high tackles.

Persistent foul play close to the line saw Ice awarded a penalty try early in the fourth quarter, a missed conversion left the score at 12-5 and all to play for.

With ten minutes to go, Ice looked dangerous in attack. A great piece of forward play saw Royce Chan drive for the line. Only for the Phoenix defence to hold her up, preventing her from touching down for the equalising score.

The last play of the game saw Ice with one final chance, a scrum 10m from the CWB line, However they couldn’t capitalise on the possession. Final score between two evenly matched teams, 12-5 to CWB Phoenix.

HKFC Ice:
Cheryl Gourley, Shonagh Ryan, Denise Chan, Claire Forster, Angelina Cheung, Claire Hunter, Nina Pirie, Bobby Wilson, Royce Chan, Helen Lee, Emma Shields, Jaime Ho, Jamie Bourk, Maggie Wong, Jane Cheung, Cynthia Luk, Zuzanna Osinska, Sophie Short, Paula Murcia, Rabbit Leung

Causeway Bay Pheonix:
Ho Pui Ki, Tsang Siu Ching, Chin Po Po, Chan Yan Yo, Hau Yan Tina Ho, Kong Yin Ting, Li Man Yi, Tsang Ching Man, Ka Lok Ng, Wong Sze Man, Lam Ka Wai, Kwok Yuk Lin, See Wai June Au, Sin Man Hau, Tsang Yuen Ying, Tze Yan Lam, Ka Ling Martini Ip, Tin Yan Dora Chim, Lau Sin Tung, Siu Man Nga

Match Report: University Pirates 0-39 HKFC Fire @ Sandy Bay – 5 November, 2016

 

HKFC Fire - 5 November, 2016With the bitter taste of recent defeat still lingering in their mouths, Tash Ellis-Enright reports the HKFC Fire were in no mood to admire the beautiful Sandy Bay sea view.

Recent changes to player positions and some of the girls playing against former team mates meant that the Fire went onto the pitch full of excitement and nerves. As always, they were ready to fight for a win!

The first half saw the University Pirates working really hard with some tough girls on defence. The Fire forwards were equally as tough, hitting hard and low, and managing to win most of their scrums. These strong girls showed an excellent display of pod work and created the platform that saw the Fire score three first half tries through Crystal Wray, Apple Lau and Maggie Wong who snagged her first of season. Half-time score 17-0.

After half time Fire went back onto the pitch; they fought hard, as if no points had already been scored. Fire sharpened up their defensive line and played most of the game in the Pirates half of the pitch. The forwards continued their strong work on offence as well allowing Apple score her second try of the match. The backs shone through, working hard as a unit, to see Crystal score 2 break away tries and complete her hat-trick. Rabbit joined Maggie in scoring her first try of the season while Helen successfully kicked 2 conversions!

With a great display of sportsmanship from players and supporters, it was a well-deserved 39-0 win for Fire! Just goes to show that hard work and extra practice really does pay off!

HKFC Fire
Nicole Lai, Lok Ting Chan, Marueen
Cheng, Caroline Lau, Lu Hou, Zuza Osinska, Cynthia Luk, Apple Lau, Helen Lee, Rabbit Leung, Maggie Wong, Tash Ellis-Enright, Crystal Wray, Mo Cheng, Casey Gallagher, Karus Leung, Amy Kong, Selene, Morgane, Tracy Tong, Alex Fraser.
Tries: Apple Lau (2), Maggie Wong (1), Crystal Wray (3), Rabbit Leung (1) Conversion: Helen Lee (2)
Coaches: Gloria Cheung, John Hannon, Ed Barker

Match Report: HK Scottish Kukris 45-5 HKCC @ KG V – 22nd October 2016

hks-kukris-away-strip-22oct16

The HK Scottish Kukris are having a rollercoaster start to the season, a good win over Valley, either side of loses to Gai Wu and Tai Po. The Kukris were looking for a strong performance against HK Cricket Club. And they started brightly, as after only four minutes Lo-Ho Yau sprinted from the halfway line to score under the posts. Karis Cheng converted; 7-0.

Cricket Club came back strongly and worked their way into the Kukris twenty-two. But a penalty for offside gave Kukris the ball. Karis Cheng was able to able to evade several tackles for another 50-metre dash to score under the posts, although she missed her own conversion; 12-0.

Unfortunately at this point the game was halted due to an injury to one of the Cricketers. After the enforced break it was agreed the first half would be completed and the second half consist of the remaining time available. It was the Cricketers who came back strongest and put Kukris under continued pressure. The pressure increased further when Lo-Ho Yau was given a yellow card for offside and spent 10 minutes in the bin.

In spite of repeated assaults on their try line by HKCC, it was the Kukris who scored next, with Nieve Heskin making another long run to score under the posts. Karis Cheng converted. Man-ling Hui and Hau-yi Chung combined well on the right wing, allowing Chung to score, with another conversion from Karis Cheng. The Cricketers immediately responded, shrugging off some soft tackles to open their scoring. Halftime 24 -5.

In the shortened second half any thoughts of a Cricket Club fightback were quickly extinguished. First Sze-ting Li ran an incredible mazy run to touch down. Man-ling Hui quickly followed this up with two fine tries of her own. Karis Cheng converted the latter two. Final score 45-5 to Kukris, with an impressive team performance from the girls.

Next week Hong Kong Scottish Kukris take on USRC Tigers in second v third clash, with both teams on ten points. Cricket Club, still looking for their first win, take on table topping Tai Po Dragons, also on ten points.

Hong Kong Scottish Kukris
Neon Chau, Tiffany Tse, Tung-Hoi Jim, Crystal Lee Oi-Yan, Emily So, Nicola Yip, Nieve Heskin, Sze Ting Li, Karis Cheng, Hau-Yi Chung, Lo-Ho Yau, Andie Ma, Ket Robinson, Man-Ling Hui, Lo-Ho Yau, Yumi Fan Sau-Yi, Angle Leung, Yuen-Ting Fung, Yumi Sau Yu Fan, Po-Ki Chan
Tries: Nieve Heskin, Karis Cheng, Hau-Yi Chung, Man-Ling Hui (2), Lo-Ho Yau, Sze-ting Li
Conversions: Karis Cheng (5)

Edited 30 October to update the try scorers

Match Report: HKCC Ladies 10 – 36 USRC Tigers – 15 October, 2016

15-oct-hkcc-photo

The HKCC Ladies were feeling hot hot HOT as temperatures soared last Saturday. You could practically see the steam curling up from the fizzling astroturf as Happy Valley baked in the afternoon sun. With another loss under their belts and few subs to offer respite from the impending dehydration, the Ladies demonstrated inspiringly strong determination ahead of the first half against USRC Tigers.

A great starting attack saw the ball heading straight towards the Tigers’ try line just after Kick-off, with a penalty leading to the first lineout won by the Ladies. The Asian communicator – Diana Li – made her comeback in full force, scoring the first try for the Ladies 7 minutes in. No conversion.

The rest of the first half saw each side constantly scrabbling and grabbing for the ball, with the Tigers showcasing their impressive mauling and rucking techniques. Despite some great defensive tackling, the heat got to the Ladies as the Tigers broke through the line scoring their first converted try. Half time 5-7.

A short half time water break saw both teams seeking sanctuary in the little shade that is offered at Happy Valley, and a pep talk from Coach Nesbitt gave the Ladies a second wind – despite the complete lack of it in meteorological terms!

The Tigers though seemed to have benefited most from the break, with one of their wings scoring a try almost immediately from the second half kick-off. Discouraged and slightly dehydrated, the Ladies struggled to keep up their defensive line, and a speedy pair of breakthroughs on the wings saw another two tries for the Tigers.

With the heat and glare from the sun becoming even more intense, both teams were certainly experiencing exhaustion and confusion. A couple of moments saw Tigers tackling players who weren’t even carrying the ball, and the Ladies were remineded to keep their tackles low.

A lack of communication in the defensive line opened up the pitch to the Tigers who scored another pair of tries, one converted (5-36), that almost pushed the Ladies to their limits. As usual, the Ladies fought back in a final push and found their second wind – albeit a little too late in the day.

The Ladies managed to steal the ball and formed an impressive maul, allowing Captain Lynda Nazer to place the ball over the line. A great show of teamwork despite the elements and a disheartening score to fight back against.

HKCC Ladies
Forwards:
Nobuko Oda, Wawa Li, Jo Harvey, Katie Rowbottom, Mhairi McLaughlin, Terri Lau, Lauren Petersen, Carolyn Champion, Kikinay Kemp
Backs: Lynda Nazer, Tinley Wong, Diana Li, Josie Jolley, Isobel O’Connor, Allison Mak, Brenda Chan, Elane Lau, Hoiyi Li, Christy Ma, Serene Yee
Tries: Diana Li, Lynda Nazer
Coach: Jeremy Nesbitt

Match Report: HKFC Fire 14-10 Tin Shui Wai Ladies @ TSW – 15 October, 2016

hkfc-fire-15-october

This season the HKFC Fire team has a number of new players joining which makes them a much stronger team. Tracy Tong reports on their second game away against Tin Shui Wai Ladies in the National League 2. In training the Fire looked to adapt their match plan to prepare for the much wider Tin Shui Wai pitch.

On a warm sunny autumn afternoon the two teams started in high spirits with supporters of both teams making for a good atmosphere. HKFC’s Apple Lau scored the first try of the game, successfully converted by Helen Lee 7-0.

In a tough game there wasn’t much between the sides and play was fast and furious with lots of strong tackles flying in. TSW scored their first try minutes after the Fire’s opener but failed to convert. The pace and the heat meant fatigue was a factor as the HKFC Fire struggled in defence against the fierce pressure TSW Ladies put on their try line.

At the break the Fire’s coaches looked to get their players to slow the game’s tempo. The second half though started as the first ended with the match played at full speed. The  TSW Ladies scored a second try forcing their way through the HKFC’s defensive line. The conversion though was missed and this proved crucial as Cynthia Luk answered as she scored the HKFC Fire’s second try of the afternoon. Helen Lee’s second conversion gave the Fire a four point lead which they defended to the final whistle. Final score of 14-10 toHKFC Fire.

A good win for the Fire in a close game.

HKFC Fire
Forwards: Nicole Lai, Amy Kong, Chan-Lok Ting, Louise Hou, Maureen Chen, Karus Leung, Doris Chen, Apple Lau
Backs: Henrietta Wong, Helen Lee, Wong-Hei Hei, Rabbit Leung, Maggie Wong, Sarah Thrower, Emily Chen
Substitutes: Cynthia Luk, Alex Fraser, Tracy Tong, Teresa Lee
Tries: Apple Lau, Cynthia Luk
Coaches: Gloria Cheung, John R Hannon

Match Report: HK Scottish Kukris 5-44 Tai Po Dragons @ KG V – 15 October, 2016

hk-scottish-kukris-8-october-2016

It was a balmy evening at the KGV ground as HK Scottish Kukris and Tai Po Dragons met for the first time in National League 1, with the Dragons having previously played in the Premiership. The game started evenly matched, with the Kukris putting Dragons under pressure. But just as the Kukris game-plan was about to yield results, the Dragons turned over the ball and counterattacked. The Kukris were slow to respond and the Dragons scored and converted 7-0. Kukris immediately replied with a good team effort, and Fung Yuen-ting went over in the corner. The conversion was unsuccessful 7-5.

The Kukris had a great chance to take the lead. The ball was worked out to Hui Man-ling on the left wing, who kicked it clear of the defence and gave chase. But as she headed for the try line under the posts, she was unable to gather the bouncing ball and knocked-on. The Kukris seemed overly disheartened by the missed oppourtunity. First they gave away a soft try. Then the Dragons scored twice more, by forcing their way through the Kukris’ defence, with two or more tacklers needed to stop each Dragon. Their conversions were unsuccessful, but the halftime score was 22-5 to Dragons.

The second half resumed in similar fashion. The physical Dragons continued to challenge the Kukris defence, and doubled their score; four more tries, with the first converted. However, just as the Dragons appeared to have total control, the Kukris fought back. The ball was won, retained, and then carried forward. Now the Dragons were under pressure, not that the outcome of the game was in doubt. First the Kukris moved into the Dragon’s half, then beyond the 22, and finally had the ball touched down. But the referee called them back for a scrum. And even though it was now the Dragons who were conceding penalties, the Kukris could not manage to score any more points.

Final score 44-5 for Tai Po Dragons. A well deserved win for a very strong Tai Po team, who now go top of the league with maximum points from two games, and impressive figures of 68 Points For, 5 Against.

Next week Tai Po Dragons take on Gai Wu, while Hong Kong Scottish continue at KGV for another 6 PM kick-off against Hong Kong Cricket Club.

HK Scottish Kukris
Neon Chau, Po-Ki Chan, Tung-Hoi Jim, Crystal Lee, Oi-Yan, Emily So, Myron Ng, Nieve Heskin, Kathy Yip, Karis Cheng, Hau-Yi Chung, Yuen-Ting Fung, Andie Ma, Ket Robinson, Man-Ling Hui, Lo-Ho Yau,
Substitutes: Yumi Fan Sau-Yi, Tiffany Tse, Nicola Yau
Tries: Yuen-Ting Fung