Kowloon 31-38 HKFC Ice @ Shek Kip Mei – 21 October, 2017

In a true game of two halves HKFC Ice, after leading 31-7 at half-time somehow managed to find enough to beat Kowloon 38-31 in an enthralling encounter at Shek Kip Mei.

A break down the wing by Crystal Wray sets up the HKFC Ice forwards who drive across the line inside the first minute only for some solid Kowloon defence to hold the ball up and prevent the try. The resulting attacking 5m scrum sees the Ice pack set up Bobby Wilson for a simple score under the posts, converted by Rachel Crothers, 7-0.

It’s all HKFC in the first quarter, a forward pass putting an end to a promising attack. Ice though steal the ball and pass it through the hands to Wray who’s tackled just short of the line. Wilson picks the ball up from the base of the ruck and scores her second try which Crothers again converts, 14-0. Kowloon appear still to be still mentally in the changing room and Crothers easily breaks the Kowloon defensive line and runs 60m to score Ice’s third try inside the first ten minutes, 19-0.

Perhaps stung by the rush of tries, Kowloon slowly begin to work their way into the game and pen HKFC inside their own 22. A fine piece of individual skill sees Chloe Ho Yee Mak breaking several tackles in a strong run to score under the posts. Ching Hei Victoria Wong converts the try, 19-7 to Ice after 18 minutes.

HKFC look to strike back quickly but a forward pass puts paid to the attack. Ice though keep up the pressure and spend a long period almost camped inside the Kowloon half. Eventually Kowloon’s defence cracks after multiple phases and Wilson breaks a tackle to complete her hat-trick on 33 minutes. After a storming run by Martha Webber shatters the Kowloon backline Crothers is in support to score and convert her second of the afternoon to give HKFC a comfortable 31-7 halftime lead.

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2017/HKFC-Ice-v-Kowloon-Shek-Kip-Mei-21-October-2017/i-MccmG2Z

Kowloon looking like a completely different team storm out of the blocks to start the second half and Cindy Yuen Lok Yee caps off a period of pressure with a fine try 31-12. More sustained pressure from Kowloon allows Chun Yan Ho to add a third, converted by Wong 31-19.

Suddenly there’s a swagger and belief in Kowloon’s play as Ice litterally melt in the autumn sunshine. An errant pass with the line beckoning denies Kowloon a fourth as the red and white striped shirts are suddenly first to almost every ball and tackle. A strong Kowloon scrum sees Winnie Cheung cross the line and suddenly it’s 31-24 and from dead and buried
Kowloon are only down by 7 points with almost 20 minutes to play.

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2017/HKFC-Ice-v-Kowloon-Shek-Kip-Mei-21-October-2017/i-QtsRzWG

HKFC are really struggling there’s no coordination, little communication and Kowloon steal a line out inside Ice’s 22 and as players and fans on the sidelines go wild Wing Chi Amber Tsang scores. Calm as you like Wong converts and it’s 31-31 in this pulsating game with just over 10 minutes to play.

Kowloon’s concentration slips for an instant though and in their only attack of the half HKFC’s Crothers digs deep and breaks through the backline to complete her hat-trick and with her conversion give Ice a 38-31 lead with 8 minutes to play.

Rugby while a physical game, is also very much a mental game and while Kowloon spend the rest of the game camped in the Ice 22, a smidgen of belief has gone and the errors start to creep back into their game as Ice just about cling on for the victory. Several Ice players are in tears after the final whistle – the effort stress and emotion of the game needing release. Kowloon are shattered, so nearly their first win of the season.

Kowloon:
Yip Cho Kwan, Winnie Cheung, Sin Ying Chan, Tsang Yan (C), Hiu Tung Chan, Maggie Au Yeung, 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, Chu Wing
Yee
Reserve: Lok Yee Cham, Yuk Wun Yip, Lok Sze Leung, Wing Chi Amber Tsang, Yan Long Mui
Tries: Wing Chi Amber Tsang, Chloe Ho Yee Mak, Winnie Cheung, Cindy Yuen Lok Yee, Chun Yan Ho
Conversions: Ching Hei Victoria Wong (3)

HKFC Ice:
Cheryl Gourley, Fion Got, Megan Richardson, Naomi Kate L Palis, Nina Pirie, Sophie Short, Martha Webber (C), Bobby
Wilson, Kimberly Yuen Ki Wrixon, Rachel Fong, Crystal Wray, Jaime Yuen Wing Ho, Rachel Crothers, Sheung Yee Siu,
Bernadette Bray, Anna KAM, Denise Chan, Angelina Cheung,
Reserve: Heidi Johnson, Helen Lee, Leung Wai Ying, Shonagh Ryan, Stephanie Heathcote
Tries: Rachel Crothers (3), Bobby Wilson (2)
Conversions: Rachel Crothers (4)

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2017/HKFC-Ice-v-Kowloon-Shek-Kip-Mei-21-October-2017/i-4sZkhWP

星期六的畢馬威女子欖球超級聯賽,Natixis香港足球會(港會)和九龍欖球會(九龍)表現了一場真正的對決,賽事十分精彩。港會在上半場本以31比7領先,但在下半場竟被九龍追至31比31平手,最後港會以一球險勝, 38比31。

開場一分鐘,港會Crystal Wray攔截成功,再由前鋒們在邊線把球帶入達陣線,可惜九龍防守嚴密,防止了港會第一個入球。但港會繼續進攻,在五米線爭球區Bobby Wilson簡單達陣,再由Rachel Crothers踢入,7比0。

比賽二十分鐘內,港會佔上風,不停進攻。雖有傳球錯誤,但對賽事並無太大影響。Bobby Wilson在帶球達陣,這是她的第二個入球,14比0。九龍精神上還沒有準備好比賽,Crothers帶球衝破防守線,直跑60米,為港會第三個入球,19比0。

九龍慢慢地進入了比賽節奏,把港會推至他們的22米線內。Chloe Ho Yee Mak發揮個人技術,衝過多個攔截,成為九龍的第一個入球,再由Ching Hei Victoria Wong踢入, 19比7。

港會立即反擊,可惜一個前傳球把機會錯失。但港匯沒有放棄進攻,繼續壓迫九龍。最後九龍防守開始鬆懈,Wilson看準機會,完成了他今天的第三個入球。數分鐘後,Martha Webber不甘示弱,帶球直衝九龍底線,再傳球給Crothers達陣,半場總分31比7。

下半場開始,九龍像是脫胎換骨,先由Cindy Yuen Lok Yee進攻,成功達陣, 31比12。九龍再加強對港會的進攻壓力,Chun Yan Ho再入一球, 31比19。完場前二十分鐘,九龍Winner Cheung再入一球,比數追至31比24。只是七分之差,九龍明顯地可以扭轉逆勢,反敗為勝。

港會亂了陣腳,再給九龍Wing Chi Amber Tsang一個機會入球。觀眾們都非常興奮。比賽還有十分鐘,成績是31比31。

九龍的集中和注意力有一點鬆散,令Crothers有機可乘,衝破九龍的後防線,38比31完場。

橄欖球不只是一種體力運動,也是一種高度的精神運動。集中力和對抗壓力都是致勝的關鍵。港會多個球員在賽後痛哭,足以證明了橄欖球比賽對精神和感情上的影響。

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2017/HKFC-Ice-v-Kowloon-Shek-Kip-Mei-21-October-2017/i-jpb4Nrn

Images: bc magazine, hkru

USRC Tigers 56-0 Tai Po Dragons @ Shek Kip Mei – 21 October, 2017

USRC Tigers took on the newly promoted Tai Po Dragons in Super Saturday’s game two at Shek Kip Mei and ruthlessly exploited any Tai Po mistakes to cruise to a comfortable 56-0 win.

The Tigers looked to take the game to the Dragons from the kick-off and pressed deep in their 22. Tai Po’s defence holds firm against multiple phases of attack. A long clearing kick appears to have relieved the pressure but Pou Fan ‘Malcom’ Lai catches the kick and three passes later Bo Yan Bena Yu scores in the corner, 5-0.

After USRC’s fast start  Tai Po slowly work their way into the game. Play is a fractured as both sides look to create an advantage only for simple errors and penalties to halt their attempt. Tai Po concede another penalty infront of their posts and Charlotte Myrans calmly slots the ball between the uprights and the Tigers lead by 8 at the end of the first quarter.

The Tigers are starting to purr in attack and Tsz Lam Au Yeung almost scores in the corner, the ball is recycled smartly and swiftly to Charlotte Myrans who does score under the posts. Myrans converts her own try and the Tigers lead 15-0 after 25 minutes. Tai Po look to answer back but Jessica Ho steals the ball in the ruck and runs 50m to score a fine solo try, 20-0.

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2017/USRC-Tigers-v-Tai-Po-Dragons-Shek-Kip-Mei-21-October-2017/i-6TspVMh

The constant Tigers pressure is temporarily relieved as Ning Yan Ng hacks through, USRC though roar back as the forwards drive over the line, but excellent Dragon defence sees the ball held up. The relentless pressure sees Tai Po conceding too many penalties close to their line for the referee and there’s a yellow card for Ka Man Charline Shea for persistent Dragon infringements. The Tigers are quick to advantage of the extra woman as Yu scores under the posts and Myrans converts, 27-0.

At the start of the second half USRC, still with a player extra, look to press home their advantage. But a resolute Tai Po defence holds firm until the 47 minute when after a kick for position Jessica Ho scores out wide. That doesn’t deter Sarah Swinbanks who slots a beautiful conversion, 34-0.

The Tigers rolling maul is working well against the Dragons and a tap penalty sees Wing Lam Ho score her first try of the game, 39-0. Tai Po keep pushing looking for their first points, but their simple errors are costly with the Tigers looking likely to score every time they attack.  At a Tai Po lineout, the ball is overthrown and collected by the Tigers who pass it swiftly along their back line for Liu Yuen Ting to score a simple try 44-0.

Two minutes later the Dragons turn the ball over inside the Tigers 22, a massive clearing kick turns defence into attack and a quick pass wide sees a 4 on 1 overlap and Yu has another easy score which Swinbanks again converts to bring up the half-century, 51-0. Another miss-communication at the line-out allows the USRC forwards to control the ball and setup Yu for her fourth try of the game. Final score 56-0.

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2017/USRC-Tigers-v-Tai-Po-Dragons-Shek-Kip-Mei-21-October-2017/i-N4ZMWBz

Tai Po Dragons
Wan Man Liu, Iris Lam, Wing Yi Vincci Leung, Wing Chi Tang, Yin Ting Hui, Wai Kwan Wan, Tsz Ching Chan, Ning Yan Ng, Ching Wa Lo, Hoi Yan Poon, Sau Yan Kwong, Oyinlola Kim Lee, Hiu Tung Chan, Kwan Yi Hau, Kit Ting Chan, Wing Ying Wong, Cho Yan Chan, Lam Ting Wai, Tung Yan Chui, Ming Wong
Reserve: Ka Hei Kwok, Ka Man Charline Shea, Shea Ka Wai Charlotte

USRC Tigers
Abbey Rivers, Charlotte Myrans, Wong Shan, Kristie Ka Hei Kwok, Tsz Lam Au Yeung, Wing Lam Ho, Wing Ni Siu (C), Maelle Picut, Jessica Ho, Sarah Swinbanks, Liu Ting, Wai Yan Lo, Bo Yan Bena Yu, Hebe Talas, Pou Fan Lai,
Reserve: Christy Tse, Sin Hang Ho, Ka Man Nam, Lin Ming Sze, Lok Kwan Chan, Wing Yan Cheung, Wong Kai Ying
Tries: Charlotte Myrans (2), Jessica Ho, Wing Lam Ho, Bo Yan Bena Yu (2), Liu Yuen Ting
Penalties: Charlotte Myrans
Conversions: Charlotte Myrans (2), Sarah Swinbanks

畢馬威女子欖球超級聯賽”超級星期六”中,三軍會猛虎欖球會(猛虎)對陣新入圍的大埔龍女子欖球隊(大埔龍)。一開場,猛虎已對大埔龍猛力追擊,多在他們的22米線內作戰。大埔龍不甘示弱,用緊密的防守應對。大埔龍看準機會把球踢出,本可舒緩猛虎的壓迫,可惜球給Pou Fan “Malcom” Lai穩妥的接到再傳出,最後由Bo Yan Bena Yu為猛虎的第一個入球,5比0。

大埔龍開始適應猛虎的快打攻勢,但賽事仍是有點緩慢,因為兩隊均有很多的失誤和犯規。上半場中場時,大埔龍在底線前再次犯規,給了猛虎規踢機會,Charlotte Myrans為猛虎加上三分,8比0。

比賽25分鐘,猛虎開始發威,先由Tsz Lam Au Yeung差一步的達陣,然後Charlotte Myrans的入球和成功踢入,最後Jessica Ho爭球直跑五十米達陣,成績20比0。

猛虎的攻勢和壓力令大埔龍不斷犯錯,結果Ka Man Charline Shea拿了今場的第一個黃牌,出場十分鐘。猛虎利用了多一名球員的優勢,快速進攻,Yu達陣,Myrans踢入,27比0。

猛虎繼續利用優勢,不斷進擊,大埔龍努力防守,直至47分鐘,由Jessica Ho在外圍達陣,Sarah Swinbanks踢入,成績34比0。

猛虎的連續攻擊戰術給了大埔龍的防守很大的壓力。Wing Lam Ho乘機入球。加上壓力導致的犯規,令大埔龍很難反擊。最後,Liu Yuen Ting一個達陣,44比0。兩分鐘後,大暴龍有一個機會,可惜猛虎把球大腳踢出,加上腳法凌厲的Yu,一個達陣,為猛虎再加分數。完場前,Yu看準時機,再次達陣,成為他今場長的第四個入球,總成績56比0。

Valley Black 92-0 City Sparkle @ Shek Kip Mei – 21 October, 2017

Valley Black thrashed a hardworking City Sparkle 92-0 in the finale of the Women’s Premiership Super Saturday at Shek Kip Mei. Valley unbeaten in three seasons were on the front foot from the first minute pressing City deep in their own half creating a turnover at the ruck before spreading the ball wide to Rebecca Thompson to touch down, 5-0.

Three minutes later after another turnover Valley’s backline, which was in fine form through out the game, kept the ball alive before setting up Aroha Savage for the Black’s second try, which Zoe Smith converted, 12-0. City kicked the restart deep, but Smith collected the kick cleanly, turned on the afterburners and sprinted 70m before offloading to Jessica Eden to score in the corner, 17-0 after 12 minutes.

A strong run from City’s Wong Ka Ching sees the Sparkle in the Valley half for the first time as the their forwards work the ball before a turnover sees the Black backline again work the ball wide and City have no answer to Eden’s speed as scores her second try in five minutes, 22-0.

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2017/Valley-Black-v-City-Sparkle-Shek-Kip-Mei-21-October-2017/i-4gQ4XTk

City are working and tackling hard, but a forward pass inside their own 5m line gives the Valley a scrum. And the forwards respond with a strong surge that allows Savage to pick up and score her second of the game, 27-0.

Stephanie Cuvelier makes a beautiful line-break in the middle of the pitch before spreading the ball wide to give Karen So the easiest of finishes, which Smith converts, 34-0. Again straight from the City restart Valley pounce with Amelie Seure running 70m for her first try to of the game, 39-0.

As the half draws to a close City look to exert some pressure, but another error gives Valley player/coach Bella Milo the ball inside her own 22. The City defence force her to run across the pitch initially but eventually she spots a gap turns upfield and as the cover comes across offloads to Seure who touches down in the far corner on 36 minutes, 44-0.

City despite being down 44-0 at the half are playing well as a team and tackling hard. Valley though are purring, their backs handling, passing and offloads are slick and with the forwards working hard and drawing in the City defence there’s space and overlaps out wide which means tries…

The second half sees a rampant Black side repeatedly cut through the City defence. Seure completes her hat-trick early in the second half which Smith converts, 51-0. Eden hers a few minutes later – despite a poor pass from Kelsie Bouttle – 56-0. Cuvelier scores her first and Valley’s eleventh 66-0. Before Rebecca Thompson adds a twelfth, 66-0. Smith converts that before scoring one of her own with a run from deep in her own half 73-0.

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2017/Valley-Black-v-City-Sparkle-Shek-Kip-Mei-21-October-2017/i-T6wrkL9

There’s a lot of sparkle in this City team, and they’re working hard deep in the Valley 22 looking for their first points only to see Cuvelier intercept the ball and sprint 80m for her second try of the match which Smith converts, 80-0. Smith again makes a fine run down the line before passing inside to Jade Birkby, 85-0.

It’s left for the Valleys forwards, whose hard work throughout the game has created so much space for their backline, to have the final word as Milo touches down after strong work from the pack, Smith converts, 92-0.

A rampant Valley Black turn their best performance of the season into a massive victory as Assistant Coach Ra commented “It’s lovely to see all those things we practice so hard on in training work on the pitch”.

City Sparkle
張天兒 Cheung Tin Yee, 張天兒 Cheung Tin Yee, 謝詠翹 Tse Wing Kiu, 劉芷瑩 Lau Tsz Ying, 王麗麗 Wong Lai Lai, 謝嘉汶 Tse Kar Man Hilary, 鄭文琼 Cheng Man King, 林珮恩 Lam Pui Yan, 符詩宇 Fu Sze Yu, 吳雋怡 Ng Chun Yi Annie, 黃愉廷 Wong Yu Ting, 張凱瑩 Cheung Hoi Ying, 吳筱菁 Wu Hsiao Ching, 吳汝夢 Wu Rumeng, 李綺芯 Lee Yee Sum
Reserve: 盧丹彤 Lo Tan Tung, 徐樂怡 Tsui Lok Yi, 馮子穎 Fung Tsz Wing, 丘佩燕 Yau Pui Yin, 彭曉藍 Pang Hiu, Lam Mila, 區舒韻 Au Shu Wan, 黃嘉程 Wong Ka Ching

Valley Black
Akanisi Au Yeung, Li Lai Mang, Becky, Wing Yan Leung, Ching To Cheng, Deena Ravi Thinakaran, Karen So, Amelie Seure, Aroha Savage, Shan Shan Sandra Pong, Bella Milo, Stephanie Cuvelier, Rebecca Thompson, Kelsie Bouttle, Jessica Eden, Zoe Smith
Reserve: KK Wong, Riva Brill, Caitlin Spencer, Jade Birkby, Laurel Chor, Nadia Cuvilier
Tries: Amelie Seure (3) Jessica Eden (3), Rebecca Thompson (2) Aroha Savage (2), Stephanie Cuvelier (2), Karen So, Zoe Smith, Bella Milo, Jade Birkby
Conversions: Zoe Smith (6)

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2017/Valley-Black-v-City-Sparkle-Shek-Kip-Mei-21-October-2017/i-DNM6MDD

星期六是畢馬威女子欖球超級聯賽的”超級星期六”,賽事在石硤尾運動場舉行。法興銀行華利女子欖球會(華利)大敗康維他城市星光隊(城市欖球會)。

華利的三季不敗戰績已在比賽的數分鐘內表露無遺。城市欖球會被困在自己的半場內,一個遠傳球給Rebecca Thompson,順利達陣,5比0。三分鐘後,華利後防再次進攻,Aroha Savaga衝破防線,再次達陣,Zoe Smith踢入,12比0。現轉為城市欖球會開踢,Smith利落地把球接到,直跑70米並傳球給Jessica Eden達陣,17比0。此時,比賽才進行了12分鐘。

城市欖球隊的黃嘉程看到了反攻機會,擁球進入半場內。可惜遭到攔截,球輸給了華利。他們再次用遠傳策略,加上Eden的速度,他再次達陣,22比0。城市欖球隊雖努力防守和攔截,但還是給強勢的華利在此成功達陣,27比0。

Stephanie Cuvelier 進行了一次漂亮的進攻,在中場衝破了城市欖球隊的防守線,給Karen So製造了一個輕鬆的達陣,再由Smith踢入,34比0。城市欖球隊再次開踢,被Amelie Seure攔截,直奔底線70米,成功取得今場個人第一個達陣,39比0。

上半場完場前,城市欖球隊增加進攻壓力,可惜出現錯誤,再次給予華利機會,教練兼球員Bella Milo雖被逼持球跑到場邊,但還是看準了機會把球傳給Seure場角再次,達陣44比0。

城市欖球隊雖在上半場落後44分,但他們很有團隊精神,而且奮力攔截。華利有非常好的傳球和接球技術,加上順暢的後衛,穩妥的前鋒,如虎添翼。

下半場華利不斷衝破城市欖球隊的防線,Seure, Eden, Cuvelier, Rebecca Thompson and Smith均有入球,加上入球合的踢入,73比0。

城市欖球隊看準了機會,攻入華利的22米線內,但給Cuvelier截取了球並帶球跑了80米達陣,Smith踢入,80比0。最後兩個入球是由Smith傳給Jade Birkby和華利前鋒給Milo製造空間,均由Smith踢入, 92比0。

助理教練Ra在賽後言到:「我非常欣慰看到球員能把練習場上的技術用在真正的比賽場上。」

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2017/Valley-Black-v-City-Sparkle-Shek-Kip-Mei-21-October-2017/i-GSTHL5G

images: bc magazine, hkru

Afghanistan Humble Hong Kong Inside Two Days

Afghanistan thrashed Hong Kong by an innings and 173 runs inside two days as the hosts who went into the match confident of giving the Afghans a game were humbled.

Afghanistan Captain Ashgar Stanikzai (58*) and Rahmat Shah (34*) resumed at the crease with Afghanistan already holding a 128 run lead going into the second days play (270-2). Stanikzai bought up an excellent century with another towering 6 over the leg side as Hong Kong were made to pay dearly in dropping him the evening before.

Shah also made his way through to a well compiled 50 as the lead grew past 200. Ehsan Khan made the breakthrough with Shah being well caught at long off by Waqas Khan for 57 (363-3). Nizakat Khan was bought on to bowl and had instant success with Stanikzai being well caught by Anshuman Rath for 125 off 129 balls (367-4).

Mohammad Nabi and Nasir Jamal set out after the lunch break with positive intent with Nabi in particular taking full value of the short straight boundaries in bringing up a superb half century off just 39 balls including five 6s.

Nabi fell for 63 off 44 balls with Kyle Christie picking up his first wicket of the innings and with that the declaration came with Afghanistan finishing on 465-5 (lead of 323 on first innings).

Matt Stiller and Chris Carter returned to the crease with Hong Kong 323 behind on first innings and 57 overs left in the day. Dawlat Zadran got Afghanistan off to the best possible start by dismissing Carter first ball of the innings.

Dawlat proceeded to bowl with hostility and pace and was rewarded with the wicket of Hong Kong captain Babar Hayat (18) courtesy of a top edged pull to Nasir Jamal at mid-wicket. Stiller moments after being struck two painful blows by Zadran became Rashid Khan’s firstwicket of the innings stumped for 4. Nizakat Khan Retired hurt on 10 after a blow to his hand fending off another fast short pitched delivery from the rampaging Zadran and at this point Hong Kong were teetering on 39-3. Rath and Waqas Khan guided Hong Kong through to Tea with no further loss finishing on 56-3 a deficit of 267.

Nabi removed Waqas Khan immediately after tea and Rashid Khan once again came to the fore dismissing the returning Nizakat Khan lbw for 26. (88-5). Anshuman Rath continued to bat with maturity and fought hard against the Afghanistan spin attack whilst wickets continued to tumble at the other end.

Rath bought up a deserved half century and remained undefeated on 59 when Kyle Christie became the last wicket to fall. Hong Kong were bowled out in their second innings for 150 and Afghanistan were comprehensive winners by an innings and 173 runs.

Rashid Khan (AFG) was declared as Man of the Match for his figures of 5-65 and 2-45.

Afghanistan 465 for 5 dec (Stanikzai 125, Ahmadi 108) beat Hong Kong 142 (Hayat 39, Rashid 5-65) & 150 (Rath 59*, Zahir 4-16) by an innings and 173 runs.

Additional reporting and images: HK Cricket

Gai Wu Falcons 44-5 CWB Phoenix @ Shek Kip Mei – 21 October, 2017

In the third game of Women’s Premiership Super Saturday the unbeaten Gai Wu Falcons take on CWB Phoenix who have started the season strongly.

Early on it’s Gai Wu making the play deep in the CWB half but the final passes aren’t sticking and some organised defence is keeping the Falcons out. Lau Nga Wu though finishes off a strong move to score the game’s first try after 5 minutes which Tsz Ting Lee converts. Two minutes later it’s Lee herself breaking clear deep in her own half and running almost 70m for the Falcons second try, 12-0.

CWB are pressing Gai Wu deep in their own half and working through the phases only to be penalised as they looked likely to score. A quickly taken penalty and a long pass wide out to winger Abigail Chan who run 70m for the Falcons third try inside 15 minutes, 17-0.

The Falcons are not yet as ruthless as Valley in racking up the points and a combination of handling errors and solid rugby allow CWB to exert some pressure inside the Falcons 22. A high tackle gives Phoenix another chance, but they can’t take advantage against some solid defence.

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Gai Wu’s scrum is working well and the forwards are helping the backline spread CWB from left to right as the Falcons look for a fourth try before half-time. A scrum on the 22 almost yields it, and on the second attempt it’s Chan again who scores in the corner, 22-0.

The Falcons almost add a fifth as they win a scrum against the head on the halfway line and the backs look certain to score but See Wai June Au puts in a superb tackle that saves a certain 5 points as the whistle goes to leave the score 22-0 at half-time.

The Phoenix defence holds firm at the start of the second half as the Falcons work to extend their lead. Moving the ball from right to left Gai Wu looks again to stretch the defence and finally there’s an overlap for Lo Pui Shan to scamper in unopposed for a fifth try, 27-0. Two minutes later another slick backline move releases Ka Yan Chong who runs 50m to score, 32-0.

Off the deep restart CWB have Gai Wu throwing tackling hard to dampen the Phoenix’s flames. But the CWB forwards are being careful of the ball. Working the phases and finally a lovely pass releases Lam Kai Wai and CWB are on the scoreboard, 32-5.

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Gai Wu kick the restart deep, but the try has visible lifted CWB who are quicker to the ball and looking to work their way out of their own 22. A knock-on gives the Falcons an attacking platform infront of the posts and the forwards take advantage. A strong scrum has CWB going backwards and it’s easy for Ka Shun Lee to score close to the posts, 37-5.

CWB look to finish the game strongly and a beautiful one arm take sees Wong Man Yan break the Falcons line. Solid support has the Falcons pushed back and only some solid tackling is keeping Phoenix out. CWB though turn over the ball and three passes later it’s in Chong’s hands and the winger races 80m for a simple try which Poon Pak Yan converts, 44-5.

The Phoenix though are not finished and Gai Wu spend the last part of the game defending close to their line, the pressure getting to the defence with Chan Ka Yan receiving a yellow card for a high tackle. A solid team win for the Gai Wu Falcons 44-5 against an improving CWB Phoenix.

CWB Phoenix
Tsang Siu Ching, Tin Yan, Dora Chim, T Chin Po Po, Chan Yan Yi, Hau Yan, Tina Ho, Sin Man Ng, Tsang Ching Man, Ka Ling Martini Ip, Au To, Kwok ‘Dira’ Yuk Lin, Chan Po Tung, Kong ‘Koko’ Yin Ting, Chan Ka Wai, Lam Ka Wai, See Wai June Au,
Reserve: Kwan Ki Chan, Wong Man Yan, Ka Ki Cheung, Li Man Yi, Ng Wing Yee, Wong Sze Man
Tries: Lam Kai Wai

Gai Wu Falcons
Ka Shun Lee, Ka Wai Lam, Debby, Tammy Lau, Ka Yin Wong, Sharon Shin Yuen Tsang, Hiu Ki Yip, Yee Ching Chan, Yan Chan, Suet Ying Wong, Tsz Ting Lee, Lo ‘Maxson’ Pui Shan, Hoi Lam Ho (C), Wing See Chiu, Pak Yan Poon, Abigail Chan
Reserve: Cherry Ng Ki Sum Ball, Wai Yan Pun, Kayan Chong, Lai Pui Shan, Tsz Yung Ching
Tries: Ka Shun Lee, Ka Yan Chong (2), Lau Nga Wu, Tsz Ting Lee, Abigail Chan (2), Lo Pui Shan,
Conversions: Tsz Ting Lee, Poon Pak Yan

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2017/Gai-Wu-Falcons-v-CWB-Phoenix-Shek-Kip-Mei-21-October-2017/i-j8MvmgX

畢馬威女子欖球超級聯賽”超級星期六”的第三場賽事,由未敗一場的CPM 雞糊鷹隊(雞糊)對SCAA第一太平銅鑼灣鳳凰欖球會(鳳凰)。比賽初段,雞糊在鳳凰的半場內作戰。由劉雅媛首個達陣,並由李紫晴踢入。兩分鐘後,李紫晴衝破防守線,持球70米達陣,12比0。

鳳凰把雞糊壓在自己的半場內,可惜不小心犯規,令邊防球員陳柏鈴直跑70米,為雞糊得到第三個入球,17比0。

相比起華利,雞糊還是有很多持球和控球的錯誤犯規,這給予鳳凰很多反擊的機會。在雞糊的22米線,一個過高的危險攔截,鳳凰的反攻機會來了,可惜還是敵不過雞糊緊密的防守,機會錯失。

雞糊爭球方面做得非常好, 陳柏鈴為雞糊在上半場完場前取得了第四個入球,22比0。本來雞糊在再次爭球成功後可以再有一個入球,但被See Wai June Au漂亮的攔截,為鳳凰解除了入球的危機。

下半場,鳳凰努力防守。雞糊把球由右邊一路傳到左邊,尋找進攻機會,最後由羅佩珊看到兩人重疊,衝出達陣,27比0。兩分鐘後,同一戰術,莊嘉欣持球50米達陣,32比0。

鳳凰開球,雞糊奮力攔截,但前鋒們努力護着球前進,看到機會,傳球給林嘉慧, 鳳凰隊第一個入球,32比5。

雞糊開球,大腳踢入鳳凰22米線,鳳凰努力前進,可惜持球失誤,加上爭球失敗,李嘉萓近距離達陣, 37比5。

鳳凰努力反攻,Wong Man Yan衝破防線,可惜不敵攔截,最後由邊防球員直跑80米達陣,潘柏茵 踢入,44比5。

鳳凰雖然落後,但從不放棄。最後15分鐘,鳳凰仍然把雞糊壓迫在他們的22米內,壓力令Ka Yan Chan犯規,首個黃牌。完場44比5。

Gai Wu

1. 劉雅媛, 2. 林嘉慧, 3. 李嘉萓, 4. 黃家妍, 5. 曾善茵, 6. 葉曉琪, 7. 陳以靜, 8. 陳嘉欣, 9. 王雪盈, 10. 李紫晴, 11. 潘柏茵, 12. 何凱琳, 13. 趙穎思, 14. 羅佩珊, 15. 陳柏鈴
Reserve: 16. 潘慧欣, 17. 吳其芯, 18. 程子容 , 19. 黎珮珊, 20. 莊嘉欣

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2017/Gai-Wu-Falcons-v-CWB-Phoenix-Shek-Kip-Mei-21-October-2017/i-mB4BHsM

Images: bc magazine, hkru

Afghanistan Dominate Day 1 in Mong Kok

Afghanistan dominated the first days play of the four day ICC Intercontinental Cup match at Tin Kwong Road dismissing Hong Kong for 142 and ending the day 128 runs ahead with 8 wickets in hand.

Hong Kong captain Babar Hayat won the toss and elected to bat first on a wicket that looked easy paced and good for batting. Kyle Christie and Haroon Arshad made their debut in the competition and received their cap from Head Coach Simon Cook before the start of play.

Stiller and Carter opened the batting for Hong Kong with Stiller the first to go caught behind by Zazai off Dawlat Zadran for 6 leaving the hosts 21-1. Carter and Hayat set out to rebuild the innings and Carter looked solid whilst playing some elegant strokes through the offside. Rashid Khan entered the attack and made the second breakthrough with Carter being trapped lbw for 21 (41-2).

Hayat and Nizakat Khan put together a 43 run partnership with Hayat showing his intent by launching 2 huge sixes off Rashid that landed in the nearby housing estate and police station. Rashid wasn’t to be outdone and came back well to remove Hayat lbw for 39 (84-3). The Hong Kong middle order then succumbed to some excellent spin bowling from Rashid and Nabi. 84-3 soon became 97-7 and Hong Kong had lost all of their earlier momentum. Waqas Khan and Waqas Barkat fought hard to try and bring some respectability to the score with both players making 23. Kyle Christie was last man out for 2 as Hong Kong crumbled to a dismal 142 all out in just 47 overs. Rashid Khan (5-65) and Dawlat Zadran (3-15) were the standout bowlers for Afghanistan.

 

Afghanistan’s opening pair of Ahmadi and Ihsanullah strode out to the middle and from the offset and made their intent known with some excellent strokes through the offside. Hayat tried different bowling combinations but all to no avail as the 50 and 100 partnership were bought up with boundaries flowing down the ground and through the offside field. Ihsanullah and Ahmadi both bought up their half centuries before Ihsanullah was caught by the captain Hayat off the bowling of Rath for a well-made 63 (124-1). The hard hitting Shah arrived at the crease and set his stall out by striking two 6s in his first 5 balls. Afghanistan passed Hong Kong’s first innings of 142 with 9 wickets in hand and were well set going into the final hour of play on Day 1.

Javed Ahmadi went on to make an excellent century and was unfortunate to become the second wicket of the innings when Kyle Christie managed to get a finger end on one off his own bowling which left Ahmadi short of his ground at the non-strikers crease for a well-made 108 off 113 balls (203-2). Afghanistan captain Ashgar Stanikzai ended day 1 with a flourish and made his way to an aggressive 38 ball half century. Hong Kong will be frustrated with 2-3 dropped catches late in the day, a day which went perfectly for the visitors as they closed on 270-2 with Stanikzai 58 and Shah 34 the not out batsmen.

Hong Kong v Afghanistan – 4 Day Game
Date: 20-23 October, 2017
Venue: Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground
Tickets: Free

Additional reporting/images: HK Cricket

Talking, Volvo Ocean Race Skippers

The Volvo Ocean Race 2017-18 starts on Sunday, when seven of the best sailing teams in the world cross the start line in Alicante, Spain to commence the 45,000 nautical mile race. The course traverses some of the most challenging waters in the world, including long miles in the extremes of the Southern Ocean.

Ahead of the start the seven skippers faced the international media at the opening press conference. Here’s what they said, in their own words:

Charles Caudrelier, skipper, Dongfeng Race Team, comparing his preparation for this race, to last time: “Last time, when we started the project, we were in China meeting Chinese sailors who had never spent a night offshore, and teaching them how to sail. This time we started in Lisbon, with a team I already know. Since the beginning we are 100-percent focused on the performance. That makes a big change.”

What’s the difference between doing the race as crew and skipper? “The salary (laughing). There’s also the responsibility, of course. When I did the Volvo Ocean Race with Groupama, when I arrived at every stopover my mind was able to switch off. This time, throughout 9 months you never stop. The big pressure never stops. But I have a strong team around me so I’m a lucky skipper I think.”

Dee Caffari, skipper, Turn the Tide on Plastic, comparing sailing single-handed to fully-crewed: “In terms of sailing around the world solo or with a team, it makes a big difference when you have people to share it with and you have more pairs of hands when things happen. The intensity is the thing that gave me the buzz in a team environment, and knowing that you’re pushing 100-percent all the time. Your peers around you punish any mistake you make. It’s that intensity that attracts me.”

“Everyone talks about Turn the Tide on Plastic as inexperienced. A lot of my sailors are first timers but they are very skilled sailors and they can make a boat go fast. We just need to make sure we don’t make any mistakes, and that we sail to the right place.”

“To create an opportunity for young sailors to sail in the Volvo Ocean Race and see them grow and blossom is a great privilege – as well as getting to spread a great sustainability message.”

David Witt, skipper, Team Scallywag, on his motivation for doing the race and his teammates: “It’s the best team sport in the world, I think. I got a good commercial offer – and I couldn’t find a better way to lose weight!!”

“As has been recorded, I’m a lunatic but I think we’re all lunatics together. The young kid (Ben Piggott) started sailing dinghies with me three years ago and ended up here. He’s still dreaming.”

“Right now, I’m finding it harder to stay on shore and stay out of trouble. As long as you have good people around you, it’s fine, and it’s safer on the boat then any other race I’ve been in.”

Alicante stopover. Skippers Press Conference. Photo by Pedro Martinez/Volvo Ocean Race. 20 October, 2017.

Brad Jackson, skipper, team AkzoNobel, on taking over as skipper in the week before the start: “Team-wise, we’re just focusing on the race. Basically, we have the same team as we had before except (without) Simeon. It’s thanks to him that we have the team we have. Not too much has changed in terms of how we’re going to work on board or the crew morale. The last few days we’ve been able to focus on what we’re going to do.”

“We were lucky that Rome Kirby was available and qualified and ready to go. He’s another Under-30 so that brings us up to 5 Under-30s in the team. It’s a young team but Rome has done the race before with me on PUMA and he has a lot of experience for a young guy. He’s a young, fast guy.”

“I’m in this role because it’s necessary, for sure. It hasn’t been a dream of mine to be a skipper. It’s not something I’ve felt the need to do, but the situation has arisen and I’m happy to take it on. I wouldn’t t do it if I didn’t think I had the full support of my team. I hope I enjoy it, I hope it goes well, but it’s not something I’ve been pushing for, or jumping around, saying, ‘Pick me! Pick me!’”

Xabi Fernández, skipper Mapfre, on being tabbed the favourite based on pre-race results: “For us it’s not about being the favourites. That’s not something we talk about, but we do realise that people think that way. It just makes me think we are ready. We have to sail as fast as we can. I think we are ready but I know these guys around us, on the other teams, are going to be ready as well.”

“Hopefully, we can win. I don’t know. We’ve been close before and it didn’t happen. We know how difficult and long it is to win the race.”

Bouwe Bekking, skipper, Team Brunel, on why he keeps coming back and how he recruited his team: “It’s the best thing you can do… Everyone sitting here is a competitor and a sportsman. We all want to win. We have a very good chance of winning this competition.

“We were late at the table but that actually gave us an opportunity. The America’s Cup had just finished. I was racing on the J class and bumped into Carlo Huisman, who had been sailing on Team New Zealand. Through him I got in contact with Pete Burling and the next thing I knew we had the golden boy on the team. He’s won the Olympics, won the America’s Cup, and we also have Kyle Langford, who won the Cup twice.

“The America’s Cup sailors approach the race differently from us, the old school guys. They have a great intensity, and they look hard at everything to do with performance.”

Charlie Enright, skipper, Vestas 11th Hour Racing, comparing his youthful team in the last race, to the experienced crew he has now: “We’re still a young and fresh team. The last time, youth was our thing. Having been around the planet now we’ve logged a lot of miles and we’ve added some crew with a lot of experience. We showed a lot of improvement in the last race from the start in Alicante to the finish in Gothenburg and we want to maintain that trajectory. We won the last leg of the last race and we want to do the same here.”

Leg Zero,SHK Onboard,. Video by Konrad Frost/Volvo Ocean Race. 21July,2017..Onboard sailing action

Speaking about the rule change for 2017-18 incentivising the inclusion of female sailors:

Bouwe Bekking: “It’s great for sailing in general. It would have been very nice to choose our own team but as soon as the rules came out, I said we have to have 2 girls on board. We’ve got the best two girls we can. Abby Ehler is our boat captain and Annie Lush running the sail department. They’re great sailors with serious roles.”

Xabi Fernández: “I guess like Bouwe, new rules are always scary but we trialled some people. We have Sophie Ciszek, who sailed on Team SCA. She knows the boat, is very strong, does the bow and is very complete. And we trialled Támara very hard. She’s very talented and comes from the Olympics, having won gold in London. It was harder for her but I’m very pleased that she improved a lot and was able to win her place.”

Charlie Enright: “I was excited to see the rule change. I think the Volvo Ocean Race was right to incentivise rather than mandate the change. We did two trans-atlantics immediately after getting the boat and it was quickly apparent that it was going to be a competitive advantage.”

David Witt: “We’ve always had girls on our team for the past 15 years so I think we have an advantage here. Steve (Hayles) and I did some math. We think the boats are slow and underpowered at times and we think the lighter you are the better. Overall, we think we’ll have an advantage being lighter. We’ve decided to go with eight sailors on board so I can give Steve more support downstairs. Sailing the boat (with 7) isn’t hard but it is tough performing more than one role (and supporting the navigator). Annemieke Bes is another lunatic.”

Dee Caffari: “I would hazard a guess that those who were reluctant to sail under the new rule can now say it’s not that bad.”

The Volvo Ocean Race starts at 14:00 local time (12:00 UTC) on Sunday, 22 October and it will be live-streamed on www.volvooceanrace.com and www.facebook.com/volvooceanrace.

Leg One is a 1,450 nautical mile sprint to Lisbon, taking the fleet through the Strait of Gibraltar, past the island of Porto Santo, and then to the finishing line off Lisbon.

Additional reporting: Volvo Ocean Race

Hong Kong Sixes Match Schedule

Hong Kong will take on South Africa in the opening match of the Hong Kong World Sixes as the playing pools and schedule were announced for the tournament which takes place on 28-29 October, 2017.

South Africa, who won the event when it was last held in 2012, the Marylebone Cricket Club and five-time champions Pakistan join Hong Kong in Group A.

Group B kicks off with Sri Lanka up against Bangladesh, with New Zealand Kiwis and Australia the other two teams who will vie for top seeding on finals day.

The fastest paced cricket tournament in the world will see all 12 group matches played on Saturday, with all finals of both the Cup and Plate championships played out on Sunday.

Sunday’s fixture list also includes an exhibition match to kick off day two, with the Hong  Kong Women’s Team facing off against the Hong Kong Dragons

“Seeding teams for this event has been particularly difficult with many unknown factors. As expected most teams are stacked with young talented guys sent to hone their skills. The MCC and NZ Kiwis add a balance to that equation so the draw has allowed for five-time champions Pakistan to play MCC and for Australia to play New Zealand Kiwis as the last 2 matches in an intriguing finale to the packed 12 match schedule on the first day,” said Tournament Director Glyn Davies.

“Anything can happen in Sixes cricket and Sri Lanka, a traditional crowd favourite, along with Hong Kong have always had an influence in every event to date so anyone can win.”

Play commences at 8am each day with the final on Sunday scheduled to start at 4.15pm local time and will be an eight over a side match. All other games outside the Plate final (6 overs) will be five overs each team.

HK Sixes 2017: Pools and Draw
October 28 Group Stage
Time Game Pool
0800-0845 HKG v RSA A
0845-0930 BAN v SRL B
0930-1015 PAK v HKG A
1015-1100 AUS v SRL B
1100-1145 MCC v RSA A
1145-1230 NZK v BAN B
1230-1315 HKG v MCC A
1315-1400 NZK v SRL B
1400-1445 RSA v PAK A
1445-1530 BAN v AUS B
1530-1615 MCC v PAK A
1615- 1700 NZK v AUS B
October 29 Finals day
0800-0845 HKW v Dragons
0845-0930 1 v 8
0930-1015 2 v 7
1015-1100 3 v 6
1100-1145 4 v 5
1145-1230 Cup Semi 1
1230-1315 Plate Semi 1
1315-1400 Cup Semi 2
1400-1445 Plate Semi 2
1445-1530 3rd Place playoff
1530-1615 Plate final 6 overs
1615- 1700 Cup Final 8 overs