Drags v Scorps - a jolly afternoon

Evening all

Bit of, er, fun on Saturday for Dragons and Scorpions (final score around 35-12 to Drags but don't quote me on that). Scorps came out firing with all the guts and application you would expect from a team bearing that name, and from any team billed as the underdog in an intra-HKFC derby. Drags may not be happy with the manner of their victory but they walked away league champs after Valley succumbed to PLA 23-20.

In particular, I would like to offer the front-rower's salute to the men of the Scorps front row: Messrs Wong, Nazer, Kim and Browne, who fronted up admirably. While Drags had the upper hand in the scrummage, this determined band and the rest of the Scorps pack tested them every step of the way - and came back at the Drags with interest on occasion.

Apart from that, it was a scrappy, aggressive, niggly and rather disjointed match, full of venom but strangely muted as a contest compared to some of the Scorps v Drags superclasicos of old. I don't think the referee enjoyed it either - he kept blowing his whistle to try and liven it up. I tried to cheer him up a bit by asking what was the only thing worse than refereeing a club side? Refereeing two of course. But he wasn't really in the mood for my outstanding banter so I let it drop.

The game was really only notable for being Andy Boucher's last match for HKFC - for the Bouchers are off to the USA - and for the debut of a young man from New Zealand called Sam, who terrorised the Scorps from number eight and who I doubt will be playing much more for Dragons if he stays in Hong Kong. Sam is a friendly, amiable soul unless you happen to be anywhere near him on a rugby pitch as part of the opposing team. Then he would be better named Samageddon. After a few contact situations with him on Monday in which I came off marginally second best, I would counsel a very low body position and the advantage of a long run-up to his future opponents. But he seems like a bl*ody useful chap to have on your side, so welcome, Sam.

Furthermore, a strong Select side also celebrated victory in Division 3, beating Macau 25-21, while Sequins were likewise crowned champs in Division 4 with a hefty win over Causeway Bay.

Harps

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.