Tag: HKrugby

Hong Kong Women’s Sevens 2015 @ Kings Park – 26 March, 2015

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/HK-Womens-7s-Kings-Park-2015/48234852_XcT79n#!i=3954147854&k=4fmvphm

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/HK-Womens-7s-Kings-Park-2015/48234852_XcT79n#!i=3954149195&k=3D2SnVL

A fantastic day’s rugby at Kings Park – Hong Kong Women’s Seven’s Day 1

Click on any photo to see the full gallery of images
bc rugby week photos taken with Sony Cameras

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/HK-Womens-7s-Kings-Park-2015/48234852_XcT79n#!i=3954149461&k=QDQWjN3

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/HK-Womens-7s-Kings-Park-2015/48234852_XcT79n#!i=3954155812&k=94n62BH

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/HK-Womens-7s-Kings-Park-2015/48234852_XcT79n#!i=3954164242&k=rW7rBvP

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/HK-Womens-7s-Kings-Park-2015/48234852_XcT79n#!i=3954164785&k=PJ5SKKs

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/HK-Womens-7s-Kings-Park-2015/48234852_XcT79n#!i=3954166112&k=ctfjRxK

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/HK-Womens-7s-Kings-Park-2015/48234852_XcT79n#!i=3954168314&k=8LLmjMv

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/HK-Womens-7s-Kings-Park-2015/48234852_XcT79n#!i=3954168911&k=MHR8Bt8

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/HK-Womens-7s-Kings-Park-2015/48234852_XcT79n#!i=3954176483&k=bF3xtT2

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/HK-Womens-7s-Kings-Park-2015/48234852_XcT79n#!i=3954179348&k=xT6x7hD

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/HK-Womens-7s-Kings-Park-2015/48234852_XcT79n#!i=3954183370&k=nkZsd3K

Hong Kong Women’s Sevens 2015 – Day 1 Results

Tournament Results - Day One Results 2015

A superb unbeaten run from Hong Kong, including a 31-14 victory over Asian champions China, pushed the hosts into a commanding position at the end of the opening day of the Hong Kong Women’s Sevens 2015.

Hong Kong defeated Asian Games Gold medalists China, who also feature on the World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series, in the final match of the day to set up an enticing Cup quarterfinal clash against Samoa. Hong Kong will play Samoa tomorrow in the last cup quarterfinal at 10.40am at Hong Kong Football Club.

“China doesn’t seem to be as good as when we came across them last year in the Asian Series. It doesn’t mean to say that they have changed their whole team, but they definitely have a few new girls here this weekend but we have definitely improved our game,” said Hong Kong coach Anna Richards.

A brace from Natasha Olson-Thorne in the first five minutes, gave Hong Kong a confidence boost against China. A lovely solo effort from Aggie Poon from deep inside Hong Kong territory increased the lead to 19-0 at the break. China came back in the second half with a try but Hong Kong remained composed with Lai Pou-fan outstanding in defence forcing the mainland girls into repeated Lindsay Varty added a fourth try making full use of the space created by Kwong Sau-yan. Hong Kong rounded off a solid performance with Kwong scoring a fifth try before China scored a late consolation try.

Hong Kong had earlier in the day pulled off another fine victory over Kazakhstan 17-5, and opened their account with a 41-0 win over Singapore. “I am very happy with the way the girls performed and very happy with where we finished after day one. It has given us a great shot at day two,” said Richards. “We talked a lot this week about being calm and having ball control and that was what I was “We started off pretty well against Singapore and we scored a lot of early points, maybe we got a bit scrappy in the last three minutes or so but we still managed to win 41-0, so I was very happy with our start.

“We played a great match against Kazakhstan. Again we spoke about being calm and composed and a lot about ball control and keep tackling,” said Richards. “Our girls tackled their hearts out and scrambled really well on defence and scored three very important tries which gave us a fantastic win. Last year, we traded wins with Kazakhstan over the season, but today our game against them was probably some of the best rugby and free-running rugby that I have seen our girls play. That game gave the girls a huge amount of confidence going into the China game,” Richards continued.

Hong Kong will come up against Samoa who they met last month in a losing cause at “Our girls were really disappointed the last time we played and this give us another shot at them,” Richards added.

Hong Kong’s goal is to reach the Cup final for the first time in the history of the Hong Kong Women’s Sevens and play in front of the Friday night crowd at the Hong Kong Sevens.

Rowan Varty: Hong Kong Sevens Legend

Rowan Varty: Hong Kong Legend

Rowan Varty, a local rugby legend, is Hong Kong’s all-time leading try and points scorer at the Sevens. bc spoke to him as he prepares to compete in his 10th Sevens and amazingly to make his 30th visit to So Kon Po.

How can a 29 year old be attending his 30th HK Sevens?
By going every year of my life! I was born just before the Sevens, my parents took me as new born baby and I guess I enjoyed myself.

As a spectator, any memories that stand out?
The 1993 final between Western Samoa (as they were) and Fiji. W. Samoa won and it was pouring with rain. The atmosphere was electric, it’s the only time I can remember getting the same feeling off the pitch as on it!

As a player how have the Sevens changed for you over the last decade?
Our approach has become more professional. We used to go to the South Stand in between games to hang out with our mates. Now we go back to the hotel and rest! It is still the highlight of the year though.

IMG_8893-XLFavourite HK Sevens team memory?
It has to be winning the shield in 2010. It was the first year of the new format, so it was equivalent to winning the old bowl. We were mobbed after collecting the trophy and only made it a quarter way round the stadium on the victory lap before Canada, who had won the next final, overtook us!

Worst team experience?
The 2011 Sevens. We lost every game and it was a rude awakening.

Sevens is very much a team game, but what’s your favourite personal moment as a player?
Each time we run out of the tunnel and the stadium erupts, it makes training hard all year worthwhile.

You’re the all time leading HK try scorer at the HK Sevens what’s your ‘best’/favourite try you’ve scored at the HK Sevens?
I scored an important try in the quarter finals against Chile last year. It may not have been the most glamorous but it got us to the semis.

What do you do between games?
If theres a big enough break we will go back to the hotel and rest up. Its good to have a mental switch off between the periods of focus around the games. Otherwise we hang out in the players area across the road.

Do you watch many of the other games over the weekend?
We try to. I enjoy watching Fiji and England, so any chance I get I’ll watch them play. Also if other Asian teams are playing I’ll make the effort. We will often watch upcoming opponents if they are playing each other to get a feel of their game.

Pulling on the national jersey and running out into a cauldron of noise as 40,000 fans roar in support, can you describe what that feels like?
It is a feeling worth living for! If we have had a couple of good results, the fans are usually extra vocal and it lifts you as a player.

Catch Rowan and the rest of the Hong Kong team this weekend as look to qualify for the Sevens World Series by winning in Hong Kong.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5aWvF7DnFM

Image and video courtesy of their respective owners

KowloonFest @ Kings Park – 25 March, 2015 – Women

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/KowloonFest-2015-Kings-Park/48214591_X3K3mn#!i=3952019340&k=kN4G2Kk

5 women’s rugby teams competed at the 2015 KowloonFest. The Kowloon RFC, Shenzhen Dragons, Ho Bit Ruckers, Shanghai Jenny Crabs, Laos Lady Nagas all played each other in a mini-league to decide the Cup and Plate pairings.
Click on any photo to see the full gallery of images

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/KowloonFest-2015-Kings-Park/48214591_X3K3mn#!i=3952034390&k=nGNVtM8

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/KowloonFest-2015-Kings-Park/48214591_X3K3mn#!i=3952032481&k=PJ9PZDx

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/KowloonFest-2015-Kings-Park/48214591_X3K3mn#!i=3952032305&k=9F4NcDs

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/KowloonFest-2015-Kings-Park/48214591_X3K3mn#!i=3952011816&k=K3VVDvf

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/KowloonFest-2015-Kings-Park/48214591_X3K3mn#!i=3952021834&k=Kk8JgZv

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/KowloonFest-2015-Kings-Park/48214591_X3K3mn#!i=3952023453&k=ZRXLm6m

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/KowloonFest-2015-Kings-Park/48214591_X3K3mn#!i=3952027289&k=d3wzXr4

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/KowloonFest-2015-Kings-Park/48214591_X3K3mn#!i=3952028234&k=v7bMqrn

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/KowloonFest-2015-Kings-Park/48214591_X3K3mn#!i=3952031550&k=4McJ48H

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/KowloonFest-2015-Kings-Park/48214591_X3K3mn#!i=3952024880&k=sfdgDmn

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/KowloonFest-2015-Kings-Park/48214591_X3K3mn#!i=3952038524&k=3zQkrzZ

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/KowloonFest-2015-Kings-Park/48214591_X3K3mn#!i=3952041495&k=K33H5MG

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/KowloonFest-2015-Kings-Park/48214591_X3K3mn#!i=3952009750&k=vq9CMvS

KowloonFest @ Kings Park – 25 March, 2015

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/KowloonFest-2015-Kings-Park/48214591_X3K3mn#!i=3952033626&k=ZtkBdJT

24 men’s and 5 women’s teams from across the globe competed in the 14th KowloonFest @ King’s Park.

Way too many images to post, including lots of match action, team shots and individual photos. Click on any image to see the full set

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/KowloonFest-2015-Kings-Park/48214591_X3K3mn#!i=3952032797&k=nT7dcx4

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/KowloonFest-2015-Kings-Park/48214591_X3K3mn#!i=3952032620&k=v9VtVjh

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/KowloonFest-2015-Kings-Park/48214591_X3K3mn#!i=3952029992&k=KWndVRJ

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/KowloonFest-2015-Kings-Park/48214591_X3K3mn#!i=3952028308&k=75FSP4x

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/KowloonFest-2015-Kings-Park/48214591_X3K3mn#!i=3952026187&k=TxFSNCN

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/KowloonFest-2015-Kings-Park/48214591_X3K3mn#!i=3952024738&k=5mNSr6n

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/KowloonFest-2015-Kings-Park/48214591_X3K3mn#!i=3952015751&k=GzrS7h7

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/KowloonFest-2015-Kings-Park/48214591_X3K3mn#!i=3952015559&k=GWk3Kwj

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/KowloonFest-2015-Kings-Park/48214591_X3K3mn#!i=3952005129&k=8WmcdLb

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/KowloonFest-2015-Kings-Park/48214591_X3K3mn#!i=3952014549&k=tfMmPM3

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/KowloonFest-2015-Kings-Park/48214591_X3K3mn#!i=3952038567&k=D58bgTW

WNL1 Grand Champ Quarter Final : City Sparkle 62-0 HKCC

WNL1 Grand Champ Quarter Final : City Sparkle 62-0 HKCC

It’s with a heavy heart that I take over the match reporting pen from the ever enthralling Sarah Higgins. It is my hope, that I can provide at least a fraction of the grit, passion and pun filled reviews that she has so excellently delivered.

It was a tense start in the WNL1 QFs with both teams, HKCC Babes & Comvita City Sparkle prepared to battle it out until the final whistle to continue their aspirations of silverware. Despite both teams being poised and ready to go, it was a scratch side put together at the last moment by HKCC due to an ever lengthening list of injuries, illness, work and travel commitments.

Comvita Citys’ speedy backline attacked with deft pace & within minutes of KO, it was clear that HKCC’s defense was not nearly as strong as it has been in weeks gone by. Fly half, and player of the match, Harriet Jamieson desperately managed a new backline and dominated the pitch. Her relentless tackling prevented a number of scoring opportunities but with too many gaps in the HKCC defense, City were quick to capitalize on opportunity and charged through the open spaces, scoring a series of tries.

Regrouping under the posts Captain Carolyn Champion offered words of wisdom to rally her troupes. The outcome was strong running, with ball in hand, from the forwards making precious yards but then the despair of turnover ball at the ruck and retaliation from City which more than often resulted in an accumulating tally of tries. While the Babes have come a long way in their impressive reemergence at XV-a-side rugby this season, they proved to themselves and their sideline support, there is always room for improvement.

At half time the cricketers were desperate to turn the game around and with a cavalry of fresh legs, some of those who were carrying injuries were able to take respite on the sideline. The borrowed, begged and to coin the term loosely ‘stolen’ players from HKU slotted in & gave the team the boost to go on and allow City to only cross the line a further two times. With a final score line of 62-0, we’re sure anyone reading this would agree, that’s quite a remarkable second half effort.

We offer our deepest congratulations to City, who managed to take out two of our more experienced players with completely torn ACLs in an earlier season match, for the development they have shown this season. It was like playing against a totally different team to the beginning of the season and we wish them all the best in the coming SF.

In what has been a season of growth for women’s rugby in Hong Kong – particularly with the establishment of the Women’s National League 1 and importantly the reemergence of the Hong Kong Cricket Club Women’s XVs team (formerly Aberdeen RFC) though we culminate the season by bowing out, if you were to see us post match, you would know we are all winners. HK-CC!