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Match Report: HKCC Ladies 7-31 Gai Wu Fawkes – 8 October 2016

After a promising start to the season against the ever strong Valley Reds, the HKCC Ladies were invigorated and ready to welcome Gai Wu to their home ground at Aberdeen last Saturday with their rugby heads on. The atmosphere was buzzing and home support was strong, including HKCC’s newest little supporting member, baby Tahi (prop in training).

The Ladies kicked off to a good start, both sides battling hard to keep possession of the ball. Some good defence from the Ladies saw them gain the ball despite Gai Wu winning the first lineout, however Gai Wu’s fast and low rucking saw them break out to the wing scoring a try 7 minutes in with a successful conversion.

Never fazed, the Ladies pushed on to form a good try line defence following another lineout lost to Gai Wu. Despite HKCC’s best efforts, Gai Wu’s centre popped through the defensive line in true firework fashion to score another try minutes later. Some cheeky behaviour from Gai Wu culminated in the referee issuing a yellow card for a dangerously high tackle.

Good scrummaging saw an energised HKCC win back the ball from Gai Wu following a knock on, a forceful maul from the forwards saw Maddy Witt score HKCC’s first try. Half-time score 12-7 to Gai Wu.

The second half saw some great runs from ‘Kamakazi’ Nobby and HKCC’s newest recruit, outside centre Isobel O’Connor. Endurance and stamina were put to the test as it became obvious that HKCC’s were tired and numerous penalties were awarded to Gai Wu.

HKCC soldiered on with a fierce determination, however slow reactions to a Gai Wu penalty left the defence wide open, allowing the Fawkes t0 score another try. Not willing to admit defeat, HKCC persisted in their attempts to force Gai Wu out of their territory, and despite a last concerted effort, a final maul on the try line saw Gai Wu score their final try with a smooth conversion.

Perhaps the familiarity of the Aberdeen turf put the Ladies in their comfort zone, giving a chance for Gai Wu to show the Ladies their worth.

HKCC Ladies
Forwards: Nobuko Oda, Wawa Li, Jo Harvey, Lauren Petersen, Carolyn Champion, Maddy Witt, Kikinay Kemp, Terri Lau, Kassie Chapel, Mhairi McLaughlin, Kon Chan
Backs: Lynda Nazer, Tinley Wong, Margaret Chan, Josie Jolley, Steph Zhang, Allison Mak, Brenda Chan, Serene Yee, Elane Lau, Christy Ma, Isobel O’Connor
Tries: Maddy Witt
Coach: Martin Kibble

Match Report: HKFC Ice 39-17 City Sparkles @ HK Football Club – 8 October, 2016

On a beautiful evening at the HK Football Club, HKFC Ice’s first match of the 2016-17 season was against City Sparkles newly promoted from National League One and looking to prove themselves in the Premiership.

The game kicked off and Ice dominated the early possession, camped constantly in City’s half HKFC created several try scoring opportunities in the first ten minutes but couldn’t cross the line to register the game’s first score. City looked threatening at times with their kicking skills and solid teamwork and certainly showed they are worthy Premiership opponents, their defence and tenacity particularly impressive. In attack the Sparkles put together some solid passages of play and Ice had to defend well to keep them from scoring.

The first 20 minutes saw some impressive tackles and line breaks from the Ice forwards, with Megan Richardson and Bobby Wilson driving the team forward to secure HKFC’s opening try in the 22nd minute. Rosie Hopewell-Fong’s conversion deflecting off the post prevented Ice from adding the extra two.

Backed by the cheering home crowd, Ice looked dangerous in attack and a great piece of skill from Jane Cheung saw her make a clean break to rampage deep into the opposition’s 22.

City’s sparkling attack broke through Ice’s defence in the 33rd minute to record their first Premiership try, secured with a conversion. Sparked into life Ice retaliated with an amazing break from by Rosie Hopewell-Fong, who sprinted 50m after a beautiful chip only to be fouled just short of the try line in the 40th minute. The resultant yellow card for City’s number 3 saw her spend 10 minutes in the bin and Ice’s Iris Chan took full advantage scoring in the corner with a successful conversion from Rosie Hopewell-Fong. Half-time 12-7.

After the break, HKFC set out to take control of the game and Jamie Bourk quickly scored a try, successfully converted by Rosie Hopewell-Fong.

Cheryl Gourley and Zuzanna Osinska came on in the forward line for HKFC and their impact was felt immediately with another try to Ice’s Angelina Cheung which was quickly followed by a second for the enthusiastic Jamie Bourk who controlled the ball with ease to own yet another try.

Further substitutions for HKFC saw Hei Hei Wong on for Crystal Wray on the wing, with Denise Chan, Shonagh Ryan and Stephanie Siu replaced by Royce Chan, Doris Chen and Rabbit Leung. City scored a simple try to going into the last 20 minutes to give them hope of a come-back. Rosie Hopewell-Fong quickly doused that flicker with her first try of the game after some fine individual skill.

Ice’s Megan Richardson was yellow carded in the 67th minute for a high tackle and City took advantage to score their third try with ten minutes to go and close the gap on the scoreboard.

Claire Hunter came off for Cynthia Luk at flanker and Jane Cheung added the icing to a fine display with Ice’s seventh try two minutes from the end.

HKFC controlled much of a game which saw some exciting play from both teams. City competed well in their first game in the top tier and can take many positives from the game. Final score 39-17.

HKFC Ice:
Denise Chan, Shonagh Ryan, Megan Richardson, Angelina Cheung, Iris Chan, Claire Hunter, Nina Pirie, Bobby Wilson, (Captain), Sophie Short, Rose Hopewell-Fong, Jane Cheung, Stephanie Siu, Jamie Bourk, Crystal Wray, Helen Lee.
Substitutes: Doris Chen, Cheryl Gourley, Zuzanna Osinska, Royce Chan, Cynthia Luk, Henrietta Wong, Hei Hei Wong and Rabbit Leung.

Tries: Angelina Cheung, Iris Chan, Jamie Bourk (2), Jane Cheung, Bobby Wilson, Rosie Hopewell-Fong.
Conversions: Rosie Hopewell-Fong (2)

City Sparkles:
Pui Yan Lam, Suen Yan Tiffany Leung, Ka Yan Fung, Lee Wa Wong, Chun Yi Annie Ng (Vice Captain), Pui Yin Yau (Captain), Kar Man Hilary Tse, Lok Lam Joanna Hung, Tsz Wing Donis Fung, Sau Yu Lam, Man King Cheng, Yuk Yan Ng, Oi Ying Stephanie Tang, Hoi Ying Cheung, Agnes Tse
Substitutes: Lai Lai Wong, Tin Yee Cheung, Cheng Wai Yee, Mila Hiu Lam Pang, Tsz Ying YoYo Lau, Yee Sum Lee and Yu Nam Suet.

Match Report: HK Scottish Kukris 37-15 Valley Red @ Shek Kip Mei – 8 October, 2016

After a disappointing opening game to the season against Gai Wu, when the Kukris failed to score, the HK Scottish players were understandably nervous ahead of the match against Valley Red. But a vocal home crowd proved to be just the encouragement they needed. The Kukris quickly settled, put Valley under sustained pressure, and it wasn’t long before Ket Robinson went over in the corner. Karis Cheng was unlucky with the conversion, which bounced off the upright. Before Valley could respond, Kukris had scored again through Fung Yuen-ting and Hui Man-ling, making it three tries in the spate of seven minutes. Again the conversions were unsuccessful. The pressure on Valley’s try line continued, but they managed to secure the ball and kick up pitch. Hui Man-ling caught the ball, accelerated away and scored in the opposite corner. No conversion. Half-time score 20-0 to HK Scottish Kukris.

The second half continued in the same vein. Nieve Heskin, one of the Kukris’ new players from Chicago, exploited a gap and scored under the posts. Karis Cheng made no mistake with the conversion. But Valley responded well, swiftly moving down the field and scoring, 27-5. Any thoughts of a comeback were quickly extinguished, as Crystal Lee, who had an excellent day on the pitch, powered over the line for a classic forwards’ try. But shortly after, as Valley again sought to break out of their own 22, fullback Ket Robinson was deemed to have tip tackled the ball carrier and shown a yellow card. Before Valley could make use of their numerical advantage, Kukris regained possession and passed to Hui Man-ling, who completed her hat-trick in the corner. But by now Kukris were looking ragged, and conceding penalties. Valley regrouped and swiftly scored two unconverted tries, but ran out of time to add to the score. Final score 37-15 to HKS Kukris.

Overall a great game for HKS Kukris, who, with the exception of the last ten minutes will be pleased with the performance. Next week the Kukris play Tai Po Dragons at KGV.

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: Man-Ling Hui (3), Crystal Lee Oi-Yan, Nieve Heskin, Yuen-Ting Fung, Ket Robinson
Conversions: Karis Cheng

Match Report: Uni-Pirates 5-35 City – 1 October, 2016

A new and as yet unnamed DB Pirates & University combined team for 2016-17

A new and as yet unnamed team took the field at the weekend as the combined forces of the University Unicorns and the DB Pirates faced their first challenge of the new season on a warm sunny Saturday afternoon at Sandy Bay. The Uni-Pirates squad consists mainly of players from the Summer Elementary Course, many of whom first picked up a rugby ball as recently as June, and a few veterans from the DB pirate enclave.

The home team kicked-off their National League 2 game against an experienced City Ladies team in high spirits and backed by the cheers of home crowd. Stout defence blunted the City attack and and the Uni-Pirates earned their first offensive scrum. And here’s where City’s experience told, you can practice and practice scrums on the training field but a match scrum is a vastly different beast and the Uni-Pirates conceded a penalty. Quickly taken by the visitors who passed it along their back line for the first try of the match.

Buoyed by the score City Ladies took control of the game, enthusiastic defending by the Uni-Pirates however kept them from adding to the scoreboard. The home town ladies though did not learn their lesson from the first try and conceded another as City successfully took advantage of another quickly taken penalty. The Ladies then added two more tries before the half time.

After the break, City remained on the front foot scoring two quick tries with some excellent back line moves. The plucky Uni-Pirates weren’t disheartened and kept plugging away looking for an opening and confidently seized their chance when it appeared. Awarded an offensive scrum on the City ten metre line the pack secured the ball and scrum-half Estelle Barbaroux sneaked through on the blind side, broke a couple of tackles and scored a fine try under the posts. A happy moment for the home crowd and the new team as they celebrated their first try of the season.

Despite the home team try, City were in complete control of the game and scored a seventh try before the final whistle for a final score of 35-5.

The crowd were generous in their applause of the players, congratulating the far more experienced City victors and celebrating the Uni-Pirates first game of 15s and their debut in the league.

Forwards:
Amoy Hugh-Pennie, Kon Chan, Meg McGrath, Monica Ariwi, Chona San Lopez-Aguila Alcantara, Florence Li, Catherine Greg Osburn, Debby Cheung, Jackie Philbrick Douglas, Renee McCreadie, Julie Buddle

Backs:
Sienna Stubbs, Estelle Barbaroux (Captain), Bonbon Jan, Hiuyi Cheng, Karen Shahar Gafni, Celine Malunes, Mandy Smith, Joyce Leung, Lai Ka Yan

Tries:
Estelle Barbaroux

Match Report: HKCC Ladies 10-19 Valley Reds – 1 October, 2016

The weekend’s fixture was the first match of the season for the HKCC Ladies who entered the new campaign with no pre-season games and a couple of new members playing with the team for the first time. Not the best preparation, but that didn’t prevent HKCC putting up a spirited display against Valley Red.

The match started with HKCC kicking off, and forming a great defence against the Reds causing them to knock the ball out over the sideline. As both teams struggled for meaningful possession a line break from Valley into HKCC’s 20 was stopped by flanker Maddy Witt. In the ensuing maul Valley slipped through a gap in the reforming defence to score the first try of the game.

This early setback energised HKCC who probed deep into Valley’s territory. The pressure told as Valley knocked on. From the resulting scrum the ball reached HKCC’s new fly-half Josie Jolley who, driving at the Valley’s defence gained some hard fought yards. Disaster struck though, a step from the try line as HKCC knocked on… At the resulting scrum HKCC packed away their disappointment, recomposed themselves and won the scrum leading to a nice try from Mandy Witt.

The remainder of the first half saw many big tackles, great attacks and defence from both teams, rolling into half time with the score 5-5.

The intensity increased after the break and Valley scored their second try through a gap in HKCC’s defence. HKCC bounced back with some great gain line attacks which saw the Reds commit numerous fouls, giving HKCC several penalty opportunities. The fierce commitment of both teams saw the referee issue several yellow cards during the half. HKCC got the better hand of that advantage and the ensuing penalties, allowing them to work as a team to attack deep into the Red’s territory and score a try from inside center Carolyn Champion. An unsuccessful conversion, left HKCC trailing 12-10 late in the last quarter.

Valley took advantage of a lack of concentration from HKCC scoring a try from a ruck straight after the kick-off. The conversion soared between the posts, giving Valley a 19-10 lead. HKCC pushed hard looking for a third score to give Valley a nervous last few minutes, but committed a couple of fouls and Valley edged a hard fought match.

Forwards:
Wawa Li, HoiYi Li, Terri Lau, Allison Mak, Kiki Kemp, Nobuko Oda, Lauren Petersen, Kon Chan, Joanna Harvey, Mhairi McLaughlin, Katie Rowbot, Maddy Witt, Josie Jolley

Backs:
Lynda Nazer, Stephanie Zhang, Brenda Chan, Carolyn Champion, Serene Yee, Margaret Chan

Tries:
Maddy Witt, Carolyn Champion

WNL1 B Semi-final Match Report: HKCC 48-7 Tai Po Dragons – 5 March, 2016

hkcc feb 2016

HKCC went into the knock-out stages of the season still on a high from the previous weekend’s sealing of the WNL1 B league title. Alex Tarleton reports as HKCC played the Tai Po Dragons hoping to reach a Grand Championships final for the first time since its reincarnation.

The opening minutes saw scrappy play mainly in the Tai Po half as the Dragons worked hard to keep HKCC at bay. A defensive scrum was excellently stolen by HKCC to put the ladies in white on the front foot. HKCC made their way into the Tai Po 22 through some good work by the forwards and then two passes down the line unleashed Tissia Polycarpe for her first of the day in the corner, 5-0.

5 minutes later Tissia added her second in almost identical fashion after some good forward play scoring in the opposite corner, with Harriet Jamieson adding the extras to make the score 12-0.

The HKCC forwards continued to dominate play and turned a Tai Po scrum. From the resulting put-in, simple hands down the line to the wing saw the flying Russian Yana Dimitrova score in the corner as HKCC’s lead increased to 17-0.

HKCC continued to put pressure on the Dragons as Tai Po were boxed in their 22 for the majority of the first half. Another scrum 5 metres out and saw the forwards use their dominance to drive towards the line. No.8 Lynda Nazer showed some great footwork before picking up to push over the line to make the score 22-0.

Approaching half time, Tai Po had a spell of pressure pushing HKCC back into their own half. The Cricket Club defence contained the Tai Po attack and earned a scrum. Some great interchanging passes between Ashley Brooks and Tissia Polycarpe brought the play back into the Tai Po half with Tissia sprinting home to complete a first-half hat-trick. Jamieson made the conversion for a half-time score of 29-0.

The second half started with HKCC not taking their foot off the peddle as Ashley Brooks took a quick penalty on the half way line and jinked in and around the defence to score under the posts with Harriet again converting and taking the lead to 36-0.

Tai Po refused to give in and continued to press the HKCC defence, Centre Tissia however stole the ball in the HKCC 22 and danced through the Tai Po defence to score her 4th try with an emphatic run from her own half, 41-0.

In the closing 10 minutes HKCC continued to bombard the Tai Po try-line and a final score arrived as Lynda Nazer scored her second when she again picked up from the base of the scrum and powered over the line. Harriet added the conversion to put HKCC 48-0.

In the closing minutes the proud Tai Po Dragons team continued to play with great heart and passion and their effort was rewarded on the last play of the game. The ball was shifted wide to the wing who, still with a lot of work to do, used her speed to sprint passed the HKCC defenders and score under the posts and with the conversion added, the final score read 48-7.

HKCC play HK Scottish in the WNL1 B Final, 4:30pm, 12 March at KGV.

Player of the Match: Tissia Polycarpe

HKCC:
Carolyn Champion, Wawa Li, Nobuko Oda, Lauren Petersen, Lainie Man, Isabella Rivers, Cheryl Gourley, Lynda Nazer, Emma Chung, Harriet Jameison, Diani Li, Tinley Wong, Tissia Polycarpe, Yana Dimitrova, Angie Ng, Ashley Brooks, Katie Rowbottom, Mhairi McLaughlin, Stephanie Zhang, Kassie Chapel,Serene Yee, Julia Mason, Jo Harvey

Match Report: HK Scottish Sekongers 76-10 Discovery Bay Pirates – 23 January, 2016

Hong Kong Scottish Sekongers v Discovery Bay Pirates1

“Playing Scottish in this weather is just like being at Murrayfield,” said the man from Discovery Bay. “Yeah, but without the Bovril,” was the dour reply from the Scottish supporter, as he sought warmth on the concrete seats of Shek Kip Mei Stadium. At least it wasn’t raining. With both teams in the lower half of the 10s League an evenly contested match was expected. And for once both teams has reserves, even if some had come straight from a 7s competition at Sandy Bay.

The Sekongers kicked-off, Andrea caught the ball for Pirates, ran to the try line and scored. Simple. It was too far for the conversion, but 5-0 to DB Pirates. The HK Sekongers fought back and twice Hui Man-ling, the speedy winger, forgot her inability to catch and scored under the posts. Karis Cheng converted. 14-5 to HK Sekongers.

However, DB Pirates replied with a try in the corner. Again too far for the conversion, but at 14-10, the game was evenly balanced. Alas for the Pirates not. Neon Chau scored a try for HKS Sekongers, followed by Fong Siu-yau, and two more by Hui Man-ling. Karis managed two of the conversion. Halftime score 38/10 to HK Sekongers.

Hong Kong Scottish Sekongers v Discovery Bay Pirates3

Halftime, so often a speed bump in HKS fortunes this season, proved to be a mere water break as they continued their onslaught. Andie Ma scored the next try, with Karis Cheng converting. Then Karis scored and converted a try herself. Followed by Li Sze-ting (Try); Hui Man-ling (Fifth Try); Karis Cheng (Conversion); and Li Sze-ting (Second Try); 69-10 for HKS Sekongers.

With the game approaching fulltime, the Sekongers, who had until then played well, suddenly became error prone. Chan Po-ki dived for the try line, only to be taken down by the Pirates defence and knocked-on. In fairness to Pirates they had not given up, in spite of the score. As the referee announced, “Last play,” and set the scrum, Pirates were determined to get one more try. But the Sekongers seemed only interested in increasing their penalty count. Penalty after penalty, 10 meter after 10 meter, the Sekongers went back. The Pirates were now in the Sekongers half and deserved to score. But luck was with the Sekongers. Somehow Pirates lost possession. Once again the ball was passed to Hui Man-ling, who outran the defence, scored her sixth try under the posts, which Karis Cheng converted in the 25th minutes of the twenty minutes half.

The full-time score HKS Sekongers 76-10 DB Pirates was not a fair reflection on the Pirates who fought hard and never gave up.
DB Pirates Player of the Match – Andrea.
HK Scottish Sekongers Player of the Match – Hui Man-ling.

Hong Kong Scottish Sekongers v Discovery Bay Pirates3

DB Pirates 76-10 HK Scottish Kukris
@ Shek Kip Mei, Kick-off: 15:00
HKS Sekongers: Anna Kam, Po-Ki Chan, Tung-Hoi Jim, Scarlet Ma Wan, Neon Chau, Sze-Ying Li, Karis Cheng, Andie Ma, Siu-Yau Fong, Man-Ling Hui
Tries: Man-Ling Hui (6), Sze-Ying Li (2), Neon Chau, Karis Cheng, Andie Ma, Siu-Yau Fong
Conversions: Karis Cheng (8)

Photos: Rabbit in Black

Match Report: HKCC 41-0 Tai Po Dragons – 23 January, 2016

hkcc-forward-try

The weather was reminiscent of a fine UK summers day at King’s Park on round two of the WNL B competition. The HKCC Ladies arrived dressed for the artic conditions making it difficult to bend their legs never mind run. However, with a long and thorough warm up the team in white were ready to go and continue the fine from production in week 1 against Tai Po.

The opening 10 saw a close contest between both forwards packs trying to gain control of the early minutes of the half, only for HKCC to be awarded 3 penalties in a row to charge up the field with former Canadian Carolyn Champion finishing off to make it 5-0 after 10 minutes.

The scrappy contest continued with both sides making errors and seemingly neither side looked like they wanted to score. HKCC began to move up the field and were awarded a lineout on the Tai Po 22. A well worked lineout set up the driving maul and HKCC dove closer to the line with Cheryl Gourley using her strength well to break through a defender to make it 10-0 to the Aberdeen side.

HKCC continued to try and take control of the game with some nice work by the backs, but this game was being won by the forwards and after some nice phases a change of direction saw fiery red Lauren cross the Tai Po line for her first ever try and lead the HKCC ladies into half time at 15-0.

The second half saw the forwards once again show up the backs with Carolyn seemingly do a magic trick from a tackle turned up with the ball with no one home in front of her to double her tally for the day with captain Harriet using her own trick shot to ”convert”.

Continuing the trend Flanker turner centre Chloe Chan got in on the act with a lovely running line to score with a controlled finish and Harriet converted. Chloe double her tally again shortly after with a well worked back move to bring the score to 36 -0 with added kick by Harriet.

With the clock ticking down the final seconds showcased how well the forwards had played with a dominating scrum moving forward helping No 8 Lynda Nazer to pick and drive over and score in the corner to finish the game and giving HKCC a 41-0 win over Tai Po.
Women of the Match: Jo Harvey

HKCC
Jo Harvey, Joan Yip, Carolyn Champion, Lauren Petersen, Nobuko Oda, Chloe Chan, Cheryl Gourley, Lynda Nazer, Emma Chung, Harriet Jameison, Lucy Thomson, Diana Li, Angie Ng, Yana Dimitrova,Steph Zhang, Mhairi McLaughlin, Zoe Wong, Isabella Rivers, Wendy Sham, Kassie Chapel, Katie Rowbottom, Tissia Polycarpe, Kassie Chapel, Brenda Chan, Charlotte Berry.
Tries: Carolyn Champion (2), Cheryl Gourley, Chloe Chan (2), Lynda Nazer, Lauren Petersen.
Conversions: Harriet Jameison (3)