Club v DEA in (four) pictures

Er, apologies for the non-existent layout of these photos. Frankly the technical side of blogging is a bit much for me (I am still overexcited about putting that incredible panoramic picture by Tim Edgar's friend Bryan up as the banner, even though it is way too wide for the average screen). Anyway, enjoy these photos of Club v DEA kindly provided by Mike McKee. Harps

From top to bottom:

- The lonely life of the goalkicker: Pat Foreman appears to contemplate sticking the ball into row 6
- The less lonely life of a forward: Spizz goes over after an impressive rolling maul
- Club lineout near the DEA line, looks like a good throw from Cowhead
- Ditto

Injury-ravaged Club stand firm against DEA

CBRE Club 20 - 3 DEA Tigers

It wasn't pretty. But, and it's as big a but as Ramsay Carter's, the result was absolutely what mattered. With eight frontline players missing through injury, Club were never going to achieve the kind of fluency they managed earlier in the season. And although DEA were not without their own casualties (including captain and coach Nigel Clarke), this was just the kind of game in which they might have sensed weakness and turned Club over. Club will be relieved to have returned to winning form after their disappointing loss to HKCC Aberdeen the previous weekend, although I feel reasonably certain that coach Quinton Wrigley will feel there was room for improvement in the execution of Club's gameplan.

First the positives. A weakened team stuck together well and played for each other. Tenacious defending meant DEA did not score a try. Pat Foreman showed his versatility (and an enormous boot) by filling in at fly half. Phil Reid, called into the side after Pete McKee broke down in training on Thursday, was a doughty replacement. Alex Gibbs returned to the side in decent nick. And Ben Stobart, who came into the side to deputise for hooker Tom Cameron, showed an accurate throw-in at the line out and good mobility around the park (as well as his ever-surprising ability to wind up opponents with decidedly average banter...). Indeed, the whole side played with commitment and energy; they simply lacked the degree of cohesion and control people have come to expect.

Club will admit that this was not a hugely convincing display and more an example of gritting the teeth and winning ugly than anything else. DEA dominated possession for long periods of the game and were perhaps unlucky not to break through. Their one penalty does not accurately reflect the balance of the game. Both sides were guilty of ill-discipline and both were reduced to 13 men at times. For Club, Tim Edgar was yellow-carded for not rolling away while Stobart was sinbinned for holding on, although it looked more like hands in the ruck to me. Both were perhaps harshly treated, but both were nonetheless booked and two yellow cards within moments of each other left Club dangerously exposed with a two man disadvantage. Oddly, this was when they conspired to play some of their best rugby of the match.

Some good forward pressure enabled loosehead Pete Spizzirri to crash over in the first half, Kris Marin also crossed and Foreman - who was well on target - added two penalties and two conversions. Fixtures at this stage in the season are always affected by injury, but Club will need to rally again and get as many players as possible out of casualty and back on the park before next weekend's clash with a powerful Kowloon team that ran a full-strength Club side close in October. Make no mistake, Club have had a fantastic start to the season with seven wins from eight games and they go into the final match of the first round in a well-deserved first place, 11 points ahead of HKCC. But they will be desperately keen to be sure they do not take the gloss off round one by finishing 2007 with a defeat. Club's strength in depth and ability to draw on the rest of the Club's players will be critical.

Harps

CBRE Club v DEA Tigers
HKFC, 6pm, Saturday 24 November 2007

1. Pete Spizzirri
2. Ben Stobart
3. Nigel Hobler
4. Tim Robinson
5. Tim Griffin
6. Tim Edgar
7. Jared Smith (AQ)
8. Kris Marin

9. Phil Reid
10. Pat Foreman
11. Callum Nieto
12. Richard Rouse
13. Nigel D’Acre
14. Dan Parr
15. Alex Gibbs (AQ)

Replacements

16. Kahn Rudolf
17. Ben Stobart
18. Steve Matthew
19. Duncan Robertson
20. Ramsay Carter
21. Adam Raby (AQ)
22. Troy Hogan

Dragons defend fortress HKFC against strong PLA attack

PLA warm up before taking on Drags

Dragons 24 - 17 Laxton PLA

Dragons go into the Christmas break as HKFC's most successful team and its only unbeaten one after Club succumbed to HKCC Aberdeen two weeks ago. Without question, the well-drilled soldiers of the PLA offered Drags' sternest challenge so far, but that challenge drew - in spells - Drag's most disciplined and professional performance of the season.

Having been reminded of the importance of starting on the front foot by the previous weekend's encounter with a motivated Scorps side, Drags came out of the tunnel with real intent and soon started to put the PLA under pressure. Before the game, Drags had been particularly aware that they would face near first-grade opposition and that the PLA lineout, in particular, was very strong. One Drags team member (who will remain nameless) went as far as to describe it as "probably the best lineout in Asia, apart from the Japanese national team." While this might be a bit of a stretch, the PLA clearly pride themselves on their lineout as a platform. But it was in this area that Drags forced the first mistake by their martial opponents. Some robust pick-and-drive play in midfield by Drags in the openining exchanges gave Dave Beckett the opportunity to slot a clever positional kick into touch inside the PLA 22. They then bungled the tap-down to allow a marauding Steve Matthews in for the first score of the game.

Adam Raby failed to convert, but went on to kick a Wilkinsonesque five from six in the game (Raby even emulates the Wilkinson pre-kick stance). For good periods of the first half, Drags kept up the pressure on the PLA, keeping the ball tight and playing good, structured rugby. Denied an open and chaotic game in which their fast men could thrive, the PLA struggled to establish a rhythm and Drags dominated. Late in the first half, a sustained assault from the Drags pack allowed Robin Bredbury to feed a subtly delayed pass to Beckett, who surged over from close range. Drags went into the break 15-0 ahead (I think) and looking good, although the first half had been blighted by the loss of the Andrews Corkery and Noble to injury, bringing Chris Howard and Bredbury into the game.

Those two tries were to be the only five-pointers of the game for Drags, though. Although Raby kept on slotting the penalties, PLA came back into the game strongly in the second half. As Dragons began to lose their shape, the PLA's fast men started cashing in on space out wide and, at 24-17 with maybe 10 minutes to go, Drags suddenly looked under threat. They dug in, however, refusing to let their season so far be tarnished by losing a game they should have won more comfortably. Drags were first relieved and then jubilant to emerge as winners, and should take enormous credit for delivering on their promise in the first half of the 2007-08 season.

If this form continues after Christmas, speculation will inevitably return to whether Drags could cut it with the big boys in Division One. While this team is far stronger than the one that limped from defeat to thrashing in the first grade last season, the new elite, five team structure of Division One and the increased number of professional players there has raised the quality, pace and physicality to a fearsome pitch. It is too early to talk about the possibility or desirability of Drags' promotion, but it will no doubt become a real issue in the New Year. For the record, Drags are 13 points clear of Valley Knights at the top of Division Two with 35 points from seven games and a stunning differential of 248 points for and just 69 conceded (giving an average match score of roughly 35-10 for the mathematically disinclined among you).

Harps

HKFC Dragons v Laxton PLA

HKFC, 3pm, Saturday 24 November 2007

1. Adam Harper
2. Duncan Robertson
3. Damian Babis
4. Laurence Denvir
5. Ramsey Carter (C)
6. Andrew Corkery
7. Rob Hewitson
8. Steve Mathews
9. Andy Noble

10. Dave Beckett
11. Ed Cosgrove
12. Troy Hogan
13. Romain Perret
14. Piers Nickalls
15. Adam Raby

Reserves

· Jez Lawson (Hooker)
· Ben Michael
· Chris Howard
· Diarmuid Kinsella
· Robin Bredbury

Select blow away Typhoons, make Blog debut

From Tony George

'Mighty' Select 34 - 7 Typhoons

The Mighty Select have really been living up to their name this year, with 6 wins on the trot following their opening day loss to Valley Mustangs. Typhoons were no league whipping boys themselves, coming into the game third in the standings – just 4 points behind Select.

Despite Select personnel answering the call to higher honours of late, they still fielded a strong side for this away day at Aberdeen. They came out of the traps with all guns blazing (yes, Harps, mixed metaphors are an important part of my idiom) and were 5-0 up before the dust had settled. A succession of “pick and go” drives and some neat interplay between backs and forwards, not to mention some committed rucking, resulted in no. 8 Tom Creedon carving through the line to open the scoring.

The rest of the first half was a real disappointment. All credit to the Typhoons, who disrupted and harried at the breakdown, but Select will have been disappointed at being knocked out of their game plan so easily. The backs also conspired to drop at least 3 scoring passes.

Half time brought a rollicking from the coach, Peter Wray. It can’t have been all that effective as 10 minutes later Typhoons finally turned pressure into points with a converted try. 7-5 down, there was a palpable determination amongst the Select pack to turn things around and they certainly did, with an awesome last half hour. The Typhoons’ scrimmage was demolished, line-outs were crisp and the pick and go was once more being used to devastating affect. One could also argue that the backs’ decision to stop attempting 30 yard miss passes from first phase ball was helpful.

No matter, as strong running from Matty Gibbs, Sam Cooper, Nik Brunner, Chris Wolski, Shane Harmon and super-sub Dairmuid Kinsella, ably supported by a now dominant pack produced a deluge of tries – so many I can’t tell you who scored them. It was all a bit rapid fire, especially with Typhoons wilting under the onslaught. Nineteen points in the last 20 is a fair return – if any of the Select lads would care to help out with scorers etc then we can add to this!

Of Scorpions and Soldiers

Far right: an Iraqi scorpion; considerably less fierce than its HKFC counterparts

Near right: Select head out for a night on the town - sorry - it's our brave protectors, the PLA

Afternoon Gents. It's Thursday. That means it will be Friday tomorrow, which is good, although not as good as the fact that Saturday will follow shortly afterwards.

First of all, some thoughts on the Scorps v Drags clash last Satutrday which, as you will no doubt know, finished 25-7 to Drags.

Frankly (and I write as a Drags player), that scoreline rather flattered the Dragons. Scorps came out with the fire and intensity of old and took control of much of the game. It never looked like first place playing last place in the division. Rob Gabbe, as ever, tackled like his life depended on it and smashed everything in sight. Despite being under pressure in the scrum from the massive Naylor-Cowhead-Babis front row (potentially the heaviest in Club history?), Scorps secured good possession for their backs through sheer tenacity and allowed Dave Beckett time to slot some effective kicks to the corners. By the way, after the exit of the indomitable Yutaka Yuzawa, Scorps played with a novel three-hooker front row consisting of Messrs 'Absinthe' Lawson, Sheren and Ali Iqbal Sharif Nazir, who was something of a revelation at tighthead, according to his learned opponents. In the keenly-awaited battle of the scrum halves, dare I say that Duncan Grewcock shaded Phil Reid this time? Although Phil was entirely sound, Grewers was full of pace, energy and ambition and seemed determined to make a point (as he did later at his Stag...)

Scorps took a deserved lead midway through the first half after a direct run from their new lock who's quite good (but whose name remains unknown to me) exposed the uncharacteristically hesitant and fragile Drags defence. Unfortunately for Scorps, they quickly conceded a soft intercepted try to Simon Shoebridge which was duly converted by Adam Raby. For those who are interested, unemployed former student Raby can frequently be seen getting on it in Taco Loco by the escalator with a bunch of other neophytes. Why they choose to go there is a mystery to me, although some of his female friends aren't bad.

As then game went on, Scorps continued to impress with their industry and application to the task, but frustratingly conceded another soft try. First of all, the Scorps back three failed to gather an innocuous-looking bouncing kick just inside their half and were ambushed by Drags winger Ed Johnson, who flew through, gathered and streaked away to the try line with the Scorps defenders trailing in his wake. Tim (little) Robinson crossed for another try to settle the matter late in the game, but I didn't see that.

Drags can take comfort that they were able to meet a serious challenge from Scorps and win without playing very well, that being the mark of a good side, which they unquestionably are. They will need to do better to beat the PLA this weekend, though (of which more anon). For Scorps, the manner in which they played will have done much to restore their morale, which was in the doldrums after a run of disappointing results since their miraculous victory against Valley.

There is no game for Scorps this weekend, but unbeaten Drags taken on the PLA in what should be the sternest test of the season so far. PLA are a strong side who bested Drags in the Dvision One table last year and a trip to our colonial-looking little bastion will no doubt get them all a-flutter with patriotic zeal. They have big guys and will use them to carry the ball very directly, taking passes from both the scrum half and fly half. The key for Drags will be tackling as these guys will run and run all day. It will also be vital for Drags to play structured, discplined rugby and to not kick the ball mindlessly. PLA have some tremendous broken play runners in the back three that can rip Drags apart if they lose their shape. Based on previous form, however, PLA will not have the tactial nous to defeat a team playing well-structured, patient rugby, though.

See you at training this evening.
Harps

Table Surfing at Dave Sheikh Ali Yusuf bin Fadil Nazir's birthday party (originally known as Grewers' Stag) - the Abridged Version

"Hello and welcome to the fifth inaugural HKFC Table Surfing Tournament held once again at Shaffi's Malik Restaurant, Wan Chai Road on the occasion of Dave 'Arab' Nazer's birthday. The tables are greased with vaseline, the participants are totally hammered and stewards are holding back the traffic out in the road to allow them a good long run up, so let's get to the action [commotion at the back of the commentary booth]...sorry ladies and gentlemen, that's Grewers and he just wants to be noticed. Fortunately he can't speak because there's gaffer tape around his mouth and Phil Reid will smash the egg taped to his forehead if he gets out of hand.

Our first contestant is Dazzling Darien Bradshaw of Australia, who's sporting the traditional 'pants and shoes only look.' Here comes Dazzler from out on the road, crowds of passers-by are cheering him on and OUCH! he's completely failed to get through the doorway. Medics are rushing over, but I think that's the last we'll be seeing of Bradshaw in this competition.

Next at the starting line is Nicholas 'Knickerless' James, the Welsh tyro from the Valleys and noted ladies' man. The stewards have had to prevail on James to put on some pants - he's made a very strong argument that complete nudity delivers maximum aerodynamic effect (and added that he really likes the feeling of his tackle sliding across the greasy tables), but the jusges are unimpressed. Here comes now, accelerating to his full speed of a moderate jog in the road, vaulting off the chair and -- whoosh there he goes! Past the five table mark, up to the nine table mark, his faithful man-bag trailing behind him at all times...and there he comes to a halt. The chutney-covered peanuts laid on the table by saboteurs have covered his chest in nasty welts, but he's happy, so happy. Listen to him sing...yes, it's the English version of the Welsh national anthem that sounds just the same as the Welsh long as you don't laugh!

My hen laid a haddock, one hand oiled a flea,
Glad farts and centurions threw dogs in the sea,
I could stew a hare here and brandish Dan's flan,
Don's ruddy bog's blocked up with sand.

Dad! Dad! Why don't you oil Auntie Glad?
Can whores appear in beer bottle pies,
O butter the hens as they fly!

Thanks to Nick James for that. Now then, our last contestant is the birthday boy himself [more muffled shouting, sounds of bouncing off the walls]....oh no! It's Grewers again! He's somehow loose from his punishment chair! No Grewers! Don't throw that rice everywhere! It's not our falt you disowned your Stag do! Well, actually, we're all enjoying Nazer's birthday now. Ah, thank goodness! Here's Phil Reid, who's giving Grewers a proper schooling now, as ever. I don't think we'll have any more trouble from him.

So, here is Nazir, standing tense and focused at the starting line like a half-naked jihadi. Off he goes, what a leap! He's absolutely flying down the tables...he's past James at 10, he's past 12, he's reaching the end of the track and he's still motoring! He's flying off the end, ladies and gentlemen, hurtling headfirst into the bar, sending glasses and popadoms flying. Is he alright? yes, he's up, he's smiling, he knows he's won! That's the commitment you need at this level. Let's talk to the big man.

Salaam aleykum Dave and congratulations!
Thanks. This is the proudest day of my life. If only Sheren could have been here so I could have beaten him too.

What is the secret of your success?
Being heavier than my opponents. It's elementary physics old chap.

Do you have anything to say to your fans?
Would you like to buy some jewellry? I've got some lovely pendants just in. Your missus would love 'em mate. Tell you what, I'll do you three for...

Thanks Dave and goodnight.

Harps

Aberdeen end Club's fine run

CBRE Club 5 - 15 HKCC

Club's amazing run of seven unbeaten matches came to a disappointing end on Saturday when a highly motivated Abderdeen team, stengthened by imported players in key positions, outmuscled a weakened Club side and added injury to insult by adding to HKFC's list of casualties. Club remain nine points ahead of Valley in second place, but will need to raise their game now that chasing pack has the scent of blood.

To achieve this, Club's strength in depth will be vital because a long list of key players are now sidelined by injury, including Rob Mills, James Kibble, Rory Hussey, Mike McKee and Andrew Chambers.

All good teams lose from time to time - even great ones do (need I mention the 2007 All Blacks?). What counts, of course, is how a team responds - whether it turns in on itself and implodes or comes back with a stronger sense of unity and ready to fight. Club should not beat themselves up too much about losing one game, but they should burst a collective blood vessel to be damn sure they come back stronger. Captain Nigel D'Acre and hooker Tom Cameron struck the right note after the game when they asked the team to stick together in the evening after the game: if you win together, you have to lose together and the shared experience of both is what binds you together and makes you a better unit.

The manner of the defeat was disappointing indeed, and that if nothing else should sting Club into doing better next time. The scrum came under pressure on the engage and when Abderdeen put the wheel on, often with devastating effect. Regardless of whether you think that law allowing a team to gain the put-in if they can twist a scrum through 180 degrees is easily the most brainless law in rugby (and I do), teams have to be able to defend against it at this level. Club were found wanting and must work hard to address this. To add to the problems in the scrum, lineout possession was not as reliable as ususal either. With so much potentially quality ball choked at source, the backs came into the game under pressure and without momentum, making it easier for Aberdeen to pick off isolated ball carriers. Kibble battled away admirably at fly half, but he was too often a solitary figure.

Despite Abderdeen's dominance, they were only able to put away one penalty in the first half to lead 3-0 at the break. However, they made their possession count in the second half with two tries, including one, embarrassingly, from a disrupted five metre defensive Club scrum. Club answered in the last 10 minutes with an unconverted score from Richard Rouse, but it was too little, too late.

In many ways, Abderdeen's victory was a lesson in making pressure count. They were more physical and more aggressive, putting Club on the back foot from the word go. And, having put themselves in the box seat, they did not ease up until the end. In truth, they did to Club what Club have done to many other teams this season. Clearly, what Club need to do is rediscover the aggression and intensity that allowed them to put this kind of squeeze on Abderdeen, Valley and Kowloon et al earlier on. With a diminished pool of players, it will be tough. But that is when Champions really emerge.

Harps

CBRE Club v Synovate HKCC
HKFC, 6pm, Saturday 17 November

1. Adam Harper (rep. Rudolf, 50 mins)
2. Tom Cameron
3. Pete Spizzirri
4. Angus Washington
5. Tim Griffin
6. Tim Edgar
7. Jared Smith (AQ)
8. Kris Marin

9. Peter McKee
10. James Kibble
11. Callum Nieto
12. Richard Rouse
13. Nigel D’Acre
14. Pat Foreman
15. Mike McKee (AQ)

Replacements

16. Kahn Rudolf
17. Ben Stobart
18. Steve Matthew
19. Tim Robinson
20. Ed Johnson
21. Adam Raby (AQ)
22. Timothy John Robinson

No complacency for Club, more sting for Scorps

Friday night is here again, which can only mean one thing - tomorrow is Saturday, the day consecrated to rugby and beer (preferably in that order).

Club, unbeaten and 14 points clear of Valley at the top of Division One, will play HKCC at the Football Club, kicking off at the usual time of 6pm. Club are without Nigel Hobler, Dan Parr and Andrew Chambers this weekend, bringing Pat Foreman, Callum Nieto and your correspondent into the side. 'Big' Tim Robinson (the lock), thereby distinguised from 'Little' Tim Robinson (the winger), marks his return to Hong Kong rugby by making the Club bench (after playing for Drags). Jared Smith makes his starting debut at openside for the injured Rory Hussey, while Kris Marin returns to replace Rob Mills, also injured, at number eight.

With no other side having any realistic hope of catching Club in the league phase of the season, they will have to be sure to maintain the levels of intensity and determination that have carried them this far. Aberdeen may not be able to win the league, but Club remain the ultimate scalp in this division and you can be sure their opponents will come out with tomahawks in hand.

In Division Two, it's a 3pm Club derby for two teams with contrasting fortunes. Dragons have been in effervescent form, with a powerful set of forwards that have dominated every pack they have encountered, and a lightning backline. Plus they have Phil Reid. Scorpions, on the other hand, are having a miserable season. Last year's Division Two Grand Champions are languishing at the bottom of the table this year, with just one win (that remarkable 28-22 fightback win over Valley on 6 October). Scorps will know that they badly need to show some spirit and aggression to restore a sense of pride in their season. But what better occasion to start a turnaround than against their Clubmates from Drags? Scorps will need to dig deep but they can challenge here if they come in with the right attitude and get off to a good start.

It's a similar story in Division Two, where Select bestride the table like a colossus, while Sequins bring up the rear. Sadly, no-one tells me anything about these teams so I can provide no further illumination. Animal's back hair could have fallen out and Sam Cooper could have become anorexic for all I know... In any case, Select's game against SJM Macau has been postponed while Sequins will take on the Kowloon Pussies at So Kon Po. If someone would like to tell me what happens in that game, I'd be much obliged.

Also... PLEASE TAKE SOME BL*ODY PHOTOS AND SEND THEM TO ME SO I CAN PUT THEM UP ON THIS BLOG. Send them to adam.harper@asia.ing.com

I'm off for a quiet dinner and an early night after something of a night of it with Nick 'Jamesy' James & co last night. Bring on tomorrow!

Harps


Club v HKCC, 6pm, HKFC

1. Adam Harper
2.Tom Cameron
3. Peter Spizzirri
4. Tim Griffin
5. Angus Washington
6. Tim Edgar
7. Jared Smith (AQ)
8. Kris Marin

9. Peter McKee
10. James Kibble
11. Pat Foreman
12. Richard Rouse (c)
13. Nigel D'Acre
14. Callum Nieto
15. Mike McKee (AQ)

Replacements:

Damian Babis
Ben Stobart
Tim Robinson (BIG)
Adam Raby (AQ)
Ed Johnson
Tim Robinson

Drags v Scorps. 3pm, HKFC

1. Rob Naylor
2. Ben Stobart
3. Damien Babis
4. Peyton Burnett
5. Tim Robinson (Big)
6. Shannon Ford
7. Rob Hewitson
8. Steve Mathews
9. Phil Reid ( C)

10. Robin Bredbury
11. Ed Johnston
12. Simon Shoebridge
13. Tim Robinson (not so Big)
14. Adam Raby
15. Ed Cosgrove

Replacements:

Ben Harris
Ben Michael
Andy Walters
Troy Hogan
Romain Perret
Diarmuid Kinsella

Blogging, Caution

The moral of the posting below is never, ever attempt mobile blogging after three pints and five rum and cokes. It seemed like such a good idea at the time. My apologies to Mr Hussey, the washrooms at Solas are actually delightful, even if the washbasins are a little challenging.

Bouch is threatening to contribute some of his inimitable wit to this humble blog but is not available to do this before next week. Such are the lives of important people. We wait with baited breath...

Harps

The bogs in Solas are crap

Dear Rory Hussey

I write to complain about the lamentable state of the washrooms in Solas. In particular, I deplore the wash basins. They won't work unless you get down nearly on your knees and wave your hands around like a supplicant to Hare Krishna. Please instal some taps.

I remain, Sir, your humble and obdedient servant,

A. Harper
 

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Blue Jacket winner Cameron speaks to the Blog

Cameron (left) celebrates as Club win the Grand Championship in 2004. Is that Nick Tempest in the background? It could be, you know. 2004 was Club's last win at the top level - will 2007-08 be the next glory season?

Last Saturday, former Club and Hong Kong Captain Tom Cameron became the first recipient of the Hong Kong Football Club's Blue Jacket, which can have come as no surprise to anyone familiar with rugby in Hong Kong. The award, which will be given out annually, honours the player whose contribution best exemplifies the spirit and values of the Club. Tom Cameron speaks to The Blog about the award and what playing rugby in and for Hong Kong means to him.

Blog: How does it feel to be the first recipient of the HKFC Rugby Section's Blue Jacket?

TC: It is a great surprise and a massive honour.

Blog: The award is for a player whose "contribution best exemplifies the spirit and values of the section." What do you believe those values to be?

TC: I just love playing rugby and there is no better place than the Club. The social life around the rugby section is great and there is always someone that can help with a problem. Play hard on and off the pitch.

Blog: Who were your rugby heroes as a lad? And why?

TC: Uli Schmidt - He was a small but tough Springbok hooker. He scored great tries on the wing - the original Seagull!

Blog: What made you join HKFC rather than any of the other clubs in Hong Kong?

TC: There was no choice! Donough Foley and Craig Wootten said there were no other clubs in Hong Kong ...... and then there were the white towels!

Blog: How would you compare your first season with Club to this season?

TC: Now we are going back a long time... Every year had its great moments and awesome players. This year we have some young blood in and the boys are focused on what they want to achieve.

Blog: What are your outstanding memories of playing for Club, and for Hong Kong?

TC: Getting an eight week suspension after my first Grand Championship Final must stand out. It's a great honour every time to put the 1st team jersey on or run out for the country you represent! That is a great feeling! Beating Korea was also a massive highlight.

Blog: Any regrets?

TC: Never.

Blog: Could you nominate the best two or three matches you have played in since you have been in Hong Kong (for Club or the national side)?

TC: The Grand Championship win in 2004, beating Korea [in 2007] and every win against Valley!

Blog: Which players have you most enjoyed playing the game with during your career?

TC: Rugby is a great game. Eevery team I played for had their characters and outstanding players. The list will be too long!

Blog: Who would you say have been the strongest influences on you as a rugby player? And in what ways? And why?

TC: My family - Mum, Dad, Brother and Melanie! They were always there to encourage.

Blog: What would you say have been the funniest moments for you in Hong Kong rugby?

TC: Every time I speak to Junior Naylor.

Blog: Club has experimented with professional players in the past, but has been against this approach in recent years. What are your views on the question?

TC: It is good to have these guys in your team, it lifts the level but if your club only relies on them to win you trophies, you're going to be in trouble. You need guys that have a passion for the Club and you need them to stick around for a few years. Club is on the right track with getting guys jobs.

Blog: How do you feel the Club has bounced back after the Bali Tragedy in 2002?

TC: The Club has been great but it is important that new section members know what happened and the spirit and legacy those that died left behind.

Blog: What do you think the rugby section has to do to ensure that Club and the other teams remain dominant at their respective grades in the years to come?

TC: Everyone should support each other - it's not about the teams, it's about the Club as a whole.

Blog: Do you believe that Hong Kong can qualify for a World Cup under the current system?

TC: The structures in place at the moment for Hong Kong are the best I've seen. Ivan Torpey has made a massive difference to Hong Kong rugby. With Japan at the top and Tonga and co in the repercharge pools, it's always going to be tough! But I would love to see that happen.

Blog: How would you like to be remembered as player after you hang up your boots?

TC: Tough bastard on the park but a great guy to have a beer with afterwards.

Take from them everything and give to them nothing!

CBRE Club 13 - Valley 6

Alright, it wasn't quite as bad as the battle of Thermopylae (no-one was killed, for example, although I feared Churchy was quite close to death at one point). But Club v Valley on Saturday was the rugby equivalent of hand-to-hand combat. If you wanted running rugby and flash moves, you were at the wrong game. If you wanted backs-to-the-wall defence, guts, grit and determination, you were in exactly the right place. The Club steamroller drives on, but Kowloon - and now Valley - have provided the blue and whites with their toughest tests so far. At the end of a game in which the margin between the two sides was never more than a converted try, Valley's players were inconsolable. The look of pride and, frankly, relief on the Club side's faces told you both how close this game had been and how much it meant to everyone involved.

Like Napoleon at Waterloo, Valley threw everything they had at the Club defense for what seemed an eternity (there were at least 10 minutes of injury time), but could never quite do enough to dislodge their stubborn opponents. But Club's tenacity in meeting the runners head-on, or in hauling them down in more desperate circumstances, was admirable. Valley threatened again and again, but never crossed the Club line - an achievement of which the home side should be justifiably proud. At the other end, a typically robust run from Richard Rouse - who had a commanding game in defence and attack - gave Club its only seven-pointer, to which Mike McKee added with a conversion and two penalties.

The pressure exerted by Valley allowed them to slot two penalties, and it also resulted in two yellow cards: one for loosehead Pete Spizziri for not rolling away and one to replacement backrower Shannon Ford for, well, retaliation. Valley's onslaught took a physical toll as well. An early ankle injury to number eight Rob Mills meant Rupert "Churchy" Clarke had to come on and play the best part of a second game that day, which was an impressive effort from the big man. Rory Hussey was another casualty of the trench warfare, departing the field with a dislocated patella (that's a b*ggered knee to you and me).

It is on victories such as this that championships are built, and Club will know they can take a good deal more heart from this than walks in the park against Causeway Bay (81-3) or even their win against an oddly lacklustre HKCC (22-0). Once again the victory was bult on a solid forward platform (the scrum only wobbled when reduced to seven men after Spizziri's yellow card, but was otherwise dominant), intelligent play by the backs (bolstered by the return of Nigel D'Acre) and truckloads of grit. As we move into the business end of the season, there is every reason to hope that Club can deliver on their great start this year.

Harps

CBRE Club v Crown Valley

6pm, Saturday 10 November, HKFC

1.Pete Spizzirri
2. Tom Cameron
3. Nigel Hobler
4. Laurence Denvir
5. Tim Griffin
6. Tim Edgar
7. Rory Hussey
8. Rob Mills
9. Peter McKee
10. James Kibble
11. Dan Parr
12. Richard Rouse (try)
13. Nigel D’Acre

14. Andrew Chambers
15. Mike McKee (AQ), (1 conv, 2 pens)

Replacements:

Adam Harper (used, sin-bin replacement)
Ben Stobart
Jared Smith (AQ), (used)
Rupert Clarke (used)
Shannon Ford (used, yellow card)
Adam Raby (AQ), (used)
Callum Nieto

Dragons slay Knights

Another inimitable writeup from Murray Sargant, Manager, Dragons

Drags Vs Valley Knights
10th November 2007, HKFC 3:00pm

A resounding 49 - 12 victory against one of the better teams in the competition.

Well led from the front by our latest captain Phil Reid, the team went about a great display in the first 40 min with well-structured and aggressive forward play allied with some impressive tries from our fleet-footed backs.

First half tries to Callum Nieto, Adam Raby (twice), Dinks (what???) and a penalty for Pat Foreman made it one of the best halves of the year for Drags to date.

The forwards dominated the first half line outs after their extra training session on Thursday evening, which clearly paid off well. Thanks to CJ for running the session. The back row with Rupert (Churchy), Jared and Shannon all played well, with 'Jarhead' deservingly earning another man of the match performance after an unusually democratic team vote. A worthy winner of the Stevie Speirs Mug (more on this award later).

The second half started the same way with tries to Peyton Burnett, Tim Robinson and a second try in as many games for Shannon Ford.

The backs played impressively throughout the game with Phil, Robin, Pat, Tim, Cozzie, Callum and Adam combining well. The extra speed out wide was put to good use and the backline always looked dangerous with ball in hand. Pat had a great game with some strong running and solid defence. He completed the day in style by preventing a late try from Valley with a great run across the field to put in a superb covering tackle just before time. A great effort given it was late in the game and everyone was running out of gas.

In the last 10 minutes of the second half, Drags did begin to get tired and started to lose the structure that had served so well in the first 70 minutes. Valley took advantage and managed to get a late consolation try from broken play.

Stevie Speirs Mug

For those not aware this mug was established to commemorate the late Stevie Speirs who was the regular Drags hooker. Unfortunately Stevie was tragically killed in the Bali bombing while on tour with HKFC Vandals . The pewter mug is now awarded each week to the player voted by his team mates to be the best and fairest on the day. The nominated player can then have the mug all night and at no time should it be empty. All drags team players and friends are obliged to keep the mug full for the rest of the evening. The nominated player can also at anytime hand the mug to any other team mate who must drink the contents. At the end of the night the mug should be returned behind the bar ready for next week's game.

Well done Jared on winning the Stevie Speirs Mug. Sorry you couldn’t enjoy it straight away as I know you benched and played well for Club later.

See you all at training Monday night. Congratulations once again on a great Drags win.

This is what it's all about

Afternoon chaps

Thought you would enjoy the piece below; I thought it was the best rugby story I have seen in ages. This just speaks volumes about Jerry Collins and shows you that the spirit of rugby is far from dead, despite what you may have thought after reading about Catt and Dallaglio's disgraceful comments about Brian Ashton. I used to play sometimes for Bideford, Barnstaple's big local rivals. It's great rugby country down there in the South West of England, and the game is played by people of all backgrounds and walks of life (with a strong smattering of hardnut farmers and fishermen, just to make it interesting). It's not nearly as elitist as rugby can often be in the UK and all the better for that. It tends to be slow, physical, rugby-as-attrition stuff, but you certainly know you've been in a game. And we all know how useful that slow, physical, rugby-as-attrition stuff can be in World Cups...

Anyway, I wasn't at the club last weekend, so there't not a whole lot I can tell you about the games. Club trounced Causeway Bay 81-3 but will surely have a sterner test against Valley on Saturday, Drags didn't play, Scorps went down 15-3 to Valley 2s (boooo) and Select won, by how much I know not. I reiterate once again my appeal for more news from Select, Sequins and Bulls. The Blog needs you boys!

Harps



All Black gives Barnstaple second XV the edge
By Michael Roper
Last Updated: 9:09am GMT 01/11/2007

The amateurs of Newton Abbot's second XV had the shock of their lives when they turned up for a game and discovered that the All Blacks' Jerry Collins was playing for the opposition.

The 6ft 3in, 17-stone flanker - nicknamed 'The Terminator' for his ferocious tackling - turned out for rival Devon side Barnstaple against a stunned group of butchers, builders and bricklayers from Newton Abbot.

Collins, the hard man of the New Zealand back row and the proud owner of the biggest biceps in their squad, ran in a storming try and made three try-saving tackles during his 55 minutes on the pitch, helping Barnstaple to a 21-7 away victory in the Devon Merit Table fixture.

The Samoan-born Collins, 26, took part in the match after bumping into Barnstaple's head coach, Kevin Squire, while on holiday in Devon. Squire was enjoying a meal in a restaurant when he spotted the All Black. "I did a double-take when I saw who it was and knew I had to introduce myself," he said.

"He was very polite and unassuming. We talked for several minutes and I mentioned the club and invited him to come down and watch a game, but of course never expected him to turn up. He did though and even coached a session with the under-14 side, who were completely awe-struck.

"I told him we had a match coming up and he was welcome to join us, but again I was gobsmacked when he showed up to catch the bus with the rest of the players.
"It was very surreal for the lads as they are all amateurs - most of them are builders, bricklayers, plumbers and so on. He had even been to a sports store to buy a pair of boots."

Squire said his new recruit dropped down a gear to fit in with the standard of the game. "Jerry didn't play up his superstar status but was really one of the lads," he said. "He didn't crunch into them like he could have done – they would have gone flying. He adapted his level of play to suit the game like a proper gentleman. "It was a wonderful experience for all the players to play alongside such a big name in international rugby, even for the guys in the other team."

Newton Abbot coach Phil Burford said his side were "quite taken aback" when Barnstaple showed up with Collins in tow. "I think the second-team lads were pinching themselves after playing with such an icon," he said. "After the match he was inundated with fans asking for pictures and autographs and he was happy to do it. He was a true professional."

Meet the new lads #4 - Jez Lawson

Above: Two thirds of the Scorps front row celebrates their remarkable win over Valley and England's workaday dismissal of Australia's feeble challenge. Modest Lawson (see the response below) is on the left with the beer-soaked shirt.

Name: Jez Lawson
Age: 29
Occupation: Headhunter and Eligible Batchelor
Nationality: British
Rugby position: Glamour Hooker
Previous rugby clubs: Downside School, London Irish, London Exiles
Favorite things about HKFC rugby: The towels
One thing you would change/introduce: I would like to change the perception of the club amongst the opposition. I hear a lot of accusations of arrogance and smugness. I feel that I can do a lot to alter this.
Most embarrassing rugby experience: Hooking against Trevor Leota for 20mins. I gave him some banter - he made me cry - I was subbed - my Father was watching.
SoHo or LKF? As long as its not WanChai.
Drop or Mes Amis? Drop. I like it when my shoes don’t stick to the floor.
Skiing or diving? Après-ski is one of my favorite pastimes. Après-dive..?
Reading or music? Music. Although I enjoy being read to.
Paris Hilton or Scarlett Johansen? I’m so tired of being asked this question. None of the reports are true.

Beer's amazing powers of rehydration

Afternoon. Some tremendous news on a Friday for you (courtesy of Chris Howard and the Daily Telegraph, that bastion of all right-thinking opinion in the UK). Yes, beer can help you rehydrate. We'd always known it had many benefits (making you funnier, making women seem more attractive) but this is the clincher. No more gatorade for me! Harps


Beer after sport 'is good for the body'
By Nic Fleming, Science Correspondent
Last Updated: 5:01pm GMT 01/11/2007

A beer after playing a game of football, a long run, or a strenuous round of golf can be good for the body, scientists say.
In a rare piece of good news for those who like a pint, Spanish researchers say beer can help someone who is dehydrated retain liquid better than water.Prof Manuel Garzon, of Granada University, also claimed the bubbles in beer help to quench the thirst and that its carbohydrate content can help to replace lost calories.Prof Garzon asked a group of students to do strenuous exercise in temperatures of around 40ºC (104ºF). Half were given a pint of beer, while the others received the same volume of water.
Prof Garzon, who announced the results at a press conference in Granada beneath a banner declaring "Beer, Sport, Health", said the hydration effect in those who drank beer was "slightly better".
Juan Antonio Corbalan, a cardiologist who worked formerly with Real Madrid football players and Spain's national basketball team, said beer had the perfect profile for re-hydration after sport.
He added that he had long recommended barley drinks to professional sportsmen after exercise.
Previous studies have shown most alcoholic drinks have a diuretic effect – meaning they increase the amount of liquid lost by the body through urination.
Dr James Betts, an expert on nutrition and metabolism at Bath University, said a moderate amount of beer might be just as good as water at helping the body retain liquid, but that he doubted it could be any better.
Dr Betts said: "If you are dehydrated to start with following exercise, a beer, as opposed to a spirit, probably does not have a high enough concentration of alcohol to induce a diuretic effect."