bc magazine

Match Report: HKCC 66-0 HKFC Fire – 16 January, 2016

HKCC v HKFC Fire - 16 January, 2016

HKCC began the second half of the season after the league had been split into 2 against HKFC Fire.

The Aberdeen based sides have not had the best of luck with training after returning from the break only managing one full training session due to the wet weather and pitch closures.

HKCC however had one of the strongest teams they have got on a field all season, with returning Captain Harriet Jameison slotting back in at 10 to organise the back line.

The game kicked off with instant pressure on Fire with the HKCC forward pack using their extra size well to drive over the white wash through Carolyn Champion in the opening minutes with Captain Harriet converting.

HKCC continued to put pressure on the Fire team however the team in blue and white managed to clear their lines well with a kicking clearance to try and get some rest bite. However HKCC fullback Tissia collected and mad a good break back into the Fire 22 and linked well with débutante Chloe Chan who went over for her first of the day and Harriet Converted to make the score 14-0.

Fire hit back and began to test the HKCC defence with some good phase play by the home side. A intelligent steal by HKCC occurred unleashing fullback Tissia running in from her own half and again Harriet added the extra points from the boot.

HKCC did not take their foot off the peddle and continued to put pressure on the Fire try line with Cheryl Gourley running from deep collected the ball from a neat pass off scrum half Emma Chung to bustle over and make it 26-0 at half time.

The second half began with much of the same from HKCC collecting the ball from the kick off and the forwards played some great phases to unleash Chloe Chan who moved into the Centres for the Second half and ran passed the covering Fire defence to score her second running in from the half way.

A determined Fire side did not let their heads go down and increased their intensity an began to get into their stride and made their way into the HKCC 22 looking to get some much deserved points on the board. HKCC however had other ideas and again stealing the ball and unleashing Chan to get her hat trick running from her own 22, before have a much deserved rest leaving the field at 40-0.

The Aberdeen side did not use the size difference as well as in previous weeks in the scrum but finally steadiying the ship with a great 8-9-14 move with Angie Ng crossing the white wash for her 1st try.

With the game out of the grasp of Fire, HKCC decided to use this time to try some new skills, Harriet opened up the defence with a great chip over the top of the defence with Tissia Polycarpe squeezing through two HKFC defenders to get the ball down for her second in a well worked move.

Constant pressure was added with fresh legs from HKCC and a seemingly deflated Fire side were becoming increasingly frustrated at the lack of ball they had seen. Lynda Nazer took advantge with a powerful run into the home sides 22 with Harriet Jameison collecting the ball and linking up with Nazer again to make the score 59-0.

One last attack by HKCC saw a scrum awarded in the Fire 22 a pick and go form No.8 Nazer set up Tissia to cross over for her hatrick and with Harriet convert the game finished 66-0.

HKCC finally found the ability to score tries openly on the weekend, something that has cost them much needed points through the season. Hopefully this will give them a much needed confidence boost leading into to some tough fixture before the knock outs begin.

HKCC v HKFC Fire - 16 January, 2016

HKCC
Jo Harvey, Joan Yip, Carolyn Champion, Nobuko Oda, Lauren Petersen, Chloe Chan, Cheryl Gourley, Lynda Nazer, Emma Chung, Harriet Jameison, Angie Ng, Izzy Rivers, Diana Li, Brenda Chan, Tissia Polycarpe, Zoe Wong, Mhairei McLoughlin, Lucy Thomson, Lanie Man, Tinley Wong.
Tries: Carolyn Champion, Chloe Chan (3), Cheryl Gourley, Angie Ng, Tissia Polycarpe (3), Lynda Nazer
Conversions: Harriet Jameison (8)

Match Report: Fincher Shield, 9th-10th January 2016

Fincher Shield – 9th-10th January 2016

The bi-annual two-day fixture between Kowloon Cricket Club (KCC) and Hong Kong Cricket Club (HKCC), for the Fincher Shield, was played at KCC over the weekend of the 9-10 January 2016.

KCC KARP won the toss and elected to bowl first in partly cloudy conditions on a wicket showing a distinctly green tinge. Adil Mehmood struck early to dismiss both HKCC openers with just 14 runs on the board. A third wicket partnership of 69 between Scott McKechnie and Nizakat Khan lifted the score to 83 before McKechnie fell to a catch in the slips from the bowling of Roy Lamsam for 39. Raag Kapur fell cheaply but then skipper Courtney Kruger joined Khan to add another 67 runs for the fifth wicket. Nizakat eventually fell for 55 and Kruger followed with 62 as HKCC were dismissed for 233 in 67.1 overs. Mehmood was the pick of the KCC bowlers with 5/50 from 16.1 overs, while Imran Arif picked up 3/54 from 17.

KCC’s first innings reply got off to a poor start and they were soon reduced to 4/32 as Tim Cutler, Miles Richardson and Anshuman Rath each claimed a wicket for HKCC. Jamie Atkinson and Waqas Barkat settled the home team’s nerves with an accomplished fifth wicket stand and they finished the first day’s play without further loss on 4/56.

The Atkinson/Waqas Barkat partnership added a further 107 runs on the second day before both batsmen fell in quick succession off the bowling of Rath. Barkat (54) was first to fall with the score at 163 and Atkinson followed five runs later for 66. The remaining batsmen could only add another 30 runs as KCC was dismissed for 198 – a first innings deficit of 35 runs. Anshuman Rath was the pick of the HKCC bowlers with 3/15 from seven overs while Simon Cook, Miles Richardson and Tim Cutler claimed two wickets apiece.

The KCC bowlers dominated the second innings as Imran Arif and Adil Mehmood grabbed three wickets each in an explosive opening burst that left HKCC reeling on 6/33. Mehmood’s fourth wicket was claimed shortly after, giving him nine for the match, as HKCC slumped to 7/45. Nizakat Khan (10) and Miles Richardson (30) shared a 29-run eighth wicket partnership but they were the only two HKCC batsmen to reach double-figures in a poor effort that saw them dismissed for 84 in just 23.4 overs. Mehmood finished with figures of 4/36 from eight overs while Arif grabbed 3/27 from 10. Najeeb Amar also grabbed a brace for KCC.

Set a target of 120 for victory, KCC lost Ninad Shah early but some sensible batting steadied the innings before a double strike by Anshuman Rath and a further wicket by Simon Cook saw them reduced to 4/45. Cook’s second wicket had KCC teetering at 5/59 but an unbeaten sixth wicket stand between Jamie Atkinson (22*) and Ryan Campbell (40*) saw them home in 19.4 overs. For HKCC, Anshuman Rath picked up 3/44 while Simon Cook claimed 2/36.

Man of the Match honours went to KCC’s Adil Mehmood who claimed match figures of 9/86 from 24.1 overs including five maidens.
At KCC: HKCC 233 from 67.1 overs & 84 from 23.4 overs lost to KCC KARP 198 from 53.5 overs & 5/120 from 19.1 overs by five wickets.

Match Report: HK Scottish Kukris 40-5 Tai Po Dragons

HK Scottish Kukris - 9 January 2016

As the rain abated, conditions improved, but remained slippery for the Hong Kong Scottish Kukris clash against Tai Po at KGV. With the league split the games should all now be competitive. But as Robbo Robertson reports it was the Kukris who would show the difference between effort and points.

Both teams clearly wanted to prove their ability and a very physical, if somewhat error strew encounter developed. The players moved up and down the pitch, but is was not until the eighteenth minutes that any points were on the board, with LI Sze-ting scoring for Kukris and Suzie Perry converting; 7/0.

Tai Po were not disheartened and continued to push forward. However, it was Kukris who scored again through Robyn Beese, one of their big forwards, powering over the line in the twenty-eighth minute. Again Suzie Perry converted; 14/0. And so the score remained until halftime.

After the restart it was Tai Po who came out fired up, and three minutes into the half scored a try. The conversion was unsuccessful, but at 14/5 Tai Po were looking dangerous. However, the Kukris had other ideas, with their forwards dominating the field. In the forty eighth minute Suzie Perry converted her own try; 21/5. Eight minutes later Robyn Beese scored her second try, although the conversion was wide; 26/5. On sixty five minutes Fung Yuen-ting scored, and again Suzi Perry converted; 33/5. In the final minutes Rachael Wong (Dai Ray), rounded off the scoring as she held off a pack of defenders to score a try. Karis Cheng converted. Full time score 40/5.

Hong Kong Scottish Kukris were pleased with the result, but still have plenty of areas to work on. Tai Po will feel disappointed that they had so little to show for their efforts.

Kukris Player of the Match: Robyn Beese.

Hong Kong Scottish Kukris
Rachael Wong, Claire Hunter, Tung-Hoi Jim, Scarlet Ma, Sze-Wun Elanor Jones, Andie Ma, Karis Cheng, Robyn Beese, Anna Kam, Hau-Yi Chung, Yuen-Ting Fung, Sze-Ting Li, Tiffany Tse, Suzie Perry, Siu-Yao Fong, Vicky Chu
Try: Robyn Beese (2), Rachael Wong, Yuen-Ting Fung, Sze-Ting Li, Suzie Perry
Conversion: Suzie Perry (4), Karis Cheng

Match Report: HK Scottish Kukris v SCAA CWB Pheasants

hk-scottish2

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.

HK Scottish Kukris - 9 January 2016

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

Women’s 15s Match Report: HKCC 5-48 USRC Tigers – 21 November, 2015

The weekend’s fixture saw the HKCC Ladies squad travel to King’s Park to play a USRC Tigers side sitting one place above them in the league.

HKCC had learned some valuable lessons from the previous weekend and had put that into practice in the training sessions leading up to the game. It showed from the off with HKCC putting pressure on the Tigers keeping them at bay, however fortune was not on HKCC’s side and a momentarily lapse in concentration led to Tigers taking a 5-0 lead with a break down the blindside wing.

The opening 25 minutes saw a tense battle between the two squads with HKCC playing some of the best rugby of their season so far, putting together phase after phase, gaining yard after yard ending in a superb team try finished off by Scrum Half Ashley Brooks.

The hard working start took it’s toll and as HKCC began to tire the Tigers were all too happy to take advantage, adding 2 unanswered tries and going in at half time 15-5 up.

HKCC tried to regroup at the break as injuries and players looked burnt out after the explosive beginning to the first half.

The second half continued in the same vain as the latter minutes of the first half with the Tigers showing no signs of slowing down adding three more early tries to take the lead to 34-5.

HKCC showed a lot of spirit, courage and determination trying not to be disheartened as they attempted to penetrate the Tigers defence but the fierce opposition had other ideas. The Tigers showed more clinical finishing to end the game 48-5.

Again this week saw some great phases of play for HKCC to take heart from particularly in the opening 25 minutes. What is needed is to play at that level for the full game. The Tigers showed they will compete with most teams will surely be amongst it at the end of the season.

Women of the match for HKCC:
Back – Angie Ng
Forward – Carolyn Champion

HKCC Ladies: Joan Yip, Wawa Li, Jo Harvey, Izzy Rivers, Nobuko Oda, Carolyn Champion, Zoe Wong, Lynda Nazer, Ashley Brooks, Tinley Wong, Brenda Chan, Emma Chung, Tissia Polycarpe, Serene Yee, Diana Li
Substitutes: Mhairi McLaughlin, Charlotte Berry, Hoi Yi Li, Elane Lau, Angie Ng, Kassie Chapel, Margaret Chan.
Try: Ashley Brooks

Women’s 15s Match Report: HKCC 5-18 CWB Pheasants – 14 November, 2015

A week’s break allowed the cuts, bruises and bumps of the previous matches to heal and made the HKCC Ladies even keener to play at their home ground Aberdeen against the Causeway Bay Pheasants in the 6th Round of the League.

The whistle blew and HKCC kicked off giving possession to the waiting Pheasants who immediately began to pound their way up the pitch. HKCC scrapped for the ball but the Pheasants furiously rucked maintaining possession and skillfully controlling the course of play. During the first ten minutes HKCC only handled the ball once and this was to kick off again after the Pheasants broke round the side of the defence and scored the first try of the match, 5-0.

Determined to take ownership of the game HKCC kicked off and instantly pressured the Pheasant’s defence. The two teams collided up and down the pitch but neither side looked set to score a try until a close opportunity came for HKCC’s number 8, Lynda Nazer. Awarded a scrum in the Pheasants’ 22 Nazer picked the ball up and pummeled her way up the pitch. But much to HKCC’s frustrations, Nazer, a footstep from the try line was barged into touch. Gaining the ball back the Pheasants kicked to clear their lines, putting HKCC’s fullback and winger under pressure, who only just managed to keep the Pheasant’s attack at bay.

The match continued with the two teams fighting for possession and precious ground. Foul play from HKCC led to a penalty that helped the Pheasants creep further up the pitch. Within minutes HKCC gave away another penalty this time in a threatening position, 5m from the try line. The Pheasants opted for a kick at goal, the ball sailed through the posts, padding CWB’s lead; 8-0.

The first half was drawing to a close but not before HKCC had one more stab at the Pheasant’s defence. Dominated by the HKCC forwards a maul formed and with gaining momentum they thundered towards the try line. With a few metres to go, quick as a flash HKCC’s Carolyn Champion broke from the maul with ball in hand. Once again HKCC were a footstep from the try line, but this time it was Champion who was mercilessly tackled into touch by a strong Pheasant defence. The score remained 8-0 to Pheasants and the whistle blew for half time.

After some rallying words from coach Alex Tarleton the whistle blew for the start of the second half. The Pheasants booted the ball straight into the arms of HKCC scrumhalf Emma Chung, who charged up the pitch. After some clashes in the center of the field a quick Pheasant turn over saw their attack bursting through HKCC defence. Weaving around the HKCC fullback the Pheasants looked close to scoring until Chung made a last ditch tackle, halting the attack. The Pheasants reset to strike again and this time succeeded, as their winger zipped round the side of the HKCC defence, 13-0.

HKCC kicked off and again the two sides fought to control the game. A great breakthrough came from HKCC’s centre Lucy Thomson, who hurtled through the Pheasant defence. But foul play by HKCC at the ruck gave the Pheasants a penalty and they wasted no time in using it to their advantage. HKCC were pushed back to their own try line fighting off another Pheasant attack. Nothing could stop the two Pheasant forwards who crashed over the try line for their third try of the match.

HKCC knew time was running out and they were determined to get some well-deserved points on the board. The HKCC forwards moved up together recycling the ball well until they were only meters from the try line. The Pheasants absorbed the hits well but they were unable to stop outside centre Tissia Polycarpe thundering over the try line, scoring the first and last HKCC points of the match.

After what seemed like a long and tiresome second half the whistle blew to end the match. Although a loss for the HKCC Ladies they are improving every week and look forward to their next match against Tigers this Saturday.

HKCC Woman of the Match: Emma Chung

HKCC 5-18 CWB Pheasants
HKCC Ladies: Joan Yip, Wawa Li, Jo Harvey, Lauren Petersen, Nobuko Oda, Brenda Chan, Cheryl Gourley, Lynda Nazer, Emma Chung, Tinley Wong, Serene Yee, Carolyn Champion, Tissia Polycarpe, Angie Ng, Steph Zhang
Substitutes: Lucy Thomson, Kassie Chapel, Charlotte Berry, Hoi Yi Li, Elane Lau, Mhairi McLoughlin.
Try: Tissia Polycarpe

Photo: Phoebe Leung

Women’s 15s Match Report: Valley Reds 14-5 Gai Wu Fawkes – 31 October, 2015

Valley Reds played a tight game last Saturday at Happy Valley against Gai Wu Fawkes earning a hard fought 14-5 victory. The ladies have shown immense development over the first few games of the season and looked to continue to improve with lots of hard work on the training field. The Reds played with great confidence, exerting constant pressure and spending a large part of the first period camped in Gai Wu’s half. The team as a whole was more structured than last week as Carman Law (scrum half) and K Wong (centre) carried out set plays. With such a strong level of confidence and aggression, KK Wong (Captain) and Suzzane Stikko scored a try each – both successfully converted by Choi Ying Wong.

Gai Wu fought back playing more experienced players in the second half and thus putting more pressure in the scrums. The Fawkes also returned after the break with more structured play, which was fatal to Valley’s unorganized defense line, and scored its first try but with no conversion. Gai Wu was close to scoring a second try when Carman Law made a try-saving tackle. Valley were able to maintain the lead as the team reacted and improved it’s defensive line after a water break. The final whistle blew on a competitive game with the score 14-5 to the Reds.

Suzzane Stikko was voted as “Backs’ MVP” with her hard “go-forward” runs while Rigel Mo Ching Lam was voted as “Forwards’ MVP” as she displayed strong tackles and defence.

Valley Reds are looking forward to play against HK Scottish two weeks later, 4:30pm at Shek Kip Mei Park Sport Centre.

Valley Red 14-5 Gai Wu Fawkes
@ Happy Valley, Kick-off: 18:00
Valley Reds: 1. Phoebe Fok, 2. Pui Man Choi, 3. Rebecca G, 4. Deena Thinakaran, 5. Aggie Au-Yeung, 6. Rigel Mo Ching Lam, 7. Jess knight, 8. KK Wong (C), 9. Carman Law, 10. Choi Ying Wong, 11. Lemon Mung, 12. Lewis Wong, 13. Suzzane Stikko, 14. Zoe Smith, 15. Taryn Lo
Substitutes: 16. Teagan Lo, 17. Morgane Lebrun, 18. Natalie Chan, 19. Sophie Lai, 20. Candy Tsang, 21. Avis Ma, 22. Anna Hryske
Try: KK Wong, Suzzane Stikko. Conversion: Choi Ying Wong (2)

Women’s 15s Match Report HKCC 15-0 Tai Po Dragons – 31 October, 2015

Week 5 of the Season saw a HKCC team eager to get back to winning ways against a Tai Po team who had been through similar struggles in recent weeks.

The match began with a constant barrage of attacking pressure from HKCC, with the forward pack having some excellent phases moving up the pitch. The Tai Po midfield was able to hold off the HKCC attack on a number of occasions frustrating the team in white.

After dominating the possession in the opening 20 minutes HKCC finally broke the solid Tai Po defence with Ashely Brooks scoring on her return to the starting line up. HKCC continued to put pressure up the field but Tai Po finally broke into the opposition half to ease some pressure in the closing minutes of a tight first half.

HKCC gathered their thoughts at the break looking to add more points to the possession and trying to find answers for a stubborn Tai Po defence.

It was an excellent opening five minutes for the Tai Po team who worked their up the pitch with some dynamic running and crash balls. However, HKCC managed to absorb the pressure and turned the ball over feeding Tissia Polycarpe, who danced her way through the middle of the Tai Po Defence to make the game 10-0.

Fresh legs began to enter the field and change the balance of the game with Tai Po beginning to get more confidence and putting more pressure on HKCC. Both teams locked horns with neither side giving in. HKCC had throughout the game seen great success from the scrum and after sustaining another 15 minutes of pressure a scrum turnover saw HKCC back on the front foot. A penalty occurred, quickly taken it enabled HKCC to march up the field looking to add another try to seal the match.

It came on the final play of the game with Tissia adding a second try for herself in the corner sealing a 15-0 victory and the second win of the season for the HKCC Ladies.

HKCC enjoyed getting back to winning ways but knew they had been in a tough encounter against a very resilient Tai Po side.

HKCC Women of the Match
Forward: Wawa Li
Back: Diana Li

HKCC 15-0 Tai Po Dragons
@ So Kon Po, Kick-off: 16:30
HKCC: Joan Yip, Wawa Li, Nobuko Oda, Lauren Petersen, Lainie Man, Wendy Sham, Cheryl Gourley, Lynda Nazer, Ashley Brooks, Tinley Wong, Steph Zhang, Lucy Thomson, Brenda Chan, Zoe Wong, Diana Li, Charlotte Berry, Katie Rowbottom, Margaret Chan, Elane Lau, Christy Ma, Rhonda Wildeman, Jo Harvey, Tissia Polycarpe, Serene Yee
Try: Tissia Polycarpe (2), Ashely Brooks
Head Coach: Alex Tarleton