Drags March On, Overpower Aberdeen

From Murray Sargant

HKFC October 6th

HKFC Dragons Vs HKCC Aberdeen – KO 3:00pm.

Dragons 26 - Aberdeen 5.

Week 2.


In the heat of the day we took on arch rivals Aberdeen. Still the team was very upbeat and positive still pleased with the previous weeks work and the victory against Valley the week before. Aberdeen however proved to be much more aggressive in defence and our fleet footed backs didn’t get the space they enjoyed the week before. None the less we started off strong right from the kick off with Robin gathering and making 20 meters straight up the middle. The forwards once again lead the way and early on we looked to dominate the Aberdeen scrum. The ref seemed pretty whistle happy and the game started to resemble Wanchai in rush hour. Many stoppages and no one getting anywhere fast. This set the scene really for the rest of the game. Penalty, Scrum, Penalty, Scrum and all this in bright sunshine and 32 C .

Eventually we managed to string a couple of passes together and Callum opened up the scoring in the 15 min mark with a great backline passing sequence ending up on the far right touch line. He finished well and touched down for the opening try. Next over just before the break was Matt James and once again a great solo effort on the left wing when he changed direction and came back in on the inside. His step worked well and the Aberdeen backs didn’t lay a hand on him.

At the break everyone was feeling the heat and the referee continued to find every technical rule in the book and used it. Marc was happy with the way things were going on the score board but with the error rate climbing and our passes starting to look a little ragged we all knew we could do better. The second half opened and for some reason no one seemed to switch on. Aberdeen against the run of play kicked off and scored a quick try. Not the start the boys wanted. Captain Carter launched a salvo at the boys and that seemed to do the trick. With the Aberdeen conversion going wide it was back to business. The forwards pressured well and we found ourselves well camped in their half of the field.

Next over was Andy Yip with great dummy opening up the space he needed to dot down under the posts. With both teams now struggling the heat was really taking its toll. Aberdeen seemed short of reserves and when our fresh legs came on Drags lifted. The pressure was once again on the Aberdeen defence and Junior decided to take advantage. Looking to off load but instead straightening up well be burst through the line and the Aberdeen defence was once again exposed.

All in all we got the four tries and a bonus point but the guys felt a little disappointed with the level of play and they all know they can do better. Line outs need some urgent work this week at training and everyone felt they had some area of their own game that could be improved. On a positive closing note Drags now have two wins from two starts and arguably against two of the better teams in the division. A great way to start the season and positive in that we know we can play better.

I final note of congratulations to England for a great win against Australia. Not the result this antipodean wanted to see but well deserved.

Muzza
Manager Drags.