A Conor Hartley hat-trick was the highlight of a six-try, bonus point victory as Hong Kong began their Asia Rugby title defence under new head coach Andy Hall in Incheon.
With a squad featuring three new caps and several players in their first test against Asian opponents it took twenty minutes for Hong Kong to settle, but once they found their footing and grew into the game, the new-look team expanded a 14-10 half-time lead into a convincing 47-10 win.
Wing Conor Hartley led all scorers with three tries, while wing Harry Sayers and fullback Paul Altier scored on their debut and Dayne Jans was also among the tries. Centre Matt Rosslee had a near-perfect outing with the boot as he struck three penalties and four conversions on the day.
Hall was pleased to have his first win under his belt and for the squad to have their first test victory since the disappointment of the Rugby World Cup repechage last November.
“It’s always nice to get a win, especially with some big shoes to fill,” said Hall, who had called for the team to put a marker in the sand in Asia ahead of today’s match.
“We really responded to that today, especially with that second half. Our forwards deserve a lot of credit. Our scrum was a weapon today for us against Korea, particularly early on, and that gave us a good attacking platform.”
The pack set up Hong Kong’s first scoring opportunity in the fourth minute when they blew up the hosts’ forwards in the game’s opening scrum, gifting Rosslee his first chance of the day, which he buried.
Korea replied immediately with their only try of the match, as they capitalised off the sliver of daylight allowed by the defence to pierce the try-line after seven minutes, claiming the lead 7-3.
Rosslee replied with a second penalty after 15 minutes to pull matters back to within a point at 7-6, before Hong Kong’s first try-scoring opportunity came five minutes later off an attacking lineout on Korea’s 10-metre line. The attacking lineout is one of Hong Kong’s go-to attacking weapons, but Korea managed to disrupt the driving maul.
Hong Kong shifted gears and produced some good chaos rugby that eventually saw lock Fin Field flick an overhead basketball pass out wide for Conor Hartley who smashed over for the score as Hong Kong took the lead 11-7.
Fly half Han Gumin scored a penalty (11-10) but missed a second that would have given Korea the lead. Rosslee kept his cool to slot home a penalty that put Hong Kong ahead 14-10 at the break.
A Korean miscue to start the second half gave Hong Kong possession in a strong attacking position. The pressure told quickly as Hartley picked a devastating line to crash over for his second close range score. Rosslee’s conversion pushed Hong Kong’s lead to 21-10 after 50 minutes.
The floodgates then opened as Hong Kong scored twice more in the next ten minutes, with both of the debutants in the back three crossing the whitewash. First Sayers made his splash with a change of direction break that led to a 40-metre try and a 28-10 lead after Rosslee’s conversion. Moments later, Altier was on hand to finish another positive attack with a try in the corner, as Hong Kong extended the lead to 35-10 with 20 minutes left.
The forwards got on the score sheet in the 70th minute when hooker Dayne Jans ultimately trundled the ball over the line to convert an attacking lineout. In the 80th minute, Hartley strolled through some flailing arm tackles to complete his hat trick, final score 47-10.
Hall was pleased with his side’s clinical display in the second half, saying, “We talked a lot about taking our opportunities at half-time and I was pleased that we executed that. Paul and Harry both scored on their debut, which is an important bit of confidence for those back three players.
“Conor had a great game as well; beyond the tries, he really showed a lot of maturity in his game today and led the young guys in the back row well.
“It’s a good start and we have a bit of momentum now, but we have Malaysia next week and that is a quick turnaround, said Hall.
“We need to get home and get into things quickly. Malaysia are much improved and have some shock value. They have the potential to surprise us if we don’t get our approach correct,” Hall added.
Hong Kong’s win sees them leapfrog Malaysia into second place on the leader board with five points. Korea are on top on ten points after their two bonus point wins over Malaysia.
Hong Kong Squad v South Korea (Incheon, 8 June)
1. Ben Higgins, 2. Alex Post, 3. Grant Kemp, 4. Fin Field, 5. Kyle Sullivan, 6. James Cunningham, 7. Callum McCullugh, 8. Kane Boucaut, 9. Liam Slatem (Captain), 10. Jack Neville, 11. Conor Hartley, 12. Matt Rosslee, 13. Ben Axten-Burrett, 14. Harry Sayers, 15. Paul Altier, 16. Dayne Jans, 17. Dan Barlow, 18. Jack Parfitt, 19. Craig Lodge, 20. Cris Pierrepoint, 21. Bryn Phillips, 22. Lewis Warer, 23, Rob Keith.
Hong Kong begin their defence of the Asia Men’s Rugby Championship against South Korea in Incheon on the 8 June. New head coach Andrew Hall will be looking both to the future and to see how the team can make, what permanently seems a step too far and qualify for the Men’s Rugby World Cup.
Hall’s first selection underlines the fresh feel, with just nine of last year’s squad for the same tie selected, a number that reflects retirements after the repechage and the omission of most of the sevens squad as they prepare for the Asian series and Olympic qualifier later this year.
Three players are set to earn their first caps in Korea: flanker Callum McCullough, fullback Paul Altier and winger Harry Sayers. Sayers and McCullough, Hong Kong born players raised in the United Kingdom and New Zealand respectively, returned to the SAR in 2018 to press their international claims.
Photo by : Ike Li / Ike Images
Altier, meanwhile, is the poster boy of the HKRU’s development schemes having earned representative honours at every age grade level. The fullback, who will return to his studies at University of Bath in the fall, is the current captain of the U20s squad and will lead that team to the Junior World Trophy later this summer.
All three will look to seize on the opportunities presented in this transitional period, according to Hall, who is keen on rewarding form and players who put their hands up when given chances.
The 25-year old McCullough earns his first cap as, “reward for some really good club form this season and some hard work in his ERP trial,” said Hall, who also noted that McCullough’s height will provide an added benefit in pressurising the Korean line-out.
Sayers will complete his collection of Hong Kong caps by adding a fifteen a-side appearance to his sevens debut last month at the Singapore Sevens.
“Harry is another guy who really took his opportunity well with the sevens this season. He has some real gas, and adds another weapon and a bit of aggression for us on the outside,” said Hall.
“I’m delighted for Paul as well,” added Hall. “He has worked hard and proved himself at every level in our age grade programmes. In our view, he was always the next cab off the rank in terms of being named in the squad by merit, and we have watched him progress for a long while now. It’s hugely pleasing to see a guy like that get a first cap.”
Joining the three newcomers in the squad are several players who have yet to experience Asian international competition – after debuting at last year’s World Cup Repechage, including forwards Grant Kemp and Craig Lodge, and backs Ben Axten-Burrett, Lewis Warner and Bryn Phillips.
Hall reflected on selecting his first squad and the start of a new cycle, saying, “There are all sorts of emotions, really; excitement, for me and the players, and a bit of nerves as well. We have some big shoes to fill, but I have had great support from the coaching team and the last say on this selection, which is exciting.”
“There is a lot of anticipation – from me, the coaches and the players – to get back to the international game. This is our first opportunity since the repechage; we have put that result behind us mentally and it will be good now in an international to really bury that.
“We have an opportunity to put a marker in the sand,” Hall added. “We have had success in Korea the last few years, but it’s never easy and we recognise that. That success has come down to having the right approach, players who are ‘on it’, and executing well. Nothing changes now.
“We have to stop their momentum, that is it. If you give them a sniff of the game, they are extremely difficult to contain.”
The early momentum is already in Korea’s favour after they swept Malaysia and had a week’s rest ahead of Hong Kong. Should they defend home turf, Hong Kong will not be able to afford any miscues over the coming month.
“They are coming into it with two games and two wins under their belts. They are comfortable in their combinations and patterns, and will be very happy with that, so we are going to have to disrupt that and ensure they don’t get into their stride.”
Hong Kong Squad v South Korea (Incheon, 8 June)
1. Ben Higgins, 2. Alex Post, 3. Grant Kemp, 4. Fin Field, 5. Kyle Sullivan, 6. James Cunningham, 7. Callum McCullugh, 8. Kane Boucaut, 9. Liam Slatem (Captain), 10. Jack Neville, 11. Conor Hartley, 12. Matt Rosslee, 13. Ben Axten-Burrett, 14. Harry Sayers, 15. Paul Altier, 16. Dayne Jans, 17. Dan Barlow, 18. Jack Parfitt, 19. Craig Lodge, 20. Cris Pierrepoint, 21. Bryn Phillips, 22. Lewis Warer, 23, Rob Keith.
It might seem like a small change, but Asia Rugby’s announcement of a new naming structure for all of their tournaments is a massive step towards gender equity awareness.
From 1 July 2019 onwards, each Asia Ruby tournament will be specifically named either a Men’s or Women’s competition. For example the existing Asia Rugby Championship will now become the Asia Rugby Men’s Championship, sitting alongside the Asia Rugby Women’s Championship.
In addition, the Asia Rugby Sevens Series will now become the Asia Rugby Men’s Sevens Series, played across three rounds alongside the Asia Rugby Women’s Sevens Series.
The move is aimed to further emphasise the equal nature of both men and women in Asia and in Asian rugby.
Asia Rugby EXCO member Ada Milby spoke about the importance of this announcement. “This is an announcement that highlights where we are as a region. We felt that as part of the efforts to promote gender equity, it was an easy decision to provide parity in the naming structure for our competitions, said Milby. “We’re really proud to be the first regional association to make this announcement.”
EXCO member Herman Huang of Chinese Taipei added “In Asia Rugby gender inclusion is a priority.” Almost 40% of the region’s players are female and rugby’s popularity in Asia is still growing.
The decision that was approved by Asia Rugby EXCO and Council during the meetings in Chinese Taipei where the word Championship was dropped from all but the top level of men’s and women’s competitions.
Full Competition Naming Structure From 1 July
The Asia Rugby Women’s Championship
The Asia Rugby Men’s Championship
Asia Rugby Men’s Sevens Series
Asia Rugby Women’s Sevens Series
Asia Rugby Men’s Sevens Trophy
Asia Rugby Women’s Sevens Trophy
Asia Rugby Women’s 7s Qualification Tournament for the Games of the XXXII Olympiad in Tokyo in 2020
Asia Rugby Men’s 7s Qualification Tournament for the Games of the XXXII Olympiad in Tokyo in 2020
Asia Rugby Under 20 Men’s Sevens
Asia Rugby Under 20 Women’s Sevens
Asia Rugby Under 18 Boys Sevens
Asia Rugby Under 18 Girls Sevens
The Asia Rugby Under 19 Men’s Championship
Asia Rugby Under 19 Men’s Division 1 and 2
Asia Rugby Women’s Divisions 1 and 2
Asia Rugby Men’s Divisions 1, 2 and 3
Ahead of summer’s official start Pizza Express have launched a new Summer Menu featuring a wide range of new pizzas and pastas. bc sampled several of the new dishes at the Lee Tung Street branch which – with it’s chilled layout, fresh juice bar, coffee machine and free WiFi – also makes a nice change from your local coffee outlet when looking for a place to hunker down and work or chat.
Among the new items on the Summer Menu are three new starters: Burrata & Eggplant ($88), Prawn & Tomato ($58) and Mango Crab Flatbread ($88). The Burrata is rich and creamy complimented nicely by the marinated eggplant.
There are two new salads Watermelon & Feta ($68/$128) and Mango Salsa Salad ($63/$108) available in small and large portions. The mango salsa is nice but like several of the other dishes on the menu it lacks that little extra freshness/ bite that has your tastebuds going… I want more!
The range of new pastas includes, as our waitress informed us, the already popular Baby Scallop Linguine ($143); Omnipork Penne Aglio Olio ($108) made with a plant based ‘pork’ and flavoured with fennel, water chestnut, garlic and mushroom; A Prawn Risotto ($148) cooked in a pomodoro sauce with garlic oil, onion and white wine tossed prawns and clams; Penne alla Norma ($118) a classic Italian pasta with eggplant, cherry tomatoes, basil, ricotta, pomodoro sauce and drizzled with garlic oil.
The new selection makes for a difficult choice when dining solo or in duo as there are several that sound tempting. bc opted for the Penne alla Norma which was filling and tasty.
Pizza Express has a bit of summer fun with it’s customers via the Burger Formaggi ($138) – one of four new pizzas on the menu – which tastes like a burger and is already proving popular. The other new pizzas are the Pancetta Garden ($138) and two vegetarian / vegan options Omnipork Bianco ($128) and Flori ($138).
The one new desert is the light Pineapple Cake with Ice Cream ($73) which is not too sweet and makes a pleasant finale to your meal.
The Pizza Express Vegan Menu has been revamped and offers a wide range of vegan dishes featuring vegan cheese and vegan pork. With an increasing awareness of healthy eating and vegan diners it’s good to see a big chain restaurant offering these options on a regular basis.
bc also likes the Lee Tung Street Pizza Express branch because it has a juice bar offering fresh juice ($68), smoothies ($68) and the new Watermelon Lemonade ($38) and Mrs Peroni ($68).
New Makati hosted a party for regulars and friends on the 17 May, 2019 to celebrate its Thirtieth Anniversary. And a great time was had by one and all!
While it may not strictly be the bar’s 30th birthday (a previous owner didn’t life 4s, so the 4th, 14th and 24th anniversaries were skipped) New Makati / Makati is one of the oldest bars in Wanchai and if walls had ears the tales it might tell…
Congratulations to Joe and his team of hard working staff.
Click on any photo to see more images from the party.
Captain Owen Bailey scored an extra-time winner as Newcastle United defended their HKFC Soccer Sevens title defeating Scotland’s Rangers 4-3 in a thrilling final at Hong Kong Football Club on Sunday.
In a repeat of the 2018 final, Rangers raced into a two-goal lead at half-time courtesy of a brace from Andrew Dallas only for Bailey and Luke Charman to restore parity.
Elias Sorensen completed the comeback for Newcastle from the penalty spot only for Rangers’ Josh McPake to force extra-time, setting the scene for Bailey’s dramatic winner to hand Newcastle a third title.
“We’re really happy because we’ve worked really hard over the weekend, defended really well and I think we’ve got the result we deserve,” said Bailey, who was also part of the triumphant 2018 team.
“At 2-0 down at half-time it didn’t seem like we had much chance because it’s so hard to score in these kind of games, but we got two goals, we got the job done and we’ve won it again.
“I can’t remember much about the goal, it just came back to me and I thought I’d have a go; thankfully it went in and we got the result we wanted.”
Newcastle, who also won the title in 2012, had earlier beaten Portugal’s Portimonense in the last eight and Hong Kong’s Kitchee in the semi-finals as Ben Dawson’s side posted an unbeaten record from their six games.
Rangers were forced to settle for a fourth runner-up finish having also lost in extra-time to Newcastle in 2018 despite earlier beating two-time champions Leicester City and West Ham United in the knockout stage.
“We started the game so well and missed a few chances to kill it, and losses of concentration then affected us,” said Rangers captain Cameron Palmer.
“But we’ve done so well this tournament so we’ve got to be proud of ourselves and hold our heads up high. We’re devastated but we just need to focus, not let it bring us down and look ahead to next year.”
Two-time runners-up Wallsend Boys Cub, meanwhile, won the Masters title for the first time after beating Citi All Stars 2-1 after extra-time in the final following a brace from striker Craig Dundas.
“I feel elated! With the team being in the final twice and not winning it, it was really time to bring it home and it feels really good,” said Dundas, who was making his debut in the tournament.
“To get the two goals is a beautiful feeling. A few of the guys are crying so you know how much it means to everyone.”
Debutants Wolverhampton Wanderers, meanwhile, won the Main Shield after beating Leicester 2-1 after extra-time in the final.
And six-time champions Aston Villa won the Main Plate following a 2-0 victory over Hong Kong’s Kerry Yau Yee Select in the final.
Korean pop star Jeong Eun Ji entertained a packed MacPherson Stadium, but a paltry 11 songs seems poor value for tickets which cost from $688 up to $1,488.
Click here or on any photo for more concert images.
