First of all, congratulations to Royce Chan, Kim Kan, and Antje Keim for making the Women's XV National Squad. They will be heading to Singapore in two weeks for two test matches against Singapore, used as a build-up to the Asian World Cup Qualifiers in 2009. Royce Chan will also be one of the Captains of the squad.
After substantial wins over the past two weeks, Ice is now the undefeated champions after Round 1 of the Women's League. According to the schedule, we now have a much needed rest before coming face to face with the ladies of CWB Phoenix again, followed by yet another clash with those known as Valley. So for now we will let things thaw a bit.
Back to the past two weekends. We at Ice decided that it might be best to lump the past two weeks of write-up into one as there really wasn't much to write about due to the bulldozer known as GAICE. The weekend before saw us pitted against the ladies of DeA Tigers at HKFC. For those who saw the game, I'm sure you will all agree it was a sound thrashing, despite the excellent DEA defense. Tries were scored by Kim Kan (x2), Emmy Chan, Fiona Foxon, and Royce Chan brought the score to 27-0.
This past weekend saw us against the combined team of Aberdeen and Kowloon, fondly known as Abaloon. Unlike DEA, whose team consists of mainly petite 18-year-olds, Abaloon has its share of sizable girls. Add the fact that the game is played on the Valley Pitch (a.k.a the Dustbowl) where the pitch becomes a sandstorm if more than one person runs and you can see it presents a big challenge indeed.
In the end though, it was once again our speed and fitness that won us the game. Tries were scored by Ah Ying, Ah Kwan, Royce, Emmy and Monster [Any relation to Animal? A.H.], with one successful conversion from Emma Holland, ending the game at 27-0 (again).
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Club hold on against spirited DEA
From JP
Following a good second half demolition of Causeway Bay last week, Club came up a resurgent DEA whose tails were up following their victory over Aberdeen the previous week. Having already beaten DEA soundly in the pre-season Plate Knock-Out Final a few weeks previous, Club were quietly confident that they could repeat the feat up at King's Park on Saturday evening.
DEA started strongly and soon gained the upper hand, however. It was only due to a heroic tap tackle from Danny Parr on the right wing that saved us going down by a try five minutes into the game. The first half was one of the most frustrating 40 minutes of rugby the boys had probably ever played in, with a constant barrage of whistle-blowing from Hong Kong’s finest. Trying to be somewhat diplomatic, I must say I do not have the foggiest what on earth most of the penalties were for.
Naturally, "Left Hook" Rory Hussey was right in the mix and no doubt gave away a few penalties for being an Irish version of Michael Bolton. Tim Griffin stepped up in the heat of the battle and gave us an amusing display when taking on the four foot tall opposition scrum half. Other than that, we were penalized constantly in the scrums for no other reason other than pushing. This was hugely frustrating for the boys as it didn’t allow us to get into a pattern and get through some phases. The DEA line out was working well, helping them stay in the game and enable them to kick a few goals and keep things very tight going into half time. Thankfully we managed to get our noses in front with a superb try from Pat Foreman in open play with the ball changing hands many times and delighting the away crowd of the resident Scorps drunkards!
The second half was a better display albeit frustrating because of our decision making and pressing the panic button when in the final third. Despite that, there were a huge amount of positive factors in the second half as the Piggies stepped it up on the physicality front with the likes of Ridgeway, Watson, Bolland and Washington making some hard yards despite being about as mobile as parking meters. The back row also started to gel and get around the park negating the impact of the DEA back row led by Nigel Clarke who as always had a strong game. In Club's back row, there were solid performances from Marin, Michael Bolton & Tim Edgar.
There was some super stuff in the backs as well with the likes of Jimmy Kibble and Pat Foreman imposing themselves and getting across the gainline, bringing in the pace boys of Perkins, McKee and Raby. Unfortunately, when it came to making our mark from set pieces and finishing in their 22, we failed to deliver.
The good news is that the boys are coming close to gelling and being a much more complete unit, which is just as well with much harder tests to come. With the score at 13-6 with 10 minutes to go, we failed to take one or two kicks at goal that would have put us out of sight. The good news for the crowd and Q’s hernia was that this created a thrilling ending, with DEA camped in our 22 for the final 5 minutes trying to steal a draw from nowhere. Thankfully due to a gutsy defensive display, we held them out and breathed a huge sigh of relief when the whistle blew for full time rather than another penalty against Club! The final spectacle was watching Tim Griffin having a row with a dustbin.
Well done lads – plenty of positives to build on for the impending almighty smash against Valley next week at home.
Rugby Section – bring your vocal cords please and Man Up! Ta, JP
Following a good second half demolition of Causeway Bay last week, Club came up a resurgent DEA whose tails were up following their victory over Aberdeen the previous week. Having already beaten DEA soundly in the pre-season Plate Knock-Out Final a few weeks previous, Club were quietly confident that they could repeat the feat up at King's Park on Saturday evening.
DEA started strongly and soon gained the upper hand, however. It was only due to a heroic tap tackle from Danny Parr on the right wing that saved us going down by a try five minutes into the game. The first half was one of the most frustrating 40 minutes of rugby the boys had probably ever played in, with a constant barrage of whistle-blowing from Hong Kong’s finest. Trying to be somewhat diplomatic, I must say I do not have the foggiest what on earth most of the penalties were for.
Naturally, "Left Hook" Rory Hussey was right in the mix and no doubt gave away a few penalties for being an Irish version of Michael Bolton. Tim Griffin stepped up in the heat of the battle and gave us an amusing display when taking on the four foot tall opposition scrum half. Other than that, we were penalized constantly in the scrums for no other reason other than pushing. This was hugely frustrating for the boys as it didn’t allow us to get into a pattern and get through some phases. The DEA line out was working well, helping them stay in the game and enable them to kick a few goals and keep things very tight going into half time. Thankfully we managed to get our noses in front with a superb try from Pat Foreman in open play with the ball changing hands many times and delighting the away crowd of the resident Scorps drunkards!
The second half was a better display albeit frustrating because of our decision making and pressing the panic button when in the final third. Despite that, there were a huge amount of positive factors in the second half as the Piggies stepped it up on the physicality front with the likes of Ridgeway, Watson, Bolland and Washington making some hard yards despite being about as mobile as parking meters. The back row also started to gel and get around the park negating the impact of the DEA back row led by Nigel Clarke who as always had a strong game. In Club's back row, there were solid performances from Marin, Michael Bolton & Tim Edgar.
There was some super stuff in the backs as well with the likes of Jimmy Kibble and Pat Foreman imposing themselves and getting across the gainline, bringing in the pace boys of Perkins, McKee and Raby. Unfortunately, when it came to making our mark from set pieces and finishing in their 22, we failed to deliver.
The good news is that the boys are coming close to gelling and being a much more complete unit, which is just as well with much harder tests to come. With the score at 13-6 with 10 minutes to go, we failed to take one or two kicks at goal that would have put us out of sight. The good news for the crowd and Q’s hernia was that this created a thrilling ending, with DEA camped in our 22 for the final 5 minutes trying to steal a draw from nowhere. Thankfully due to a gutsy defensive display, we held them out and breathed a huge sigh of relief when the whistle blew for full time rather than another penalty against Club! The final spectacle was watching Tim Griffin having a row with a dustbin.
Well done lads – plenty of positives to build on for the impending almighty smash against Valley next week at home.
Rugby Section – bring your vocal cords please and Man Up! Ta, JP
Drags go down fighting against world's largest standing army
From Condor (aka Murray Sargant)
Expectations were once again high as we assembled to leave for darkest Guangzhou in the club lobby. This was a little too early for some on a Saturday but nontheless everyone made it and we bused over to Hung Hom for the first leg of our long journey north. One small detail was that I managed to get everyone to the station a full hour before the train - sorry for that. Not a big issue, I thought, but later in the afternoon that decision did come back to haunt me in the traditional fines session.
On a positive note the extra time did prove somewhat useful as we fuelled up at Starbucks and a couple of the lads purchased remote toy helicopters which they proceeded to fly around the entire station, occasionally divebombing incoming passengers, to everyone's collective amusement. Finally we boarded the train north and we left the relative comfort of Hong Kong and headed across the border into Red China. Spirits were high - for half a dozen guys, this was their first trip to China, and what better way to see it then on a rugby tour?
After what seemed like half a day we finally arrived in Guangzhou and walked the 500 meters to the PLA barracks. The PLA seem to be out in force a we counted 41 players warming up. Marc spoke to the PLA coach only to find out the China national sevens team were in town and would be joining the PLA side this day. It was at this point that we realised it was going to potentially be a long day in the office. With both Marc and I making up the Dragons' 22 players, we were short of depth - not an ideal situation to be in on a hot day in Guangzhou playing against Team China.
Warming up was pretty easy because just putting on your boots raised a sweat, so it didn't take long. The first two minutes of the game were all Drags. We won the first two or three rucks and then shifted the ball out wide. Unfortunately the ball went to ground and, in a blink of an eye, the PLA backs seized the opportunity to counter-attack. They shifted the ball across the park with lightning speed (as you would expect from international sevens players) and raced into the corner for what was the first of five unanswered tries and a very long afternoon.
On the positive side, our scrum was led in the front row by Richard Gallagher, Pete Sheren and Steve "Horse" Nolan and battled well. The Chinese front row was getting a good work out and we always made it hard for the PLA to get the ball out cleanly. Well done to the entire pack led once again by our returning team captain, Marcus Neil, who, for the record, was our man of the match.
In the backs, it wasn't as much fun. The PLA always seemed to having dozens of players willing to run at us and speed to burn on the outside. Junior Naylor played well and Stuart McGraw managed a couple of mini-breaks, but it was prop Richard Gallagher who came the closest to scoring, only to be denied by the referee's forward pass ruling. There were some fantastic try-saving tackles from Simon Shoebridge and Nik Brunner, proving that the Drags spirit was alive and well. Despite the defeat, we can all be proud of the way the team played.
As the afternoon continued, injuries started to be a major factor with Wally pulling his hamstring, Pete Sheren breaking his foot and Gordon Marsden suffering back spasms. Soon our thin bench was used up and we still had 30 minutes to play. With no more reserves to send into action, Marc recruited the services of a Tongan exchange student who happened to be training with the PLA this week. He was an excellent recruit and helped the Drags play in the way we have become used to in the second half. In the end, though, it wasn't enough. At the final whistle, we were 29 points to zero in the red and a very tired and dejected Drags team left the field.
Following last year's close defeat in Guangzhou, this was a stinging loss and one that we all will remember for a long time to come. The fact is that we came up against a very determined PLA side who were the better team on the day. Hats off to Drags, though. We didn't stop trying all afternoon and worked harder than ever to turn things around. It was a defeat, but Marc and I both feel very proud of the way you boys played. We now need to move on and concentrate more than ever on next week and the games ahead.
The trip home was as entertaining as usual with Junior taking control as the fines as both judge, jury and executioner. As international touring rules applied, we obviously can't divulge too many of the details but suffice to say the new boys will remember this trip for many years to come. All of them had a chicken's foot to suck on along with many beers and a hefty supply of plum wine. In short we had a huge and entertaining trip back. Amongst other things we came together as a stronger team because of the experience and that is surely one of the best thing about playing rugby. Marc and I (or should I say Cheetah and Condor) had great fun getting things organised and having the chance to bring a tremendous bunch of lads together on tour in China.
Condor
Expectations were once again high as we assembled to leave for darkest Guangzhou in the club lobby. This was a little too early for some on a Saturday but nontheless everyone made it and we bused over to Hung Hom for the first leg of our long journey north. One small detail was that I managed to get everyone to the station a full hour before the train - sorry for that. Not a big issue, I thought, but later in the afternoon that decision did come back to haunt me in the traditional fines session.
On a positive note the extra time did prove somewhat useful as we fuelled up at Starbucks and a couple of the lads purchased remote toy helicopters which they proceeded to fly around the entire station, occasionally divebombing incoming passengers, to everyone's collective amusement. Finally we boarded the train north and we left the relative comfort of Hong Kong and headed across the border into Red China. Spirits were high - for half a dozen guys, this was their first trip to China, and what better way to see it then on a rugby tour?
After what seemed like half a day we finally arrived in Guangzhou and walked the 500 meters to the PLA barracks. The PLA seem to be out in force a we counted 41 players warming up. Marc spoke to the PLA coach only to find out the China national sevens team were in town and would be joining the PLA side this day. It was at this point that we realised it was going to potentially be a long day in the office. With both Marc and I making up the Dragons' 22 players, we were short of depth - not an ideal situation to be in on a hot day in Guangzhou playing against Team China.
Warming up was pretty easy because just putting on your boots raised a sweat, so it didn't take long. The first two minutes of the game were all Drags. We won the first two or three rucks and then shifted the ball out wide. Unfortunately the ball went to ground and, in a blink of an eye, the PLA backs seized the opportunity to counter-attack. They shifted the ball across the park with lightning speed (as you would expect from international sevens players) and raced into the corner for what was the first of five unanswered tries and a very long afternoon.
On the positive side, our scrum was led in the front row by Richard Gallagher, Pete Sheren and Steve "Horse" Nolan and battled well. The Chinese front row was getting a good work out and we always made it hard for the PLA to get the ball out cleanly. Well done to the entire pack led once again by our returning team captain, Marcus Neil, who, for the record, was our man of the match.
In the backs, it wasn't as much fun. The PLA always seemed to having dozens of players willing to run at us and speed to burn on the outside. Junior Naylor played well and Stuart McGraw managed a couple of mini-breaks, but it was prop Richard Gallagher who came the closest to scoring, only to be denied by the referee's forward pass ruling. There were some fantastic try-saving tackles from Simon Shoebridge and Nik Brunner, proving that the Drags spirit was alive and well. Despite the defeat, we can all be proud of the way the team played.
As the afternoon continued, injuries started to be a major factor with Wally pulling his hamstring, Pete Sheren breaking his foot and Gordon Marsden suffering back spasms. Soon our thin bench was used up and we still had 30 minutes to play. With no more reserves to send into action, Marc recruited the services of a Tongan exchange student who happened to be training with the PLA this week. He was an excellent recruit and helped the Drags play in the way we have become used to in the second half. In the end, though, it wasn't enough. At the final whistle, we were 29 points to zero in the red and a very tired and dejected Drags team left the field.
Following last year's close defeat in Guangzhou, this was a stinging loss and one that we all will remember for a long time to come. The fact is that we came up against a very determined PLA side who were the better team on the day. Hats off to Drags, though. We didn't stop trying all afternoon and worked harder than ever to turn things around. It was a defeat, but Marc and I both feel very proud of the way you boys played. We now need to move on and concentrate more than ever on next week and the games ahead.
The trip home was as entertaining as usual with Junior taking control as the fines as both judge, jury and executioner. As international touring rules applied, we obviously can't divulge too many of the details but suffice to say the new boys will remember this trip for many years to come. All of them had a chicken's foot to suck on along with many beers and a hefty supply of plum wine. In short we had a huge and entertaining trip back. Amongst other things we came together as a stronger team because of the experience and that is surely one of the best thing about playing rugby. Marc and I (or should I say Cheetah and Condor) had great fun getting things organised and having the chance to bring a tremendous bunch of lads together on tour in China.
Condor
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Nomads feel the Scorpion's sting
I get the feeling Bouch is all at sea with this analogy but what the heck, he's enjoying himself...
Communique
To: Rear Admiral the Lord Adam Harperington-Blogsmythe, KCV A, RSE B, UM with Distinction
From: Commander of HMS Scorpion
Ref: Invasion of Kowloon Peninsula
Sir,
As instructed by Fleet HQ, HMS Scorpion undertook their planned invasion of the Kowloon Peninsula this Saturday last. We encountered some spirited resistance from a local force of Nomads but after several minutes skirmishing, we were able to fire off several successful salvos. As the engagement continued, the crew battled with structure and cohesion for periods whilst also managing to allow the opposition forces to appear as if they could resist. I have advised the crew that this sort of lapse in discipline is not to be tolerated and after the Nomadic force had been defeated by 52 hits to nil, we maintained station and undertook several essential keel-haulings as required by military convention. All members of the crew took their punishment like the men they are.
To be mentioned in dispatches:
Lieutenant Commander Giles Disney-LargeOick, despite his appalling lower middle class accent, the man charged with selecting our forces for this encounter did a more than sterling job and was suitable rewarded after the match. Unfortunately I was unable to formally present him with the MOTB medal as one of the previous crew members has neglected to return it. He will be scrubbing the decks appropriately.
Ensigns Nieto, Beckett, and Bowring and former Captain of the Vessel Shane Farmhand-Wallis performed very well and were responsible for the vast majority of the hits we achieved, for which the command structure were dutifully grateful. It is worth noting that unfortunately Commander Sir Watsonian-Northernbottom was detained in port due to hosting members of the Singaporean navy who had mysteriously arrived for a shared tour of duty. However when informed of the extent of our victory, Sir W-N was extremely pleased.
Once again, the entire for'rard section performed with distinction although our aeriel support group, used when we were at the edge of the battlefield, needed a little work. I fear another trip to HMS TrainingField!
Finally, it is my sad duty to report that certain elements of the for'rard section were forced to retire from the engagement after I had sent in all of the available reserve force. (Able Seaman Frost (very unable at this point) was suitably keel-hauled.) Faced with leaving a hole in the strength of the attack, I was forced into the engagement myself. I am pleased however to report that my intervention didn't cause too much embarrassment and I am grateful to Master Chief Petty Officer Yataka Yazawa-san, on loan from His Imperial Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force, who bailed me out of a potentially nasty surprise when I found myself isolated deep behind enemy lines, attempting to grasp some advantage from Cabin Boy French's bizarre use of the foot as an attacking weapon. Indeed suffice it to say all of the crew found it slightly amusing from one so large.
I am also delighted to inform fleet command that we maintained a small force to lend support to the fleet's primary aircraft carrier group led by HMS Club, who also achieved victory. I am however duty bound to point out that several members of their crew appeared to be from the colonies, who had the affrontery to engage in a social game of rugger this weekend last at Fleet HQ, and heaven forbid, humiliate Fleet's finest. I assure you sir that no such tomfoolery was allowed in our crew and former Captain of Vessel Farmhand-Wallis was the only foreigner we allowed aboard ship, the fact of which we also gleefully reminded him.
I remain, in victory, your humble servant,
Commander Her Britannic Majesty's Ship Scorpion, Sir Andrew Bouchington-Blithertwit, KCV A, NGRY, TWA, T with bar
End Communique
Communique
To: Rear Admiral the Lord Adam Harperington-Blogsmythe, KCV A, RSE B, UM with Distinction
From: Commander of HMS Scorpion
Ref: Invasion of Kowloon Peninsula
Sir,
As instructed by Fleet HQ, HMS Scorpion undertook their planned invasion of the Kowloon Peninsula this Saturday last. We encountered some spirited resistance from a local force of Nomads but after several minutes skirmishing, we were able to fire off several successful salvos. As the engagement continued, the crew battled with structure and cohesion for periods whilst also managing to allow the opposition forces to appear as if they could resist. I have advised the crew that this sort of lapse in discipline is not to be tolerated and after the Nomadic force had been defeated by 52 hits to nil, we maintained station and undertook several essential keel-haulings as required by military convention. All members of the crew took their punishment like the men they are.
To be mentioned in dispatches:
Lieutenant Commander Giles Disney-LargeOick, despite his appalling lower middle class accent, the man charged with selecting our forces for this encounter did a more than sterling job and was suitable rewarded after the match. Unfortunately I was unable to formally present him with the MOTB medal as one of the previous crew members has neglected to return it. He will be scrubbing the decks appropriately.
Ensigns Nieto, Beckett, and Bowring and former Captain of the Vessel Shane Farmhand-Wallis performed very well and were responsible for the vast majority of the hits we achieved, for which the command structure were dutifully grateful. It is worth noting that unfortunately Commander Sir Watsonian-Northernbottom was detained in port due to hosting members of the Singaporean navy who had mysteriously arrived for a shared tour of duty. However when informed of the extent of our victory, Sir W-N was extremely pleased.
Once again, the entire for'rard section performed with distinction although our aeriel support group, used when we were at the edge of the battlefield, needed a little work. I fear another trip to HMS TrainingField!
Finally, it is my sad duty to report that certain elements of the for'rard section were forced to retire from the engagement after I had sent in all of the available reserve force. (Able Seaman Frost (very unable at this point) was suitably keel-hauled.) Faced with leaving a hole in the strength of the attack, I was forced into the engagement myself. I am pleased however to report that my intervention didn't cause too much embarrassment and I am grateful to Master Chief Petty Officer Yataka Yazawa-san, on loan from His Imperial Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force, who bailed me out of a potentially nasty surprise when I found myself isolated deep behind enemy lines, attempting to grasp some advantage from Cabin Boy French's bizarre use of the foot as an attacking weapon. Indeed suffice it to say all of the crew found it slightly amusing from one so large.
I am also delighted to inform fleet command that we maintained a small force to lend support to the fleet's primary aircraft carrier group led by HMS Club, who also achieved victory. I am however duty bound to point out that several members of their crew appeared to be from the colonies, who had the affrontery to engage in a social game of rugger this weekend last at Fleet HQ, and heaven forbid, humiliate Fleet's finest. I assure you sir that no such tomfoolery was allowed in our crew and former Captain of Vessel Farmhand-Wallis was the only foreigner we allowed aboard ship, the fact of which we also gleefully reminded him.
I remain, in victory, your humble servant,
Commander Her Britannic Majesty's Ship Scorpion, Sir Andrew Bouchington-Blithertwit, KCV A, NGRY, TWA, T with bar
End Communique
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Meet the Girls #2 - Kim Kan
Above: Kim in international action
Above: On the charge for Ice with trail of opponents in her wake
Name: Kim K. K. Kan (yes, there are alot of Ks in my name)
Age: 27
Occupation: Business Development Executive
Nationality: Chinese/Canadian (or Canasian for short)
Rugby position: Front row (mainly Loose-head), Number 8 and wing on very special occasions (Nigel Hobler is my role model)
Previous rugby clubs: Cornell Women's Rugby Football Club
Favourite things about HKFC rugby: The fact we have a bar within 100m of the pitch, the banter from PT McGee, and the pool of course! [Editor's note: The Sportsman's is much closer. I have researched this.]
One thing you would change/introduce: Spectator attendance to the Ice games!
Most embarrassing rugby experience: The first year I moved back to Hong Kong, I played in the Country of Origin tournament for the "Rest of the World Team" in an exhibition 7s match. I was apparently either really speedy or the opposition was really slow because I managed to score three tries by beating the wingers every time in the first hall. I went for another run up the sideline and was at the try line when I managed to trip over my own feet and knocked the ball forward without anyone else being within 10 meters. Most embarrassingly, there was a collective "Ohhhhhh...." from the full Aberdeen Stadium!
Meat or Veggies? Give me a hunk of bloody meat any day!
Beer or Cocktails? I am a mojito and capirinha fiend, but G&T is my staple.
Mint/Prive/Drop or Devils/Mes Amis/Dusk Til Dawn? I believe a good night out involves all those places plus Solas!
Gerard Butler or Orlando Bloom? Haven't you seen 300? Those abs.....
Cosmopolitan or Erica Jong? Poolside - Cosmopolitan. Otherwise, I prefer interesting reads - Tolkien and Frank Herbert are on the top of my list.
Meet the Girls - Fiona Foxon
We at the Blog are all about the 'One Club' dream and it is with great pleasure that I present the first in a new set of features to you today. You've had 'Meet the New Lads' and even 'Meet the Old Boys' (and what a collection of ne'er-do-wells they were). Now it's the turn of the ladies. May I introduce to you the first personality in our new series of 'Meet the Girls' - the one and only Fiona Foxon.
Above: Fiona surges forward. Her would-be tackler appears content to keep a close eye on her rather than attempting any kind of tackle at this stage.
Above: And this is why. Fiona delivers a mean-looking fend to an Aberdeen tackler.
Name: Fiona Foxon
Age: A lady never tells and a gentleman never asks
Occupation: Marketing and Business Development Executive
Nationality: British and Singaporean, oh and quasi-American...
Rugby position: Scrum-half/Centre
Previous rugby clubs: University of Virginia Women's Rugby Team
Favourite things about HKFC rugby: The pitch, and my teammates!
One thing you would change/introduce: A mandatory post-match drink up with the opposing team, with songs...lots of songs! [Hear, hear! Harps]
Most embarrassing rugby experience: My first 22 drop out. Had no idea what it was and somehow found myself with the ball. People are screaming instructions at me to tap the ball over the line, drop kick it and just get rid of the darn thing. So I did all three, much to the amusement of the ref and the crowd. They called me 23 for the rest of the season.
Meat or Veggies? Meat stuffed with veggies
Beer or Cocktails? Cocktails
Mint/Prive/Drop or Devils/Mes Amis/Dusk Til Dawn? How about Drop/Mes Amis/Dusk Til Dawn [You'd go to Drop first??]
Gerard Butler or Orlando Bloom? No way! Give me Hugh Jackman or Patrick Dempsey any day.
Cosmopolitan or Erica Jong? Not all ladies' rugby players are lessies! Cosmopolitan all the way.
NB: For those of you who are wondering (and I was), Erica Jong is a writer. Wikipedia says that: "Jong is best known for her first novel, Fear of Flying, first published in 1973, which created a sensation with its frank treatment of a woman's sexual desires."
Above: Fiona surges forward. Her would-be tackler appears content to keep a close eye on her rather than attempting any kind of tackle at this stage.
Above: And this is why. Fiona delivers a mean-looking fend to an Aberdeen tackler.
Name: Fiona Foxon
Age: A lady never tells and a gentleman never asks
Occupation: Marketing and Business Development Executive
Nationality: British and Singaporean, oh and quasi-American...
Rugby position: Scrum-half/Centre
Previous rugby clubs: University of Virginia Women's Rugby Team
Favourite things about HKFC rugby: The pitch, and my teammates!
One thing you would change/introduce: A mandatory post-match drink up with the opposing team, with songs...lots of songs! [Hear, hear! Harps]
Most embarrassing rugby experience: My first 22 drop out. Had no idea what it was and somehow found myself with the ball. People are screaming instructions at me to tap the ball over the line, drop kick it and just get rid of the darn thing. So I did all three, much to the amusement of the ref and the crowd. They called me 23 for the rest of the season.
Meat or Veggies? Meat stuffed with veggies
Beer or Cocktails? Cocktails
Mint/Prive/Drop or Devils/Mes Amis/Dusk Til Dawn? How about Drop/Mes Amis/Dusk Til Dawn [You'd go to Drop first??]
Gerard Butler or Orlando Bloom? No way! Give me Hugh Jackman or Patrick Dempsey any day.
Cosmopolitan or Erica Jong? Not all ladies' rugby players are lessies! Cosmopolitan all the way.
NB: For those of you who are wondering (and I was), Erica Jong is a writer. Wikipedia says that: "Jong is best known for her first novel, Fear of Flying, first published in 1973, which created a sensation with its frank treatment of a woman's sexual desires."
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Holed below the waterline
Communique to: Rear Admiral Lord Harperington-Blogsmythe,
From: Commander of HMS Scorpion
Ref: Recent engagement with Imperial Battle Cruiser Dragon
Sir,
It is my solemn duty to report that HMS Scorpion suffered substantial damage at the hands of the Imperial Battlecruiser Dragon this Saturday last.
Upon entering the battle zone, we engaged the enemy but their superior speed in the aft section caused severe damage to our hull.
It is however my pleasure to report that the entire crew stuck to their stations with admirable bravery and devotion to duty. Of particular mention in this dispatch must be the entire for'ard section of the ship which held firm despite the attentions of the enemy, who appeared to be led by a horse!
The battle was short and somewhat sobering, so Sir Watsonian-Nothernbottom and I decided to make for the neutral wet harbour of Sportsmansk, where it seems our foe had also docked. Despite the attention of a particularly annoying pair of the enemy who appeared boringly bald and foreign and variously short and mildly facially hirsute, we were able to surmise that the ship was repairable despite the 62 hits we received.
By way of note, your lordship, we managed to land 7 shots ourselves to what had been previously a virtually impregnable defence. We have therefore made our way to dry dock at HMS TrainingField, where we will attempt to seal leaks before making way to the expected battle across the channel at Kingsypark on Saturday next.
Additional mention in this dispatch must be given to Able-Seamen Wilde and French who battled valiantly despite a severe bout of sea-sickness during a midway lull in the battle.
Yours in expectation of a reversal of fortune,
Commander Her Britannic Majesty's Ship Scorpion, Sir Andrew Bouchington-Blithertwit.
End Communique
From: Commander of HMS Scorpion
Ref: Recent engagement with Imperial Battle Cruiser Dragon
Sir,
It is my solemn duty to report that HMS Scorpion suffered substantial damage at the hands of the Imperial Battlecruiser Dragon this Saturday last.
Upon entering the battle zone, we engaged the enemy but their superior speed in the aft section caused severe damage to our hull.
It is however my pleasure to report that the entire crew stuck to their stations with admirable bravery and devotion to duty. Of particular mention in this dispatch must be the entire for'ard section of the ship which held firm despite the attentions of the enemy, who appeared to be led by a horse!
The battle was short and somewhat sobering, so Sir Watsonian-Nothernbottom and I decided to make for the neutral wet harbour of Sportsmansk, where it seems our foe had also docked. Despite the attention of a particularly annoying pair of the enemy who appeared boringly bald and foreign and variously short and mildly facially hirsute, we were able to surmise that the ship was repairable despite the 62 hits we received.
By way of note, your lordship, we managed to land 7 shots ourselves to what had been previously a virtually impregnable defence. We have therefore made our way to dry dock at HMS TrainingField, where we will attempt to seal leaks before making way to the expected battle across the channel at Kingsypark on Saturday next.
Additional mention in this dispatch must be given to Able-Seamen Wilde and French who battled valiantly despite a severe bout of sea-sickness during a midway lull in the battle.
Yours in expectation of a reversal of fortune,
Commander Her Britannic Majesty's Ship Scorpion, Sir Andrew Bouchington-Blithertwit.
End Communique
Sargant Speaks: Drags demolish Scorps
Murray's inimitable analysis of Drags' victory over our brethren in Scorps, plus a look ahead at Drags' trip to Guangzhou this Saturday. Playing the PLA away always seems to attract superlatives. Dinks once said they had the best lineout in Asia bar the Japanese national team. And Muzz is comparing playing at GZ to playing away at Twickenham or Eden Park. Frankly I think the similarities are limited. I haven't played at either of those stadia myself but I'd be willing to bet they have changing rooms and that you can have a shower without risk of catching typhoid at both. Harps
PS: What he would appear not to mention is the score - it was about 50-7.
Sargant Speaks:
These inter club games are always entertaining and this one was know exception with both teams prepared for a tough encounter. In years gone by we have ended up with both teams having extensive injuries but on this occasion it was a hard but fair contest with the only concern coming from some very mysterious referring decisions. More from him next weekend I suspect as we play PLA. In the first half it started off with both sets of forwards testing each other out. This is always the most difficult time in Drags Vs Scorps clashes as both teams are fresh and looking to make an impact.
Quickly though it became apparent that Drags strength lay in our backline attack with Stewart Magraw cross for the first of four tries. After that it was an entertaining affair with tries coming in from all over the park. The Drags backline was on fire and the passing and inte! rchange between them made the coach Marc Sexton confirm this the best backline display from a Drags team this season.
In all we scored four more tries with Tim Robinson, Richard Gallagher (the only forward to score in the first half) Magraw a second and finally Baz Perkins crossing for a great first half. Five tries to zero. In the second half we expected much of the same but Scorps had different idea's and they came out of the half time break with renewed energy. Some solid forward work from our brothers in Scorps resulted in better field position and inevitably a strong forwards surge ended with a try for Scorps which was well converted by Dave Beckett.
For our part we had a number of outstanding backline drives and continued to score even if it did mean we had to run the entire length of the ground to do it. The "Gas Man" Raby opened up the second half and also lead the kicking game with six conversions in all a solid display. Next to cross was Guy Payne our Captain for the day (congratulations Guy) playing a loose flanking role coming in from out wide, then ! Callum Nieto and finally another two tries for Stewart Magraw.
Man of the match was Baz Perkins for his sublime running skills which broke the Scorps backline on many occasions setting up a number of the tries and also crossing for two others although only one will count as the referee adjudged that Baz dropped the ball over the line. Clearly David Guthrie feels the record should reflect a try saving tackle from him but that shouldn't surprise anyone. No matter what the circumstances Baz had a great game so congratulations. Another Man of the match on debut.
All in all a great win and we continue on as leaders of the division with nex! t weekend being our game of the season against our arch rivals PL A. Last season this fixture was are only loss so it holds a huge challenge for the entire team. This season we want to go undefeated so the game next weekend in Guangzhou is vital. Last year we lost 12-17 in a hard fought contest and I know PLA are fired up to repeat the result this time around. Fact is they have home ground advantage and to say the crowd is hostile is an understatement.
We play in the army grounds and every other soldier comes out to watch and cheer the mighty PLA to a glorious Chinese victory. It's like playing the All Blacks at Eden Park, Wales at Cardiff Arms or England at Twickenham, you get the idea. This is more than a game for them, it's a battle and that's exactly what we have to understand in order to win. We need to take this week at training and the game seriously and as it's an international trip so I do need some help with lo! gistics.
PS: What he would appear not to mention is the score - it was about 50-7.
Sargant Speaks:
These inter club games are always entertaining and this one was know exception with both teams prepared for a tough encounter. In years gone by we have ended up with both teams having extensive injuries but on this occasion it was a hard but fair contest with the only concern coming from some very mysterious referring decisions. More from him next weekend I suspect as we play PLA. In the first half it started off with both sets of forwards testing each other out. This is always the most difficult time in Drags Vs Scorps clashes as both teams are fresh and looking to make an impact.
Quickly though it became apparent that Drags strength lay in our backline attack with Stewart Magraw cross for the first of four tries. After that it was an entertaining affair with tries coming in from all over the park. The Drags backline was on fire and the passing and inte! rchange between them made the coach Marc Sexton confirm this the best backline display from a Drags team this season.
In all we scored four more tries with Tim Robinson, Richard Gallagher (the only forward to score in the first half) Magraw a second and finally Baz Perkins crossing for a great first half. Five tries to zero. In the second half we expected much of the same but Scorps had different idea's and they came out of the half time break with renewed energy. Some solid forward work from our brothers in Scorps resulted in better field position and inevitably a strong forwards surge ended with a try for Scorps which was well converted by Dave Beckett.
For our part we had a number of outstanding backline drives and continued to score even if it did mean we had to run the entire length of the ground to do it. The "Gas Man" Raby opened up the second half and also lead the kicking game with six conversions in all a solid display. Next to cross was Guy Payne our Captain for the day (congratulations Guy) playing a loose flanking role coming in from out wide, then ! Callum Nieto and finally another two tries for Stewart Magraw.
Man of the match was Baz Perkins for his sublime running skills which broke the Scorps backline on many occasions setting up a number of the tries and also crossing for two others although only one will count as the referee adjudged that Baz dropped the ball over the line. Clearly David Guthrie feels the record should reflect a try saving tackle from him but that shouldn't surprise anyone. No matter what the circumstances Baz had a great game so congratulations. Another Man of the match on debut.
All in all a great win and we continue on as leaders of the division with nex! t weekend being our game of the season against our arch rivals PL A. Last season this fixture was are only loss so it holds a huge challenge for the entire team. This season we want to go undefeated so the game next weekend in Guangzhou is vital. Last year we lost 12-17 in a hard fought contest and I know PLA are fired up to repeat the result this time around. Fact is they have home ground advantage and to say the crowd is hostile is an understatement.
We play in the army grounds and every other soldier comes out to watch and cheer the mighty PLA to a glorious Chinese victory. It's like playing the All Blacks at Eden Park, Wales at Cardiff Arms or England at Twickenham, you get the idea. This is more than a game for them, it's a battle and that's exactly what we have to understand in order to win. We need to take this week at training and the game seriously and as it's an international trip so I do need some help with lo! gistics.
Select storm Typhoons
Above: The Wongster shows us the value of a good body position in the tackle. Yes I know this isn't the game against Typhoons but it's the latest Select picture I have and it's rather good.From Mr Sean Purdie of the "Mighty" Select
Select 29 - 12 Typhoons
A solid win on the Valley pitch with tries from Alex Smith, Paul Ahearne, Simon Shoebridge, Rob Toresco and Sully. Matt Semple kicked two conversions.
Our player of the day was Nick O’Brien (3 points) who got everywhere and showed what high levels of fitness can do. Other honourable mentions for Paul Ahearne (2 points) for his high work rate, although I saw him on Sunday with a cast on his wrist, and Alex “Smudger” Smith (1 point) and the tackling award
Heinous Crime Division – Tony George, midfield break to set up Sully for a try, then pointing to heaven as Sully lumbered in under the crossbar; Matt Semple – how to drop the ball when over the try line; Colin Wong - putting his name on the teamlist twice.
CBRE Club 41 - 7 Causeway Bay
Above: Pete McKee did some lunges while waiting for the forwards to get on with the lineout
Above: A bearded and quite possibly mulleted CWB player looks to get rid of the ball as Guy Payn heads in his direction looking focused
Above: Ollie Jones marked his return to first grade rugby after a serious back injury with some fine ball carrying
Above: Whose try-line is that Gus? Whoever's it is, the big man looks cool, calm and collected.
Photos: stolen from Ollie Jones's album posted on FaceBook.
Gents
Brevity is indeed the soul of wit, so I will be brief. Not because I necessarily prefer to, but because I have little choice. The fact is, I wasn't there to see this game because I'd rushed off to go and get ready for the Yacht Club ball (which was fantastic, by the way, thanks for asking).
Our sources here at the Blog can be somewhat unreliable too. Some were playing and, as we all know, the way you remember a game you played in is not the way it appears to those looking on. Others were drunk, or just not paying attention, or both. Fortunately Luke Jones, surely one of the finest number sevens to grace our club, watched the game carefully and sent me some rather more lucid comments than either the team manager or assistant coach.
It was, I am told, a disappointing first half in which too many individual errors reduced continuity, compounded by an inability to win our own line out ball. The half-time score flattered CWB somewhat. Club had looked certain to score but an interception from CWB Player-Coach and HK international Semi on his own try line resulted in a penalty try for the Bay. Semi had nudged the ball away and there was a desperate chase for the line between Angus Washington and their tight-head prop (Mr Jones is still trying to work out where all the backs were at this time). The referee adjudged that Washington had blocked the CWB player and a penalty try was awarded to CWB.
Club struck back, however, with Baz Perkins finishing a stunning team try. Ollie Jones, making a welcome return to first grade rugby, also made the scoresheet from Number Eight with that rarest of things in the modern game - a pushover try. Adam Raby's score, Mr Jones assures us, was pure individual class. Confronting an opponent one on one with very little space to work in, he feinted inside, took the outside and left his hapless would-be tackler grasping at thin air.
Hooker Tom Bolland also completed a good team move to score and Perkins crossed again for a second. After scrum half Pete McKee went off with a rib injury in the second half, fly-half James Kibble moved to 9 and Pat Foreman came in to 10. Foreman made a solid contribution, according to our man on the ground, kicking long and accurately for position. Dave Tibbot, who came into the game more in the seecond half, and Mike McKee were outstanding
Club's next game is against DEA Tigers this Saturday at King's Park. Sadly I won't see that either as I will be on my way back from Red China after the Dragons v PLA game in Guangzhou. If anyone is interested in this pilgrimage to one of rugby's frontiers, I would refer you to an old Blog post: http://hkfcrugbysection.blogspot.com/2008/01/fine-day-for-bike-ride-in-downtown.html
Ta ta for now
Harps
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Back to Business - A Look Ahead at Saturday
Morning all
Trust you enjoyed the Bledislioe Cup weekend. Not a classic by any means but it was great to be there as rugby geopolitics shifted. I understand that Zinzan Brooke confirmed Kiwi rugby players' reputation for fine public speaking at the Brunch beforehand. It's hard to imagine that he could have been any worse than former Wallaby prop Dan Crowley, who embarked on the Mother of all Rambles at the Sevens Long Lunch - but apparently he was. Crowley is said to work as a motivational speaker these days (specialising in motivating people to fall asleep perhaps?) so there is clearly still hope for the audacious All Black drop-goaler of 1995. Now that I have insulted Australia and New Zealand equally, I feel we can move on. And please understand I wouldn't dream of saying any of this to either of their faces...
In other news, I can reveal that Club Chairman Donough Foley and Captain Tony George have sent their congratulations to US President-elect Barack Obama during a private phone call minutes after Obama's victory had been confirmed. "I told Barack he had the full support of the HKFC rugby section," said Foley. "And I invited him to come for a pint in the Chairman's next time he's over. He's got great potential but he's so young. I told him I would get Woots and Don Rider together and that we could give him a bit of a tutorial on leadership."
It also emerged last night that Ben Stobart's long absence from sight at HKFC was due to him having accepting a last-minute request from the Obama team to persuade undecided voters to cast a ballot in their candidate's favour by talking until they agreed. "It wasn't the way we would like to have done it, but the end justified these extreme means," said an Obama aide.
On to this weekend's fixtures. Club take on Causeway Bay in what should be one of the more straightforward contests in Dvision One. With so many quality players at his disposal, selection will no doubt present a few dilemmas. While Club will look to get into form against CWB, the real highlight of this weekend should be the Dragons v Scorpions clash at 3pm. For those new to the club, derbies like this are always fiery encounters. Some say they waste our energy by turning it inwards. I would say that matches like these are the reason why we play rugby and that the competition we foster internally makes us tougher competitors externally.
However you see this perennial question, though, any notion that the partisanship and individual team spirit of the different teams could be abolished along with their names will surely be shot down once again on Saturday. Drags and Scorps have experienced contrasting starts to their seasons, but the fierce pride felt by each team in a game like this has always been a great equalizer, making club derbies closer games than league table positions would suggest. There is always a personal element to these clashes as well: players in both teams want to prove a point against the man who is selected above or below them. It's a little Darwinian, I grant you, but it makes for cracking games of rugby.
My bet is that Saturday will be a tense encounter, with plenty of physical confrontation. I would expect Scorps to come out firing and try to rattle Drags in the first 20 with some very direct rugby. But I believe Drags' quality and greater structure will enable them to pull away in the second half and I would expect to see the game open up considerably in the last quarter. Sadly I will not be playing any part. A nasty clash of heads on Monday night (well, my face, his head) has left me with 11 neat little stitches above the right eye. For those in need of rugby-related needlework in the future, I can thoroughly recommend the Sanitorium.
In Division 3, Select take on Typhoons on the Valley pitches at 3pm while Sequins meet with Comvita City (whoever they may be) at 'THT' (wherever that may be) in Division 4. Bulls take on CWB in Division 5 (HKFC at 1.30pm) and GaIce will meet DEA (HKFC at 4.30pm.) All this weekend's fixtures in the divisions relevant to us are listed below, with the club games in bold.
Finally, don't forget the Walton Brunch on Sunday!
G4S League Fixtures by Division 2008/09
Week 4 - Saturday 8th November 08
Division 1
DeA Tigers v Synovate HKCC, KP, 6.00pm
CBRE Club v Manulife CWB Rams, HKFC, 6.00pm
InProjects Kowloon v Tradition Valley, SKP, 6.00pm
Division 2
Nomads v Synovate HKCC II, KP, 4.30pm
CBRE Club II DRAGONS v CBRE Club III SCORPIONS, HKFC, 3.00pm
Laxton PLA v Tradition Valley Knights, Guangzhou, 2.30pm
Division 3
DeA II v Synovate HKCC III, KP, 3.00pm
Rouse & Co Typhoons v CBRE Club IV SELECT, HV, 3.00pm
SJM Macau v Tradition Valley Mustangs, SKP, 4.30pm
Division 4
Comvita City v CBRE Club SEQUINS, THT, 3.00pm
Gai Wu J v Manulife CWB Pirates, HV, 4.30pm
InProjects Kln Barbars v Tradition Valley Broncos, SKP,3.00pm
Police v University. PBS, 3.45pm
Division 5
DeA III v Synovate HKCC IV, KP, 1.30pm
CBRE Club VI BULLS v Manulife CWB Marines, HKFC, 1.30pm
InProjects Kln Beavers v Tradition Valley Griffins, SKP, 1.45pm
Police Panthers v University II, PBS, 2.30pm
Women’s 15s Division
Club/Gai Wu v DeA, HKFC, 4.30pm
CWB v Abaloon, THT,4.30pm
Trust you enjoyed the Bledislioe Cup weekend. Not a classic by any means but it was great to be there as rugby geopolitics shifted. I understand that Zinzan Brooke confirmed Kiwi rugby players' reputation for fine public speaking at the Brunch beforehand. It's hard to imagine that he could have been any worse than former Wallaby prop Dan Crowley, who embarked on the Mother of all Rambles at the Sevens Long Lunch - but apparently he was. Crowley is said to work as a motivational speaker these days (specialising in motivating people to fall asleep perhaps?) so there is clearly still hope for the audacious All Black drop-goaler of 1995. Now that I have insulted Australia and New Zealand equally, I feel we can move on. And please understand I wouldn't dream of saying any of this to either of their faces...
In other news, I can reveal that Club Chairman Donough Foley and Captain Tony George have sent their congratulations to US President-elect Barack Obama during a private phone call minutes after Obama's victory had been confirmed. "I told Barack he had the full support of the HKFC rugby section," said Foley. "And I invited him to come for a pint in the Chairman's next time he's over. He's got great potential but he's so young. I told him I would get Woots and Don Rider together and that we could give him a bit of a tutorial on leadership."
It also emerged last night that Ben Stobart's long absence from sight at HKFC was due to him having accepting a last-minute request from the Obama team to persuade undecided voters to cast a ballot in their candidate's favour by talking until they agreed. "It wasn't the way we would like to have done it, but the end justified these extreme means," said an Obama aide.
On to this weekend's fixtures. Club take on Causeway Bay in what should be one of the more straightforward contests in Dvision One. With so many quality players at his disposal, selection will no doubt present a few dilemmas. While Club will look to get into form against CWB, the real highlight of this weekend should be the Dragons v Scorpions clash at 3pm. For those new to the club, derbies like this are always fiery encounters. Some say they waste our energy by turning it inwards. I would say that matches like these are the reason why we play rugby and that the competition we foster internally makes us tougher competitors externally.
However you see this perennial question, though, any notion that the partisanship and individual team spirit of the different teams could be abolished along with their names will surely be shot down once again on Saturday. Drags and Scorps have experienced contrasting starts to their seasons, but the fierce pride felt by each team in a game like this has always been a great equalizer, making club derbies closer games than league table positions would suggest. There is always a personal element to these clashes as well: players in both teams want to prove a point against the man who is selected above or below them. It's a little Darwinian, I grant you, but it makes for cracking games of rugby.
My bet is that Saturday will be a tense encounter, with plenty of physical confrontation. I would expect Scorps to come out firing and try to rattle Drags in the first 20 with some very direct rugby. But I believe Drags' quality and greater structure will enable them to pull away in the second half and I would expect to see the game open up considerably in the last quarter. Sadly I will not be playing any part. A nasty clash of heads on Monday night (well, my face, his head) has left me with 11 neat little stitches above the right eye. For those in need of rugby-related needlework in the future, I can thoroughly recommend the Sanitorium.
In Division 3, Select take on Typhoons on the Valley pitches at 3pm while Sequins meet with Comvita City (whoever they may be) at 'THT' (wherever that may be) in Division 4. Bulls take on CWB in Division 5 (HKFC at 1.30pm) and GaIce will meet DEA (HKFC at 4.30pm.) All this weekend's fixtures in the divisions relevant to us are listed below, with the club games in bold.
Finally, don't forget the Walton Brunch on Sunday!
G4S League Fixtures by Division 2008/09
Week 4 - Saturday 8th November 08
Division 1
DeA Tigers v Synovate HKCC, KP, 6.00pm
CBRE Club v Manulife CWB Rams, HKFC, 6.00pm
InProjects Kowloon v Tradition Valley, SKP, 6.00pm
Division 2
Nomads v Synovate HKCC II, KP, 4.30pm
CBRE Club II DRAGONS v CBRE Club III SCORPIONS, HKFC, 3.00pm
Laxton PLA v Tradition Valley Knights, Guangzhou, 2.30pm
Division 3
DeA II v Synovate HKCC III, KP, 3.00pm
Rouse & Co Typhoons v CBRE Club IV SELECT, HV, 3.00pm
SJM Macau v Tradition Valley Mustangs, SKP, 4.30pm
Division 4
Comvita City v CBRE Club SEQUINS, THT, 3.00pm
Gai Wu J v Manulife CWB Pirates, HV, 4.30pm
InProjects Kln Barbars v Tradition Valley Broncos, SKP,3.00pm
Police v University. PBS, 3.45pm
Division 5
DeA III v Synovate HKCC IV, KP, 1.30pm
CBRE Club VI BULLS v Manulife CWB Marines, HKFC, 1.30pm
InProjects Kln Beavers v Tradition Valley Griffins, SKP, 1.45pm
Police Panthers v University II, PBS, 2.30pm
Women’s 15s Division
Club/Gai Wu v DeA, HKFC, 4.30pm
CWB v Abaloon, THT,4.30pm
Monday, November 3, 2008
Never mind the Bledisloe, the Aussies won the Ashes
Above: the Victorious Aussies. The men on the far left and right were the outstanding players of the team. The two in the middle were pretty average, especially Junior, who obligingly hit a rank long hop bowled by a wheezing English prop forward straight down mid-wicket's throat. In the background, you can see Junior's Dad (Senior?).
Above: Ye Noblest English. Unfortunately we were pants. Messrs Robinson and Nazer were the outstanding batting pair but the only way could have won this match is if we had been allowed to bat against our own bowling.
Above: Tim Robinson makes ready to smash another boundary. Robinson's excellent and rather classical batting was the highlight of the England performance. His bowling was another story - ask him to show you the 'mystery' ball which he runs along his back before delivering it.
Above: "Wait until the price hits 50 and then dump everything you've got." Shane Wallis managed to direct trading operations from the point fielding position. Sadly, this affected his focus on the cricket. He recorded a 24-run over (wide-wide-4-4-4-6, 2 runs and no repeats for wides) to Robinson in game 2 and famously declared that Nazer's bowling would be a "goldmine" only to be castled by the same man shortly afterwards. Of course, Wallis is not the first Aussie to suffer a little from hubris. Who can forget Glenn McGrath's "5-0" comment before the 2005 Ashes (turned out he was a series too early) or the rhetoric from the Australian camp about a 30 point margin of victory in the 2007 Rugby World Cup quarter final?
SOMEWHAT PREDICTABLY, Australia trounced England in the inagural Wahu Hong Kong Ashes Pairs Cricket tournament last Friday (October 31). Australia Captain Junior "AB" Naylor had drafted in some fine players in the form of James Shortis and Gary "Gilly" Hill and their all-round strength was too much for a more modestly-talented England team. In truth, the series resembled all too many real Ashes series of my youth - dominance from the Aussies as they build an unassailable advantage, a brief show of defiance from England, then systematic crushing from the Australians.
After humbly appointing myself England Captain, I tried to find some Brearley-like words of wisdom and encouragement before Ian Ridgeway and I took the field to open the batting in the first game. "Chaps," said I. "Let's try and look for scoring opportunities when they offer us width or anything short. But, above all, the way we should avoid getting out at any cost today is to be run out." Five minutes later I had run Ridgeway out twice in one over, leaving us with an embarrassing negative score at one point (each wicket costed the batting team five runs). I am clearly not the judge of a run that I used to imagine myself. Either that or I am very, very slow these days.
Anyhow, England rallied to an apparently defensible 70 runs from our nine overs (there were six players a side and each pair batted for three overs). The Pom effort was led by Tim Robinson, who found effective support from David Nazer in a 4o-ish run partnership from their three overs. Any notion that this would be adequate was short-lived though. The Aussies marched out with grim intent and began to lash our sorry bowling to all parts, with Junior and Gary in particular running riot. England were cheered by the introduction of Phil Millward, our star bowler and first wicket-taker of the day, but even his pacy and accurate deliveries couldn't entirely stem the tide. The Aussies marched off triumphant, finishing with 90-odd runs from their nine overs.
In the second game, we opted to field first and try and chase them down. The innings started wonderfully for England as Aussie opener Kris Marin obligingly smashed Millward's loosener into Robinson's waiting hands. But the Aussie batting line-up continued to pile on the runs despite some tidy off-breaks from Gordon Marsden and Nazer's "ball of the century" that did for the hapless Wallis (poor chap must have been having a shocking off-day because he was yorked by me shortly afterwards). Australia's more senior players also did their part. John Rogers made a tidy contribution with the bat and in the field and Andy Randall enjoyed himself immensely, hoisting his colleague Millward for a six before being cleaned out by the same bowler to leave battle honours even. Randy also attempted to incapacitate your correspondent by releasing the bat after playing one shot, but I am pleased to report that my self-preservation instincts were as sharp as ever and I was able to jump over the flying blade.
Set an imposing 90-ish to win, the England response started at a fair crack with Robinson punishing the bowling and Nazer defending his wicket to leave us on about 35 after three overs. Millward and Marsden played a solid three overs but about 35 were still required from the final three overs. Fellow loosehead Ian Ridgeway and I marched to the "wicket" vowing not to repeat the run-out debacle of the first game and to smash these Aussies around a bit, what. We never stood a chance. Junior, Shortis and Hill had thoroughly mastered the Gray Nicolls "Wonderball" by that point and were swerving the damn thing around like Lewis Hamilton's racecar. We scored a creditable 28 from our three overs but I must confess that only eight of those came from the bat and we had reason more than once to be thankful that there were no LBWs in this format.
After two highly enjoyable, if slightly one-sided games in the afternoon sun, the teams retired to the Sportsman's for fines and awards. Gary Hill and Phil Millward were named players of the series by the opposition. We hope this "dance-off between cricketing lightweights", to use Mike McKee's memorable phrase, will become established as a regular HKFC Rugby Section event and we may even consider holding it on a weekend day or public holiday next time.
Harps
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