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Match Report: Valley Reds 42-10 Taipo Dragons

Week 2 of the Womens NL1 saw Valley Reds take on Taipo Dragons at Shek Kip Mei Park. The Dragons opening up with a great run from their nifty fly-half who scored under the posts 10 minutes into the game. Valley answered back with a great chip and chase from new player Zoe Smith who showed speed and skill to regather her kick ahead and put Valley on the board at 5 all.

With both teams fighting for territory and possession, Taipo Dragon’s fly-half again showed skill and pace to cut through the Reds defence before dotting down for another 5 points. 10 – 5 to Taipo Dragons after 20 minutes.

The Reds looked to answer back, with a few penalties going their way, Captain KK Wong showed her experience taking a quick tap and go to score in the corner, bringing the game to 10 all.

Valley now confident and stringing together some good phases saw them end the half on top with a great scrum leading to Reds front row Anita Vogel notch a 5 pointer with a classic forwards pick and go scoring on the white line. Half time score 17 – 10

The second half saw some great play from both teams, the Dragons coming out strong but Valley continued to gain the upper hand, with the Red’s backline running some good patterns to get the ball out to Zoe Smith who ran in another two tries to complete her hat-trick, 27 – 10.

Valley’s healthy lead offered a chance for those on the bench and reserve lock Aryana Gant and midfielder Suzzana Stikko both took advantage scoring a try each. Young winger Sophie Lai completed the scoring with try in the corner after a solid scrum.

Strong performances from experienced senior player Julie Savoie who gained forward of the match and in form center Zoe Smith providing easy choice as backs player of the day.

Valley Reds 42-10 Taipo Dragons
@ Shek Kip Mei
Valley Reds: Anita Vogel, Shermaine Choi, Natalie Chan, Kim Senogles, Clarant Ho, Teagan Lo, Jessica Knight, KK Wong, Carman Law, K Wong, Sophie Lai, Lewis Wong, Zoe Smith, Michelle Kim, Tarryn Lo,
Substitutes: Anna Hyrske, Phoebe Fok, Aggie Au Yeung, Aryana Gant, Emily Russell, Suzanne Stikko, Julie Savoie
Try: Zoe Smith (3), Anita Vogel, KK Wong, Aryana Gant, Suzzanne Stikko, Sophie Lai. Conversions: Kay Wong

Studio City Macau – Opens 27 October, 2015

Even as Macau gambling revenues tumble from their stratospheric levels of two years ago construction still continues on seven new integrated resorts. They’re casinos in all but name, the Macau and Chinese governments looking to put a more palatable identity for the worlds largest gambling centre. Which is good news for those of us who enjoy Macau, but – much to the annoyance of the casinos – don’t gamble.

The newest resort on the block, opening on the 27 October, is Studio City the latest venture to join the Melco Crown empire headed by Lawrence Loo and James Packer. Located close to the new Lotus Gate border crossing, Studio City is easily identified by it’s unique figure 8 gondola ride located in the middle of the building. On bc’s recent tour of the almost completed resort the ride looks spectacular and is set to become one of the must do things in Macau. Quite where the long queues will line up we’re not sure.

The integrated resort theme runs through the whole 6 million square foot building, competing with the gondola ride for most attractive non-gaming feature will be the 4D Batman Dark Flight ride (MOP$150) where ‘flying’ through Gotham City promises to be a thrilling audio, visual and sensory adventure.

Aside from gambling, shopping and dining Studio City will combine the magic of cinema with the magic of illusion to leave you smiling as your money disappears infront of your very eyes. The House of Magic by Franz Harary is a three theatre experience of illusion and and magic. Three magic shows for the price of one, we’re very interested to see how this works – tickets are MOP$600(VIP), $400.

Studio City will also be hosting concerts at it’s 5,000 seat Event Centre and the first concert announced is Madonna. Tickets for the two shows on 20, 21 February 2016 go onsale on the 16 October priced at MOP$10,588, $8,888, $7,888, $2,588 from www.studiocity-macau.com

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Women’s Rugby Results – 10 October, 2015

Premiership
USRC Tigers 17-5 HKFC Ice
@ King’s Park, Kick-off: 18:00
Rose Fong’s match report
HKFC Ice: Denise Chan, Shonagh Ryan, Megan Richardson, Zuzanna Osinska, Martina Colombo, Jamie Bourk, Bobby Wilson, Daisy Miers, Sophie Short, Aileen Ryan, Stephanie Siu, Jane Cheung, Grace Hood, Casey Gallagher, Sarah McMillan
Substitutes: Kim Kan, Amy Kong, Aysha Fiaz, Carol Hung, Iris Chan, Audrey Lo, Rabbit Leung
Try: Sarah McMillan

Tai Po 0-14 Gai Wu Falcons
@ Shek Kip Mei, Kick-off: 18:00

CWB Phoenix 22-5 Kowloon
@ So Kon Po, Kick-off: 18:00

National League 1
USRC Tigers 75-0 HKFC Fire
@ King’s Park, Kick-off: 15:00

HK Scottish 12-10 HKCC
@ Shek Kip Mei, Kick-off: 15:00
Robbo Robertson, Scottish perspective match report
Alex Tarleton’s HKCC Match report
HK Scottish Kukris: Rachel Wong, Tiffany Tse, Hoi-Tung Jim, Idy Chung, Robyn Beese, Taro Yau, Jenny Yung, Andie Ma, Hau-Yi Chung, Karis Cheung, Man-Ling Hui, Anna Kam, Sau-Yi Yumi Fan, Claire Hunter, Ket Robinson,
Substitutes: Francis Lo, Berky Kong, Wun-Lo Chung, Wun Scarlet Ma, Yuen-Ting Fung
Try: Man-Ling Hui (2), Conversion: Karis Cheung
HKCC Ladies: Carolyn Champion, Wawa Li, Joanna Harvey, Mhari McLoughlin, Nobuko Oda, Wendy Sham, Cheryl Gourley, Lynda Nazer, Ashley Brooks, Tinley Wong, Zoe Wong, Lucy Thomson, Tissia Polycarpe, Brenda Chan, Diana Li
Substitutes: Isabella Rivers, Elane Lau, Serene Yee, Hoi Yi Li, Christy Ma, Margaret Chan
Try: Tissia Polycarpe, Ashley Brooks

Tai Po Dragons 10-42 Valley Red
@ Shek Kip Mei, Kick-off: 16:30
Adrienne Garvey’s match report
Valley Reds: Anita Vogel, Shermaine Choi, Natalie Chan, Kim Senogles, Clarant Ho, Teagan Lo, Jessica Knight, KK Wong, Carman Law, K Wong, Sophie Lai, Lewis Wong, Zoe Smith, Michelle Kim, Tarryn Lo,
Substitutes: Anna Hyrske, Phoebe Fok, Aggie Au Yeung, Aryana Gant, Emily Russell, Suzanne Stikko, Julie Savoie
Try: Zoe Smith (3), Anita Vogel, KK Wong, Aryana Gant, Suzzanne Stikko, Sophie Lai. Conversions: Kay Wong

CWB Pheasants 5-29 City Sparkles
@ So Kon Po, Kick-off: 16:30

Police Sirens 5-0 Gai Wu Fawkes
@ Police Boundary Street, Kick-off: 18:00

Match Report: HK Scottish Kukris 12-10 HKCC Ladies

Game 2 of the new season saw HKCC Ladies visit the Rock to face a strong HK Scottish Kukris side. The preparation was solid, with both teams having good numbers and a comprehensive warm up. The weather was perfect before kick off, with whispers of ‘Winter is coming’ from John Snow on the sideline.

HKCC started in what now seems a typical slow fashion, having to defend their own line from a barrage of Scottish attack, in particular by Robyn Beese who used her power to good effect. However HKCC dug deep and showed passion and desire to keep the rampaging Scottish at bay.

After riding the wave of the first ten minutes, HKCC began to get into their flow and the backs started to make some breaks. 15 minutes passed and HKCC’s determination paid off with Sandy Bay graduate Tissia Polycarpe scoring her first Senior Rugby League try by breaking through the centres.

The first half was a tightly fought contest that seemed to consist of scrum after scrum, after scrum. But after taking part in a scrum session with Hong Kong Men’s Coach Andy Hall earlier in the week, the HKCC forwards were well equipped to fend off the domineering Scottish front row, which last season had out-scrummaged them.

At the end of an exciting first half that saw both teams desperately hungry for tries, HKCC held a 5-0 lead.

The second half saw more of the same: some excellent defending from both sides as well as great attacking patterns seemingly cancelling each other out.

With fatigue kicking in and some injuries occurring, both sides looked to make changes. HKCC looked tired and the excellent Scottish front row took advantage of this with some superb counter scrummaging as well as making great yards with ball in hand.

However in a strong counter attack, HKCC forwards drove the Scottish defence back and gained themselves a lot of ground and a crucial penalty. HKCC scrum-half Ashley Brooks pounced on the ball to take a quick tap and go but the referee shouted ‘play on’. Despite this call a confused defence and scrum-half Ashley ceased playing. After a moment of hesitation Ashley recovered and scored a well-earned try under the posts.

HKCC received the ball full of confidence from the restart and again began to use their patterns to good effect. Only to have the ball turned over in their own half, leading to the wrecking balls of the Scottish front row once again, who powered the ball up the field with great steam.

The Scottish attack was in full flow and it was only a matter of time before they were rewarded. This came moments later with a brief lapse from an otherwise impeccable defensive performance so far from HKCC, the Scottish attack capitalised and Man-Ling Hui scored to make it 10-5 with 10 minutes to go.

HKCC regrouped and believed they could hold the home team out to the final whistle, but knew it would be tough if they had to defend for the whole period. So from the kick off they pressured well to cause a turnover.

Time to see the game out!

HKCC got closer and closer to the Scottish line hoping to seal a third try and the game. Inch by inch HKCC could see the line like it was destiny in front of them. Only for destiny to throw a cruel spanner in the works. The excellent Scottish defence counter rucked on their own line allowing their fly-half to kick it clear. HKCC scrambled back in defence yet it was not enough. Out of nowhere and quick as a flash the Scottish speedster Man-Ling Hui collected the ball and effortlessly scored her second, a breakaway try from her own twenty-two, leveling the game at 10-10 with only time left for the conversion.

In what seemed like an eternity, the ball rose high from the Scottish kicker’s boot and flew between the sticks, sealing a dramatic 12-10 victory in the last second of the game.

One of the most entertaining women’s games I have seen in a long time and one that showcased the rise in standard of the second tier of Women’s rugby. Well done to Scottish on their hard fought victory, but HKCC took great pride in the display as they lost by 50 points to the same team at the end of last season. Saturday’s result showed the HKCC Ladies that if they continue to improve like they have since preseason, they will be in the mix for honours come the end of the season.

What a game!

HKCC Women of the Match – Nobuko Oda and Cheryl Gourley
HK Scottish – Has to be their Front Row.

Women NL1: HK Scottish Kukris 12-10 HKCC
@ Shek Kip Mei, Kick-off: 15:00
HKCC Ladies: Carolyn Champion, Wawa Li, Joanna Harvey, Mhari McLoughlin, Nobuko Oda, Wendy Sham, Cheryl Gourley, Lynda Nazer, Ashley Brooks, Tinley Wong, Zoe Wong, Lucy Thomson, Tissia Polycarpe, Brenda Chan, Diana Li
Substitutes: Isabella Rivers, Elane Lau, Serene Yee, Hoi Yi Li, Christy Ma, Margaret Chan
Try: Tissia Polycarpe, Ashley Brooks

HK Scottish Kukris: Rachel Wong, Tiffany Tse, Hoi-Tung Jim, Idy Chung, Robyn Beese, Taro Yau, Jenny Yung, Andie Ma, Hau-Yi Chung, Karis Cheung, Man-Ling Hui, Anna Kam, Sau-Yi Yumi Fan, Claire Hunter, Ket Robinson
Substitutes: Francis Lo, Berky Kong, Wun-Lo Chung, Wun Scarlet Ma, Yuen-Ting Fung
Try: Man-Ling Hui (2), Conversion: Karis Cheung

HK Women’s Cricket Match Reports: T20 Cup – 10 October, 2015

KCC Maidens scored an easy nine-wicket over USRC in the first match of the day. USRC batted first but could only manage to score 61 from 18 overs, with sundries contributing 48 runs to their cause. The KCC Maidens had little trouble surpassing that total in less than five overs.
At PKVR Reservoir: USRC 61 from 18 overs lost to KCC Maidens 1/66 from 4.4 overs by nine wickets.

In the second match of the day, HKCC Cavaliers beat CCC Fung Wong by 31 runs. Emma Lai scored 49 as the Cavaliers reached 3/145 from their 20 overs. In reply, Kary Chan hit 51 not out but her efforts were not enough as CCC Fung Wong were restricted to 8/114.
At PKVR Reservoir: HKCC Cavaliers 3/145 from 20 overs beat CCC Fung Wong 8/114 from 20 overs by 31 runs.

The day’s final match saw HKCC Willow Wielders maintain their unbeaten run with a comprehensive ten-wicket victory over PACC. Batting first with only 7 players, PACC were overwhelmed for 53 – at total which the Willow Wielders had little trouble knocking off in just 4.4 overs with Sara Young scoring 27 not out.
At PKVR Reservoir: PACC 53 from 14 overs lost to HKCC Willow Wielders 0/55 from 4.4 overs by ten wickets.

HK Cricket Match Reports: Saturday 10 October, 2015

Saturday Championship Division 1
At Hong Kong Cricket Club, there was a tied result (the second this season) with HKCC Nomads and HKCC Gap Ramblers sharing the spoils.

Gap Ramblers found themselves batting first after losing the toss but their openers got them away to a good start with 41 runs for the first wicket. David Varley led the batsmen with 61 while Justin Alexander boosted the score with 34 not out from number 10 as Gap Ramblers finished on 8/178 from their 35 overs.

Nomads got off to a poor start, losing their top three batsmen with only seven runs on the board. They looked dead and buried at 6/80 but some positive lower order batting, especially from Pushpendra Sharma and Luke Rewega, got them on level terms. A run out from a direct hit, as the batsmen tried for a second run to win the game, saw the match finish all square. For Nomads, Toby Brown top scored with 53 while Raag Kapur picked up 3/40 for Gap Ramblers.
At HKCC: HKCC Gap Ramblers 8/178 from 35 overs tied with HKCC Nomads 178 from 34.4 overs.

Over at Kowloon Cricket Club, KCC Saracens enjoyed a three-wicket victory over HKCC Witherers. Witherers batted first after being sent in by Saracens but they could only muster 9/123 from their 35 overs with Charlie Bright’s 36 the only score of any significance.

Ninad Shah led the Saracens reply with a fine 46, while Simandeep Singh finished things off with an unbeaten 31. Ciaran McAssey was the pick of the Witherers’ bowlers, claiming 3/14 from six overs.
At KCC: HKCC Witherers 9/123 from 35 overs lost to KCC Saracens 7/125 from 32.5 overs by three wickets.

Saturday Championship Division 2
In Division two action, SCC Lancers, CCC Hung See and USRC/MCC all secured wins.

At Mission Road, USRC/MCC batted first against Laguna Gully and they amassed 8/208 from their 35 overs with Mohammad Awais hitting a splendid 111 not out. Umar Mohammad also hit 48 for USRC/MCC while Pranav Shah picked up 4/32 for Laguna Gully.

Laguna Gully’s reply never quite got going and they were eventually dismissed for 148 from 30.3 overs, with sundries the top score. Shan Sawar was the best of the nine USRC/MCC bowlers used, with 4/27 from 5 overs.
At Mission Road: USRC/MCC 8/208 from 35 overs beat Laguna Gully 148 from 30.3 overs by 60 runs.

At PKVR Park, DLSW Spartans opted to field first after winning the toss and they had early success as they reduced SCC Lancers to 3/16 and then 5/39 with Niaz Ali picking four wickets. But the Lancers’ lower order batsmen prospered and they finished on 208 all out off their 35 overs with skipper Prakash Chakravarti hitting 49 and Uday Shetty getting 57. Niaz finished with 4/18 from his seven over spell. Spartans’ lost both their opener’s cheaply but they progressed their score to 3/117 before Suresh Pandey fell for a team-high 40. After that, wickets fell regularly and Spartans were eventually all out for 180 in the 32nd over. Nitesh Talwar was the best of the Lancers bowlers with 4/22 while Uday Shetty completed a good all-round performance with 3/36.
At PKVR Park: SCC Lancers 207 from 35 overs beat DLSW Spartans 180 from 31.5 overs by 27 runs.

Shin-high long grass greeted the CCC Hung See and Pioneers teams at the Police Training College when they met to do battle in the ‘Chinese derby’. The teams did their best in the conditions with CCC Hung See maintaining their winning streak over Pioneers.

CCC Hung See won the toss and put Pioneers into bat. Skipper Damien Yee led the way with 41 at the top of the order as Pioneers reached 9/111 from their 35 overs. Ady Lee was the pick of the Hung See bowlers with 3/20 from his seven over spell. Adrian ‘Jet’ Lee got the Hung See innings off to a solid start and he and Adam Marrin posted 67 for the first wicket. Solid batting saw the Hung See innings pass 100 with no further loss but with two runs to win, ‘Jet’ was run out for 43. CCC Hung See cruised to victory in 24 overs to earn a bonus point.
At Police Training College: Pioneers CC 9/111 from 35 overs lost to CCC Hung See 3/112 from 24 overs by seven wickets.

Match Report: HK Scottish Kukris 12-10 HKCC

With both teams going into week two undefeated this promised to be a good game. And with the Kukris having home advantage they were confident of a win. Alas the game plan was swiftly thrown into disarray, as in quick succession, Captain Claire, second row Robyn, and full-back Ket came off injured. With the replacements still settling in, the forwards were seldom winning the ball, and that left the backs fighting a series of defensive moves. Half time couldn’t come soon enough for the Kukris, and as the referee blew the whistle for the break, the only real surprise was that the score was 0-5, HKCC having scored just one, unconverted, try.

The game resumed where it had left off, and HKCC scored another try, but again the conversion was unsuccessful. It seemed Kukris would have nothing to show for the day. But the forwards started to dominate the scrum and the backs held the defensive line. Then, with three minutes to go, and against the run of play, Man Ling sprinted up the pitch to score. The conversion was unsuccessful, bouncing back off the upright. But down by only 5 points the Kukris pushed up the pitch, determined to score again, until an infringement at the HKCC 22 snuffed out the attack. With the clock running down, it seemed it would be HKCC who would score, as they repeatedly assaulted the Kukris’s defense, that was now backed-up against their own try line. But a turnover allowed Kukris the ball, and a kick from behind the try line sent it up pitch. Giving chase and with support, Man Ling scored her second try under the posts, Karis Cheung converted and the referee blew the full time whistle. Final score 12-10 and an unlikely win for Hong Kong Scottish Kukris.

Women NL1: HK Scottish Kukris 12-10 HKCC
@ Shek Kip Mei Kick-off: 15:00
HK Scottish Kukris: Rachel Wong, Tiffany Tse, Hoi-Tung Jim, Idy Chung, Robyn Beese, Taro Yau, Jenny Yung, Andie Ma, Hau-Yi Chung, Karis Cheung, Man-Ling Hui, Anna Kam, Sau-Yi Yumi Fan, Claire Hunter, Ket Robinson,
Substitutes: Francis Lo, Berky Kong, Wun-Lo Chung, Wun Scarlet Ma, Yuen-Ting Fung
Try: Man-Ling Hui (2), Conversion: Karis Cheung
HKCC Ladies: Carolyn Champion, Wawa Li, Joanna Harvey, Mhari McLoughlin, Nobuko Oda, Wendy Sham, Cheryl Gourley, Lynda Nazer, Ashley Brooks, Tinley Wong, Zoe Wong, Lucy Thomson, Tissia Polycarpe, Brenda Chan, Diana Li
Substitutes: Isabella Rivers, Elane Lau, Serene Yee, Hoi Yi Li, Christy Ma, Margaret Chan
Try: Tissia Polycarpe, Ashley Brooks

Match Report: USRC Tigers 17-5 HKFC Ice

It was a thrilling match over at King’s Park between premiership veterans, and last season’s third place finishers, USRC Tigers and confident newcomers Hong Kong Football Club Ice. Slippery wet conditions resulted in a few missed tackles leading to an early try putting the Tigers ahead 5-0. However it did not foreshadow the rest of the match. Ice immediately regrouped and worked their way up the pitch with some well-placed kicks and strong ball-in-hand running, they found themselves within their opposition’s 5m line. Accurate handling and control while using the width of the pitch stretched the Tigers’ defence and they could not catch speedster Sarah McMillan, who touched down near the side-line. The adverse weather led to both sides turning over the ball repeatedly; mostly in rucks, with neither side retaining the ball long enough to score. The whistle blew for half time: a 5-5 deadlock.

The second half saw an intense and hard-fought battle between two strong-willed sides, each clawing at every opportunity for the ball. Ice dominated the scrums and hard running while Tigers showed their experience through tactical play. Some big hits from both sides and too many players trying to do too much in less than ideal weather resulted in knock on after knock on and it was definitely a clash of the forwards at set piece and contact areas throughout play. The Tigers managed a break through the middle, some neat passing and timely offloads put the Ice defensive line under pressure, which finally yielded as USRC touched down just outside of the posts. With 15 minutes to go and the conversion missed, it was 10-5 to Tigers.

The last 15 minutes of the match proved to be the most exciting with Ice’s team rallying together to fight for every inch and worked their way towards the Tiger’s try line several times. However some questionable turnovers allowed the Tigers to claw their way back upfield forcing Ice to start again. Support for Ice was at an all time high, recognising what a game they were watching to show premiership teams they were not to be underestimated. Another fantastic solo break by Sarah McMillan through the middle of the Tigers’ defence almost saw a retaliatory try to tie the teams, however she was just caught by the back of the shorts and dragged down just short of the line. With 5 minutes to go, the Tigers scored under the posts with some fluid play first going blindside, then down the middle, to seal the match. However, Ice did not give up and came close to scoring again, but were punished for penalties in the breakdown. 17-5 and it’s full time at King’s Park with the Tigers earning a hard-fought win over Ice hopefully highlighting some future upsets for the Premiership’s usual suspects.

Woman’s Premiership: USRC Tigers 17-5 HKFC Ice
@King’s Park, Kick-off 18:00
HKFC Ice: Denise Chan, Shonagh Ryan, Megan Richardson, Zuzanna Osinska, Martina Colombo, Jamie Bourk, Bobby Wilson, Daisy Miers, Sophie Short, Aileen Ryan, Stephanie Siu, Jane Cheung, Grace Hood, Casey Gallagher, Sarah McMillan
Substitutes: Kim Kan, Amy Kong, Aysha Fiaz, Carol Hung, Iris Chan, Audrey Lo, Rabbit Leung
Try: Sarah McMillan