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
Showing posts with label drags. Show all posts
Showing posts with label drags. Show all posts
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Crunch Time in Crisp January
Good morning all
Welcome back, happy new year and all of that. I'm sure you will agree this is the very best time of year to be in HK: fresh, clear weather (by our dismal standards) and an invigorating chill in the air. I am beginning to think I might have already been in this fair city too long, though. Temperatures a fraction over 10 degrees celsius hardly put you in danger of frostbite, yet I have started wearing a scarf to work and jogging trousers at training. God only knows what would I would have to wear if I'd been back in England over the last few weeks, where rugby conditions have been like those in the picture below. Better not to think about it.
The rugger's off to an interesting start as well. Club had hoped to hone their gameplan against DEA last weekend and get into their groove before facing up to Valley on Saturday. Unfortunately, DEA hadn't read the script and forced our 1st XV to complete an escape of the kind that would have made Harry Houdini or Steve McQueen proud. Despite having no scrummage to speak of, Nigel Clarke's men were bolstered by the return of several of their leading players and had Club on the rack at 27-15 with three minutes to go.
The fact that Club found themselves in such a perilous situation is worrying: I wasn't able to see the game but I am told that DEA were able to turn over our ruck ball with alarming regularity. But the fact that the team was able to raise its game when staring defeat in the face and find two scores in the dying seconds confirms the strength of character that unquestionably exists within the side. Tries from Dan Watson and Ollie Jones leveled the final scoreline at 27-27, although a last-minute conversion attempt could even have seized an unlikely victory for Club. Amazingly, this was bottom-placed DEA's second draw of the season - they also finished level with HKCC before the break.
Club face a Herculean task against Valley this weekend. Our friendly neighbours are 18 points clear of us at the top of Division one. They have not missed a trick all season, racking up seven wins out of seven and a massive five bonus points. Club will have to find something extra to change the course of this season by beating them on their own ground on Saturday - there is no question of that. Last time the two sides met, Valley played the smarter game - retaining and recycling the ball much better and capitalising on Club's tendency that afternoon to squander good posession and lose discipline. But if Club can find both the driving desire to topple Valley and the clear heads to play to a sensible plan, this game can be theirs. There is so much energy and quality in the Club squad this season. If it can be harnessed, channeled and united, I am certain this team can see off Valley and go all the way in 2009.
Did you know that Dragons are the third-highest scoring team in all of Hong Kong men's rugby so far this season, having accumulated a whopping 300 points? Only Sequins in Division Four with 306 and BMW TPD (?) in Division Six with an incredible 353 have scored more.
But Drags found Scorpions determined to stem the flow last Saturday. After conceding 71 unanswered points in the last encounter between these two sides, Scorps were certainly battling the odds, but a first half display of enormous commitment and some luck (not to mention the siege-gun boot of Mike Glancy at fly-half, who also scored the first try of the match) carried Scorps to a 13-10 advantage at the break. Drags did not make their task any easier by seizing any opportunity to argue with each other throughout the afternoon - I will name no names here! - but their class ultimately shone through. They dominated possession and scored one lovely try in particular through Stevie Matthew that showcased the handling and continuity skills in the team. Although the fire-breathing Dragons threatened to stretch out a lead in the middle of the second half, Scorps had a sting in their tail (get it?), delivering a sharp final quarter to bring the game to a 28-20 close in Drags' favour.
Graham Fleming, Antony Philips, and Alasdair Frost also crossed for Drags, while your correspondent made a tremendous solo run from under his own goal posts, dummied left and right, stepped, jinked, chipped, chased and gathered to score Scorps' second. Actually it was more like I fell over the line from a metre out, but they all count for the same eh?
This game reminded me of the very competitive, combative and hard-fought Scorps v Drags fixtures of my early days in HK - the 2004-2005 season, since you ask. It was fantastic that a genuine Scorps team - albeit with some outstanding newcomers in the ranks - were able to bring this fixture back to a more level playing field.
The afternoon was only marred by injuries to Rob Jones (ankle) and Ian Ridgeway (calf). Scrummages were bizarre all day with four loosehead props in the front row. For the uninitiated, this meant both sides found it hard to secure their own feed cleanly since the two looseheads actually playing at loosehead would always get a drive on, and the two looseheads playing at tighthead weren't able to stop it and hold the scrum steady. Following an hour or more of being bent into all kinds of unpleasant shapes by said Mr Ridgeway, I am resolved to avoid tighthead at all costs in the future and to treat lame excuses from Gary Hamp as to why he can't play there this afternoon (it's my shoulder you see, Harps) with the scepticism they deserve.
That's all for now chaps, see you on Thursday.
Harps
Welcome back, happy new year and all of that. I'm sure you will agree this is the very best time of year to be in HK: fresh, clear weather (by our dismal standards) and an invigorating chill in the air. I am beginning to think I might have already been in this fair city too long, though. Temperatures a fraction over 10 degrees celsius hardly put you in danger of frostbite, yet I have started wearing a scarf to work and jogging trousers at training. God only knows what would I would have to wear if I'd been back in England over the last few weeks, where rugby conditions have been like those in the picture below. Better not to think about it.
The rugger's off to an interesting start as well. Club had hoped to hone their gameplan against DEA last weekend and get into their groove before facing up to Valley on Saturday. Unfortunately, DEA hadn't read the script and forced our 1st XV to complete an escape of the kind that would have made Harry Houdini or Steve McQueen proud. Despite having no scrummage to speak of, Nigel Clarke's men were bolstered by the return of several of their leading players and had Club on the rack at 27-15 with three minutes to go.
The fact that Club found themselves in such a perilous situation is worrying: I wasn't able to see the game but I am told that DEA were able to turn over our ruck ball with alarming regularity. But the fact that the team was able to raise its game when staring defeat in the face and find two scores in the dying seconds confirms the strength of character that unquestionably exists within the side. Tries from Dan Watson and Ollie Jones leveled the final scoreline at 27-27, although a last-minute conversion attempt could even have seized an unlikely victory for Club. Amazingly, this was bottom-placed DEA's second draw of the season - they also finished level with HKCC before the break.
Club face a Herculean task against Valley this weekend. Our friendly neighbours are 18 points clear of us at the top of Division one. They have not missed a trick all season, racking up seven wins out of seven and a massive five bonus points. Club will have to find something extra to change the course of this season by beating them on their own ground on Saturday - there is no question of that. Last time the two sides met, Valley played the smarter game - retaining and recycling the ball much better and capitalising on Club's tendency that afternoon to squander good posession and lose discipline. But if Club can find both the driving desire to topple Valley and the clear heads to play to a sensible plan, this game can be theirs. There is so much energy and quality in the Club squad this season. If it can be harnessed, channeled and united, I am certain this team can see off Valley and go all the way in 2009.
Did you know that Dragons are the third-highest scoring team in all of Hong Kong men's rugby so far this season, having accumulated a whopping 300 points? Only Sequins in Division Four with 306 and BMW TPD (?) in Division Six with an incredible 353 have scored more.
But Drags found Scorpions determined to stem the flow last Saturday. After conceding 71 unanswered points in the last encounter between these two sides, Scorps were certainly battling the odds, but a first half display of enormous commitment and some luck (not to mention the siege-gun boot of Mike Glancy at fly-half, who also scored the first try of the match) carried Scorps to a 13-10 advantage at the break. Drags did not make their task any easier by seizing any opportunity to argue with each other throughout the afternoon - I will name no names here! - but their class ultimately shone through. They dominated possession and scored one lovely try in particular through Stevie Matthew that showcased the handling and continuity skills in the team. Although the fire-breathing Dragons threatened to stretch out a lead in the middle of the second half, Scorps had a sting in their tail (get it?), delivering a sharp final quarter to bring the game to a 28-20 close in Drags' favour.
Graham Fleming, Antony Philips, and Alasdair Frost also crossed for Drags, while your correspondent made a tremendous solo run from under his own goal posts, dummied left and right, stepped, jinked, chipped, chased and gathered to score Scorps' second. Actually it was more like I fell over the line from a metre out, but they all count for the same eh?
This game reminded me of the very competitive, combative and hard-fought Scorps v Drags fixtures of my early days in HK - the 2004-2005 season, since you ask. It was fantastic that a genuine Scorps team - albeit with some outstanding newcomers in the ranks - were able to bring this fixture back to a more level playing field.
The afternoon was only marred by injuries to Rob Jones (ankle) and Ian Ridgeway (calf). Scrummages were bizarre all day with four loosehead props in the front row. For the uninitiated, this meant both sides found it hard to secure their own feed cleanly since the two looseheads actually playing at loosehead would always get a drive on, and the two looseheads playing at tighthead weren't able to stop it and hold the scrum steady. Following an hour or more of being bent into all kinds of unpleasant shapes by said Mr Ridgeway, I am resolved to avoid tighthead at all costs in the future and to treat lame excuses from Gary Hamp as to why he can't play there this afternoon (it's my shoulder you see, Harps) with the scepticism they deserve.
That's all for now chaps, see you on Thursday.
Harps
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Drags keep spirited Nomads scoreless, rack up 56
Above: Nik Brunner (pictured playing against Drags for Scorps) had a typically robust game for Drags against Nomads, lining up some crunching hits in midfield. "I like it when they run straight at me," he commented after the game.From the quill of none other than Condor himself
A good win Saturday (December 6) against Nomads 56 - 0 see's us once again on our winning way. The game was never in doubt however everyone on the day knew that we needed to play to our game plan and execute with discipline and structure. On both these points Drags delivered and we never lost our defensive or attacking shape from start to finish. It has to said that this was a very different Nomads to the guys we played earlier in the year. They had an improved forward pack with a few familiar faces in the front row who originally were PLA players on loan to Causeway Bay. So we did have a game on our hands after all. Also Nomads have a great team spirit which was most evident in the second half when they held us scoreless for good 20 min. We could all learn to fight that hard when we are 26 points down. Well done Nomads.
Drags forwards once again dominated from the front with our trusted front row combination of Horse Nolan, our Captain for the day, Alasdair Frost and Richard Gallagher with Adam Harper also joining in for a strong second half display. Overall the report card would reflect a very solid performance from all of them and the Nomads pack was always on the back foot. We had a new pairing in the lock positions with Rob Jones teaming up with Drags debutant Dan Watson. Both players had strong games with Dan in particular jumping well in the line out and both had a number of strong runs with ball in hand. At the back Marcus Neill back from his stint with the 1's led a strong mobile back row with Andrew Corkery and Hayden Giordine playing at eight.
Hayden in particular played well and managed to bag four tries in a clear cut man of the match display. Congratulations Hayden. In the backs finemaster Junior Naylor always had something to say and kept everyone focused on the task at hand. This week we had Shane Wallis back from injury which was welcomed news leading our 7th centre combination for the season in Leon Scott and David Price. On the wings we had the tried a tested combinations of David Guthrie and Callum Nieto with Dan Parr joining us from the 1's chimming in at fullback. The backline combinations worked well and we always looked in control with some strong runs from Shane leading the way. We had tries from Dan Parr and Callum with the rest coming from the forwards. Who it has to be said acted like backs for most of the game. Hayden four tries, Dan Watson, Alistair and Hewittson all running in one try a piece.
In summary a resounding win and true to the game plan we didn't consider a single point. Well done to the whole team including the reserve bench of Gavin Bowering, Steve Mathews, Adam Harper, Bob Toresco and Rupert Clarke. Without fresh legs coming off the bench we would have stalled at forty points I'm sure so everyone played a vital part in getting us over the half centry. Thank you.
Drags forwards once again dominated from the front with our trusted front row combination of Horse Nolan, our Captain for the day, Alasdair Frost and Richard Gallagher with Adam Harper also joining in for a strong second half display. Overall the report card would reflect a very solid performance from all of them and the Nomads pack was always on the back foot. We had a new pairing in the lock positions with Rob Jones teaming up with Drags debutant Dan Watson. Both players had strong games with Dan in particular jumping well in the line out and both had a number of strong runs with ball in hand. At the back Marcus Neill back from his stint with the 1's led a strong mobile back row with Andrew Corkery and Hayden Giordine playing at eight.
Hayden in particular played well and managed to bag four tries in a clear cut man of the match display. Congratulations Hayden. In the backs finemaster Junior Naylor always had something to say and kept everyone focused on the task at hand. This week we had Shane Wallis back from injury which was welcomed news leading our 7th centre combination for the season in Leon Scott and David Price. On the wings we had the tried a tested combinations of David Guthrie and Callum Nieto with Dan Parr joining us from the 1's chimming in at fullback. The backline combinations worked well and we always looked in control with some strong runs from Shane leading the way. We had tries from Dan Parr and Callum with the rest coming from the forwards. Who it has to be said acted like backs for most of the game. Hayden four tries, Dan Watson, Alistair and Hewittson all running in one try a piece.
In summary a resounding win and true to the game plan we didn't consider a single point. Well done to the whole team including the reserve bench of Gavin Bowering, Steve Mathews, Adam Harper, Bob Toresco and Rupert Clarke. Without fresh legs coming off the bench we would have stalled at forty points I'm sure so everyone played a vital part in getting us over the half centry. Thank you.
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.
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, October 27, 2008
Nomads wander into Dragons' den
Above: Unfortunately Nomads' tackling wasn't this good. Yes I know the photo is from the previous week. But it's a great action shot of Shane and I don't have any from the Nomads game. Photo: Jacky YeungAllow Dragons' own Murray Sargant bring you up to speed with a fine performance on Saturday. I have just two things to add:
- The Nomads were a decent bunch of blokes and it was great that we got them back to the Sportsmans for a pint or two. Given the facilities we have, there is no excuse for not doing this every time we play. Teams with Frenchmen in them are always entertaining. When I asked the guy in the beret and the 'Allez France' t-shirt (or similar) where he was from, he didn't get the joke at all. Ah you rozbifs with your ridiculouse comedie Anglaise...
- The dinner in Shaffi's was a classic and we look forward to the next social after the Scorps game. My moment of the dinner came shortly after we arrived when Andy Noble looked around in puzzlement and then said: "What are we going to do about all the civilians in here?"
Now for the Muzzmeister. If you want a summary, here is his own: "In summary we smashed them."
In a one sided encounter Nomads experienced what it was really like to be in the 2nd Division in Hong Kong. To be fair to Nomads in the second half they did start to play better and they never gave up but overall a convincing and emphatic win for football clubs second team.
Right from the get go Nomads new it was going to be a long afternoon. I was still strapping Andy Noble on the side lines when the first try was scored. I would estimate 40 seconds into the game. From that point onwards the flood gates opened and the rampaging Drags forwards were in particularly devastating form.
Lead from the front by Richard Gallagher and Adam Harper we had a field day in the first half. Gallagher in particular made at least five huge barnstorming runs up the middle of the park which earned him our man of the match award. Congratulations Richard. The Drags forwards dominated! and we had fantastic ball again from the lineout all day. Alasdair is throwing superbly and Graham and Ollie are two of the best jumpers in the club based on current form.
From the back row lead well by our fearless leader and captain Marcus Neil the Nomads defenses were breached on nearly every rushing attack. Well done to Hayden Giordine on his Drags debut and for scoring two excellent tries and also two great tries to Ollie Jones demonstrated well how dominating our backrow was on the day. Also with Alex Charter and Graham Fleming in the engine room and jumping in the lineout our lineout and scrum dominated, winning multiple feeds against the head and many of their line outs. In summary we smashed them.
Our new look backline with Rob Naylor (Junior) at scrum with the addition of Stewart McGraw at centre and Tim Robinson at fullback linked well with Leon Scott, Callum and Shane Harmon and the ever vocal general of the Drags backline Robin Bredbury. Robin and Junior both had good games and had to cover more ground than usual on Saturday as more than five of the seven, first half tries were over six phases of play. Also worthy of note was Callum Nieto's superb kicking display in the first half slotting over seven from seven and scoring three tries, so in total a 29 point haul for the day. Well done.
With the second half came some fresh legs, with Junior retiring after a face full of the great valley sand pit. An old Nomad trick that one. Replaced by Andy Noble, Andy was industrious as always and continued to get the ball out to Robin all afternoon. More substitutions with Yutaka Yazawa, David Price, Charles French, Gareth Wilde and Gordon Marsden all coming on in the second half and playing well. To be fair they had all played a full game for Scorps so we appreciated the extra effort for staying around for us after their game.
To be fair to Nomads they stepped up a gear in the second half but still Drags managed five more tries and Robin took over the kicking late in the day to slot our single conversion of the second half. To be fair Callum's second half kicks were all from the side lines with most of the tries coming from out wide.
In the end a great Drags win with a 76 to 0 score line. To date Drags have amassed an impressive 121 points in three games while only conceding the one try. An impressive start to the season.
We now have the weekend off but training is still on this week. Following some southern hemisphere rugby this weekend we will be taking on Scorps in what should b e a huge local darby. Both teams always lift when playing each other so we will have to have our best game for them in two weeks time.
- The Nomads were a decent bunch of blokes and it was great that we got them back to the Sportsmans for a pint or two. Given the facilities we have, there is no excuse for not doing this every time we play. Teams with Frenchmen in them are always entertaining. When I asked the guy in the beret and the 'Allez France' t-shirt (or similar) where he was from, he didn't get the joke at all. Ah you rozbifs with your ridiculouse comedie Anglaise...
- The dinner in Shaffi's was a classic and we look forward to the next social after the Scorps game. My moment of the dinner came shortly after we arrived when Andy Noble looked around in puzzlement and then said: "What are we going to do about all the civilians in here?"
Now for the Muzzmeister. If you want a summary, here is his own: "In summary we smashed them."
In a one sided encounter Nomads experienced what it was really like to be in the 2nd Division in Hong Kong. To be fair to Nomads in the second half they did start to play better and they never gave up but overall a convincing and emphatic win for football clubs second team.
Right from the get go Nomads new it was going to be a long afternoon. I was still strapping Andy Noble on the side lines when the first try was scored. I would estimate 40 seconds into the game. From that point onwards the flood gates opened and the rampaging Drags forwards were in particularly devastating form.
Lead from the front by Richard Gallagher and Adam Harper we had a field day in the first half. Gallagher in particular made at least five huge barnstorming runs up the middle of the park which earned him our man of the match award. Congratulations Richard. The Drags forwards dominated! and we had fantastic ball again from the lineout all day. Alasdair is throwing superbly and Graham and Ollie are two of the best jumpers in the club based on current form.
From the back row lead well by our fearless leader and captain Marcus Neil the Nomads defenses were breached on nearly every rushing attack. Well done to Hayden Giordine on his Drags debut and for scoring two excellent tries and also two great tries to Ollie Jones demonstrated well how dominating our backrow was on the day. Also with Alex Charter and Graham Fleming in the engine room and jumping in the lineout our lineout and scrum dominated, winning multiple feeds against the head and many of their line outs. In summary we smashed them.
Our new look backline with Rob Naylor (Junior) at scrum with the addition of Stewart McGraw at centre and Tim Robinson at fullback linked well with Leon Scott, Callum and Shane Harmon and the ever vocal general of the Drags backline Robin Bredbury. Robin and Junior both had good games and had to cover more ground than usual on Saturday as more than five of the seven, first half tries were over six phases of play. Also worthy of note was Callum Nieto's superb kicking display in the first half slotting over seven from seven and scoring three tries, so in total a 29 point haul for the day. Well done.
With the second half came some fresh legs, with Junior retiring after a face full of the great valley sand pit. An old Nomad trick that one. Replaced by Andy Noble, Andy was industrious as always and continued to get the ball out to Robin all afternoon. More substitutions with Yutaka Yazawa, David Price, Charles French, Gareth Wilde and Gordon Marsden all coming on in the second half and playing well. To be fair they had all played a full game for Scorps so we appreciated the extra effort for staying around for us after their game.
To be fair to Nomads they stepped up a gear in the second half but still Drags managed five more tries and Robin took over the kicking late in the day to slot our single conversion of the second half. To be fair Callum's second half kicks were all from the side lines with most of the tries coming from out wide.
In the end a great Drags win with a 76 to 0 score line. To date Drags have amassed an impressive 121 points in three games while only conceding the one try. An impressive start to the season.
We now have the weekend off but training is still on this week. Following some southern hemisphere rugby this weekend we will be taking on Scorps in what should b e a huge local darby. Both teams always lift when playing each other so we will have to have our best game for them in two weeks time.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
High Definition Dragons
Above: stepping on an upturned nail can really hurt
Above: Nieto runs frenetically on the spot
Above: Gordon administers a Vulcan death grip to a long-haired assailant in tights
Above: Leon ponders his imminent encounter with the forces of gravity
Above: The Aberdeen winger thought the best way to put Antony off his game would be to tickle him under his chinExcellent photographs of the Dragons playing some champagne rugby on Saturday against Aberdeen, courtesy of Mr Jacky Yeung. Visit: http://www.fotop.net/Lawton/Lawton224
Monday, October 13, 2008
Club, Drags dispatch the Old Enemy
Afternoon all
A quick note from your erstwhile Blogger.
I understand Club, Drags and Scorps were off to winning starts in the first round of the knockout cup (for Club) and first league games at the weekend, with the first two teams putting one over Valley, which is always nice. It certainly seems that there is a bumper crop of talent in the top grades this year and it was good to see new players making their mark at this early stage. I would love to tell you more about the weekend's games but the truth is I was enjoying the delights of Britain's public transport network and wasn't there.
I have, however, gathered analysis from two of Hong Kong rugby's greatest pundits - Alvin Sallay of the South China Morning Post and Murray Sargant Esq, Dragons' team manager. I will slot these into the next post for your eductation, entertainment and edification.
Quintus Maximus (aka Q) has kindly pointed out to me that the Silverware won by Dragons and Ice at the Valley 15s was, of course, not our first of the season. Club and, I believe, Ice were triumphant in the Union 7s. My apologies for any unintentional overshadowing of their achievement. Come to think of it, I saw most of the Club team in Wan Chai the night after, when I had the singular pleasure of seeing Junior dancing. Not sure how I could have forgotten that.
Before I tootle off to training, I would like to bring your attention to a little game of cricket we are planning for the afternoon of Friday 31 October (the day before Bledisloe Saturday). This date began life as a proper fixture against Lamma CC but our pitch fell through so we are bringing this in-house. It is unlikely to be great cricket but it will surely be entertaining...
A quick note from your erstwhile Blogger.
I understand Club, Drags and Scorps were off to winning starts in the first round of the knockout cup (for Club) and first league games at the weekend, with the first two teams putting one over Valley, which is always nice. It certainly seems that there is a bumper crop of talent in the top grades this year and it was good to see new players making their mark at this early stage. I would love to tell you more about the weekend's games but the truth is I was enjoying the delights of Britain's public transport network and wasn't there.
I have, however, gathered analysis from two of Hong Kong rugby's greatest pundits - Alvin Sallay of the South China Morning Post and Murray Sargant Esq, Dragons' team manager. I will slot these into the next post for your eductation, entertainment and edification.
Quintus Maximus (aka Q) has kindly pointed out to me that the Silverware won by Dragons and Ice at the Valley 15s was, of course, not our first of the season. Club and, I believe, Ice were triumphant in the Union 7s. My apologies for any unintentional overshadowing of their achievement. Come to think of it, I saw most of the Club team in Wan Chai the night after, when I had the singular pleasure of seeing Junior dancing. Not sure how I could have forgotten that.
Before I tootle off to training, I would like to bring your attention to a little game of cricket we are planning for the afternoon of Friday 31 October (the day before Bledisloe Saturday). This date began life as a proper fixture against Lamma CC but our pitch fell through so we are bringing this in-house. It is unlikely to be great cricket but it will surely be entertaining...
ELV Productions brings you
AUSTRALIA v ENGLAND
The Hong Kong Ashes Series
Friday October 31, 13:00-16:00, The Hockey Pitch, HKFC
A Three Match Series (or more if time permits) of "World Class" Pairs Cricket following Beach Cricket Rules
Featuring:
Ramsay 'Boony' Carter Ben 'Beefy' Stobart Junior 'The King of Spin' Naylor
And many other notable sportsmen, although we regret that Nick 'Wrong Un' James is now unvailable
AUSTRALIA v ENGLAND
The Hong Kong Ashes Series
Friday October 31, 13:00-16:00, The Hockey Pitch, HKFC
A Three Match Series (or more if time permits) of "World Class" Pairs Cricket following Beach Cricket Rules
Featuring:
Ramsay 'Boony' Carter Ben 'Beefy' Stobart Junior 'The King of Spin' Naylor
And many other notable sportsmen, although we regret that Nick 'Wrong Un' James is now unvailable
About six players a side are already confirmed (these players were in for the game against Lamma) but there are still opportunities to join the teams and take part in our unique interpretation of cricket's oldest rivalry. If you're keen, email me on adamharper01@gmail.com
Ta ta for now
Harps
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Not harping on any more
Good afternoon all. It's a beautiful day outside, the world (at least according the definition of those in the financial services industry) would appear to be staring into the abyss once again and I have found a few moments to bring the old blog up to date. It's a pleasure to reach you via the tremendously clever communication system brought into being by the efforts of club stalwart Brother Paul T. McGee. Did you know that he personally entered everyone's email addresses into the system? Well he did. "If I didn't do it, it wasn't going to happen," says the reclusive billionaire. That's the spirit.
Like an old ocean-going liner, the rugby season is beginning to get underway. However, at the last minute, the HKRFU has taken the rather odd 11th hour decision to play the knockout cup before the league season, meaning there will be no league rugby until November 8. Lord knows why, but there it is. The knockout cup will start when the league had been due to kick off on October 11.
Competitive rugby of a kind began last weekend with the Valley 15s, a competitition that really demonstrates why it is a good idea to reduce team sizes if you cut down match time. Nonetheless, rugby is rugby, and the Club boys will be disappointed to have succumbed to three successive defeats. With a growing casualty list to compound his woes, Coach Quinton Wrigley's blood pressure will be rising well before the real shooting match begins. There was better fortune for Dragons and Ice who won their divisions and claimed the club's first silverware of the season. As I understand Murray Sargant's epistle on the subject, Dragons' final came down to a draw and it had to be decided by a sprint race which 'Usain' Payne won.
On an entirely different subject, I would like to recommend H.E. Andrew Boucher's blog. He does appear to be preoccupied with one issue in particular, but his peerless style and the contributions of some other notable Scorps make this a highly entertaining read. Take a look now on
http://www.rugbyisnotbroken.blogspot.com/
Finally, I have one or two further points to make on the issue of team names, or the absence thereof. Firstly and most importantly, let's be absolutely clear that the greater good of the section is of paramount importance to everyone involved. We all want a system under which teams co-operate as much as possible and in which players play for higher and lower teams than their accustomed team when selected to do so.
But I do not believe that changing the team names is the best way to achieve this - it contributes to the appearance of 'one club' but I'm not so sure about whether it brings that reality any closer. I'm inclined to think that worthy ideal can only be fully achieved if management and the selectors are able to enforce selections by bringing meaningful penalties to bear if people disappear when they are asked to play for a team that is not their preferred one.
At the moment, I believe it is fair to say that a majority of players feel that they have lost something important to their rugby experience without having been consulted on the change. A poll on my previous posting revealed 59% against replacing team names with numbers, 25% in favour and 15% indifferent. There were 32 respondents, which shows you how few people really read the Blog. But I also suspect the majority of these were Club and Drags players. A straw poll of club stalwarts from other teams certainly suggested that there is even stronger support for team names elsewhere in the section.
I admire and support the goal behind this initiative, but I disagree profoundly with the method and, should anyone care, I will not be using the numbers myself. Nor, I suspect, will we see the Sequins' Corner being renamed "The Corner Formerly Known as the Sequins' Corner" (and I can't take credit for that one) or any talk of "Mighty" FC4. In any case, I think there has been more than enough from me on this issue and you will be relieved to hear that I am going to pipe back down and concentrate on rugby.
Harps
Like an old ocean-going liner, the rugby season is beginning to get underway. However, at the last minute, the HKRFU has taken the rather odd 11th hour decision to play the knockout cup before the league season, meaning there will be no league rugby until November 8. Lord knows why, but there it is. The knockout cup will start when the league had been due to kick off on October 11.
Competitive rugby of a kind began last weekend with the Valley 15s, a competitition that really demonstrates why it is a good idea to reduce team sizes if you cut down match time. Nonetheless, rugby is rugby, and the Club boys will be disappointed to have succumbed to three successive defeats. With a growing casualty list to compound his woes, Coach Quinton Wrigley's blood pressure will be rising well before the real shooting match begins. There was better fortune for Dragons and Ice who won their divisions and claimed the club's first silverware of the season. As I understand Murray Sargant's epistle on the subject, Dragons' final came down to a draw and it had to be decided by a sprint race which 'Usain' Payne won.
On an entirely different subject, I would like to recommend H.E. Andrew Boucher's blog. He does appear to be preoccupied with one issue in particular, but his peerless style and the contributions of some other notable Scorps make this a highly entertaining read. Take a look now on
http://www.rugbyisnotbroken.blogspot.com/
Finally, I have one or two further points to make on the issue of team names, or the absence thereof. Firstly and most importantly, let's be absolutely clear that the greater good of the section is of paramount importance to everyone involved. We all want a system under which teams co-operate as much as possible and in which players play for higher and lower teams than their accustomed team when selected to do so.
But I do not believe that changing the team names is the best way to achieve this - it contributes to the appearance of 'one club' but I'm not so sure about whether it brings that reality any closer. I'm inclined to think that worthy ideal can only be fully achieved if management and the selectors are able to enforce selections by bringing meaningful penalties to bear if people disappear when they are asked to play for a team that is not their preferred one.
At the moment, I believe it is fair to say that a majority of players feel that they have lost something important to their rugby experience without having been consulted on the change. A poll on my previous posting revealed 59% against replacing team names with numbers, 25% in favour and 15% indifferent. There were 32 respondents, which shows you how few people really read the Blog. But I also suspect the majority of these were Club and Drags players. A straw poll of club stalwarts from other teams certainly suggested that there is even stronger support for team names elsewhere in the section.
I admire and support the goal behind this initiative, but I disagree profoundly with the method and, should anyone care, I will not be using the numbers myself. Nor, I suspect, will we see the Sequins' Corner being renamed "The Corner Formerly Known as the Sequins' Corner" (and I can't take credit for that one) or any talk of "Mighty" FC4. In any case, I think there has been more than enough from me on this issue and you will be relieved to hear that I am going to pipe back down and concentrate on rugby.
Harps
Sunday, September 21, 2008
The Blog is Back
Gentlemen
The Blog is back for its second season of crisp analysis and aimless banter. There are rumours that we will shortly be taking this content to a newly revamped Rugby Section website masterminded by Brother Paul McGee, who has recently taken a vow of silence, but for the time being, we are live again at http://www.hkfcrugbysection.blogspot.com/.
I am quite happy to take the Blog's content into an official HKFC portal. After all, this Blog has been officially sanctioned from its beginning. And I love the idea that PT is pushing of an integrated web platform for the section: one that will allow information, team lists, results and so on to be easily distributed to the whole section and that will enable the build-up of an invaluable archive of data. But whether we are here or on a new uber-website, the Blog will never become a tame noticeboard for the section's leadership, even though it exists to support, celebrate and inform the HKFC rugby section. I may be a bit of a weapon, but I will never be a tool...
Because it would be a sad day if 'we' at the Blog felt uncomfortable to be critics when criticism is a fair response, either in assessing performances on the pitch, or decisions made in the Club's boardroom, more normally known as the Sportsman's.
Indeed, I would like to start this season's Blog on the offensive. It is my understanding that the noble and ancient team names within the section will be abandoned in favour of depressingly bland team numbers. That is to say: firsts, seconds, thirds and so on. For those new to the club, and for clarity, the six club men's teams, in order, are: Club, Dragons, Scorpions, Select, Sequins and Bulls. The ladies' team is called Ice (and I confess I am not sure what happens to that under the new numbers system).
The reasoning behind abolishing the team names (as if it were possible) is that having team names and strong identities for each team discourages movement of players between the teams and restricts players' and coaches' thinking to their own little world. In short, so the argument goes, the team names are divisive, create silo mentalities and hold back the section as a whole.
It's easy to follow the logic of the argument, but there are two powerful reasons why it is a misguided initiative and destined to immediate failure.
Firstly, consider the motivations of a rugby player taking the field. He or she plays for his or her own pride in what they do; they may play for a coach sometimes; but I believe that, for the largest part, they will play for their team. They will play for the people around them and for the identity of the team and, without wishing to become too prosaic, its spirit. The spirit is created by the people that get together with our player every week to train and play rugby. But the spirit of the past players, in the way that it influences the players still there who remember them and what has gone before, means that every rugby team is, if you like, a distinct fabric into which a large number of personalities, past and present, are woven.
It sounds rather obvious, but the idea of the team is the essential building block of rugby life -its DNA. And a team is not effective as some kind of loose, technical grouping that serves an abstract greater good. When people go out to play, they cannot be expect to think of and play for several hundred other people in the rugby section. They cannot be expected to think of themselves as part of one team of 105 players lining up in seven matches on Saturday. They are part of a squad, a team, that can only give its all in its own game. Ask rugby players to think beyond that, or to play for more than that, and you are missing the point of the game.
The team name is like a flag or battle standard. It's what the captain shouts to rally the team on the pitch. The aura of the name creates a strangely potent bond between the players that it joins together. If you've ever played the game, you will know exactly what I'm talking about. The Club is full of teams that have attracted incredible loyalty down the years and developed quite distinct cultures of their own. These distinctions aren't big but they are important. It's to do with they way you play (or the way you think you play) and the personalities in your team and the kind of chatter they create.
In HKFC, teams have always defined themselves against the other teams, which isn't surprising. Every team - maybe every group of individuals - naturally likes to differentiate itself and stand out. Remember Bulls' red socks; Select's "Mighty" sobriquet and their bauhinia jackets; Sequins' Corner and their preposterous waistcoats; Dragons' sense of us-against-the-world-when they were the Dvision One whipping boys and no-one wanted to play for them. When I thought I would have to leave Hong Kong a couple of years ago, the-then Scorpions captain wrote me a very kind letter with a Scorps' letterhead and implored me to remember that I would always be a Scorp.
I clearly remember one player declaring to anyone who would care to listen at a Captain's Dinner that he "embodied the spirit of Bulls." I have no idea what he meant (although I bet I would if I were a Bull) but it's hard to imagine anyone saying "I embody the spirit of co-operation across the rugby section" and feeling proud of it. It's a worthy ideal, but it's empty when we consider why we play the game. We all love the rugby section as a whole and we all want the whole Club to do well. It's just that we play for a team, not a section, and that team should have a name, an identity and a spirit.
The second reason follows on from that and is less fundamental, less philosophical and more practical. It won't work. At a very simple level, people will continue to use these team names for ever and aye. I went to university in a city where the biggest, nastiest and best nightclub was still called Sindie's despite the fact that it had been called about three other things in the twenty-odd years since it was last Sindie's. When people like names, they stick.
And it's not going to alter players' willingness or ability to move up the teams. There are plenty of players in the Club and Dragons teams today who started in Scorps, Select and Bulls. Good and committed players will always be ambitious to play for the best team that they can.
Nor, I fear, is such a cosmetic change going to alter coaches' attitudes much. Coaches are naturally dedicated to their own team, and so they should be. I don't think the following conversation will ever happen:
Coach A: Right, I am delighted that four of my best players have been asked to play for the team above me. It's always a great pleasure to support the section as a whole. May I ask you if you will kindly provide me with your four best players to replace them?
Coach B: Why, certainly good sir. It would be my honour.
Nope, there will always be wrangling and fighting and coaches trying to hang on to their best players. It was ever thus. But it will essentially work as it always has - the best players will move up as demand requires. It hasn't always happened as quickly as it should have, but it happens.
Alright, for anyone still listening, that is the end of my rant. I would be very interested to hear from anyone who feels differently and can assure you I will start writing about rugby again soon.
In the meantime, please let us (and the section) know how you feel about these changes by voting in the poll below...
Harps
The Blog is back for its second season of crisp analysis and aimless banter. There are rumours that we will shortly be taking this content to a newly revamped Rugby Section website masterminded by Brother Paul McGee, who has recently taken a vow of silence, but for the time being, we are live again at http://www.hkfcrugbysection.blogspot.com/.
I am quite happy to take the Blog's content into an official HKFC portal. After all, this Blog has been officially sanctioned from its beginning. And I love the idea that PT is pushing of an integrated web platform for the section: one that will allow information, team lists, results and so on to be easily distributed to the whole section and that will enable the build-up of an invaluable archive of data. But whether we are here or on a new uber-website, the Blog will never become a tame noticeboard for the section's leadership, even though it exists to support, celebrate and inform the HKFC rugby section. I may be a bit of a weapon, but I will never be a tool...
Because it would be a sad day if 'we' at the Blog felt uncomfortable to be critics when criticism is a fair response, either in assessing performances on the pitch, or decisions made in the Club's boardroom, more normally known as the Sportsman's.
Indeed, I would like to start this season's Blog on the offensive. It is my understanding that the noble and ancient team names within the section will be abandoned in favour of depressingly bland team numbers. That is to say: firsts, seconds, thirds and so on. For those new to the club, and for clarity, the six club men's teams, in order, are: Club, Dragons, Scorpions, Select, Sequins and Bulls. The ladies' team is called Ice (and I confess I am not sure what happens to that under the new numbers system).
The reasoning behind abolishing the team names (as if it were possible) is that having team names and strong identities for each team discourages movement of players between the teams and restricts players' and coaches' thinking to their own little world. In short, so the argument goes, the team names are divisive, create silo mentalities and hold back the section as a whole.
It's easy to follow the logic of the argument, but there are two powerful reasons why it is a misguided initiative and destined to immediate failure.
Firstly, consider the motivations of a rugby player taking the field. He or she plays for his or her own pride in what they do; they may play for a coach sometimes; but I believe that, for the largest part, they will play for their team. They will play for the people around them and for the identity of the team and, without wishing to become too prosaic, its spirit. The spirit is created by the people that get together with our player every week to train and play rugby. But the spirit of the past players, in the way that it influences the players still there who remember them and what has gone before, means that every rugby team is, if you like, a distinct fabric into which a large number of personalities, past and present, are woven.
It sounds rather obvious, but the idea of the team is the essential building block of rugby life -its DNA. And a team is not effective as some kind of loose, technical grouping that serves an abstract greater good. When people go out to play, they cannot be expect to think of and play for several hundred other people in the rugby section. They cannot be expected to think of themselves as part of one team of 105 players lining up in seven matches on Saturday. They are part of a squad, a team, that can only give its all in its own game. Ask rugby players to think beyond that, or to play for more than that, and you are missing the point of the game.
The team name is like a flag or battle standard. It's what the captain shouts to rally the team on the pitch. The aura of the name creates a strangely potent bond between the players that it joins together. If you've ever played the game, you will know exactly what I'm talking about. The Club is full of teams that have attracted incredible loyalty down the years and developed quite distinct cultures of their own. These distinctions aren't big but they are important. It's to do with they way you play (or the way you think you play) and the personalities in your team and the kind of chatter they create.
In HKFC, teams have always defined themselves against the other teams, which isn't surprising. Every team - maybe every group of individuals - naturally likes to differentiate itself and stand out. Remember Bulls' red socks; Select's "Mighty" sobriquet and their bauhinia jackets; Sequins' Corner and their preposterous waistcoats; Dragons' sense of us-against-the-world-when they were the Dvision One whipping boys and no-one wanted to play for them. When I thought I would have to leave Hong Kong a couple of years ago, the-then Scorpions captain wrote me a very kind letter with a Scorps' letterhead and implored me to remember that I would always be a Scorp.
I clearly remember one player declaring to anyone who would care to listen at a Captain's Dinner that he "embodied the spirit of Bulls." I have no idea what he meant (although I bet I would if I were a Bull) but it's hard to imagine anyone saying "I embody the spirit of co-operation across the rugby section" and feeling proud of it. It's a worthy ideal, but it's empty when we consider why we play the game. We all love the rugby section as a whole and we all want the whole Club to do well. It's just that we play for a team, not a section, and that team should have a name, an identity and a spirit.
The second reason follows on from that and is less fundamental, less philosophical and more practical. It won't work. At a very simple level, people will continue to use these team names for ever and aye. I went to university in a city where the biggest, nastiest and best nightclub was still called Sindie's despite the fact that it had been called about three other things in the twenty-odd years since it was last Sindie's. When people like names, they stick.
And it's not going to alter players' willingness or ability to move up the teams. There are plenty of players in the Club and Dragons teams today who started in Scorps, Select and Bulls. Good and committed players will always be ambitious to play for the best team that they can.
Nor, I fear, is such a cosmetic change going to alter coaches' attitudes much. Coaches are naturally dedicated to their own team, and so they should be. I don't think the following conversation will ever happen:
Coach A: Right, I am delighted that four of my best players have been asked to play for the team above me. It's always a great pleasure to support the section as a whole. May I ask you if you will kindly provide me with your four best players to replace them?
Coach B: Why, certainly good sir. It would be my honour.
Nope, there will always be wrangling and fighting and coaches trying to hang on to their best players. It was ever thus. But it will essentially work as it always has - the best players will move up as demand requires. It hasn't always happened as quickly as it should have, but it happens.
Alright, for anyone still listening, that is the end of my rant. I would be very interested to hear from anyone who feels differently and can assure you I will start writing about rugby again soon.
In the meantime, please let us (and the section) know how you feel about these changes by voting in the poll below...
Harps
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Calling Time with the Captain
Friends, Romans, Countrymen, Australians
It may have occurred to you (as it has to one whingeing old git who will not be named here) that the Blog has been a little quiet lately. Guilty. And it's not as if there has been nothing to write about: Club have wrapped up their season with a magnificent win over HKCC to win the Cup as well as the league, and Drags replicated that performance with an utterly defiant showing against Kowloon's Division One team. I will post Murray "Inimitable" Sargant's comments on Dragons' finest hour shortly. My only excuse is that I have been busier than Stobart lately, and we all know he is the world's busiest man.
El Capitano, Tony George has kindly contributed some reflections on this season of marvels for HKFC, below. Hope you enjoy them. After posting Murray's write-up (a mere fortnight late), I will be sending the Blog into hibernation for the summer. May I say that it has been a pleasure to be your Blogger this season and that I have really appreciated not only the compliments that you have favoured the Blog with, but also the complaints. When you are summoned to Sequins corner on matchday to debate the heaviest ever Club front row, you know you're making an impact...
Bring on victory in 2008-09!
Have a great summer.
Harps
From Tony George, Club Captain
So, Harps has asked me to indulge his fabulous blog with some personal reflections on the season. I’ll endeavour to oblige, so long as you’ll forgive the slightly scattergun approach…
The Captain’s Dinner. I have to admit to having been slightly nervous about this, my first as skipper. I also really, really don’t like public speaking. I shouldn’t have worried – not only were the audience very kind, they weren’t listening, so it was all OK. In all seriousness, this was a top night and it was great to see players from throughout the Club mixing and chundering together. And, even if I say so myself, my heave over the VIP table was a special moment.
Atmosphere. I dunno about you, but I found this year to be much more welcoming and inclusive. I still don’t think we’re quite where I’d like us to be, but that just makes next year even more exciting.
Guangzhou. On a personal note, this season was my first trip up to take on the PLA. Ok, so the pitch is awful, the facilities are, well, there are no facilities bar the Golden Arches, but the train trip back makes up for everything. In time honoured fashion, the streakers shall remain nameless; suffice to say that man bags will always make me think of rice wine…
Winning. Which we seem to have managed a lot of. I’ll spare you the list. Actually, no I bloody well won’t: Bulls won the Kowloon X’s, Club and Drags both did the double, Select won the third, the GAIce won everything and the U14s were bloody fabulous.
Fine sessions. See above. The one before Miss Kowloon may have been a little over the top. Some may even say that it contributed to the eventual fate of poor old Miss Conversion. I don’t know, as I can’t remember – yet another get home at 6am clutching three Sausage & Egg McMuffins and a Fillet O Fish kind of a night.
Q smiling. Well, he had to in the end. Didn’t you see Hobler’s attempted chip in the Final?
Dodgeball. Same again next year?
Drop goals. They became a fixation for a while, Stobart nailing one from dead in front of the posts with a 13 man overlap outside him. And then the Firsts caught the bug, with some just silly ones in the last few games. I suppose, when you’re winning, even Scots think they’re Jonny…
Beating Valley. We managed that a lot this year, and the three times in Div 1 were fun. Apparently they think we’re Scum. Bless. We just think they’re not all that good. Better luck next year.
The really personal. I turned 30 (yes it was a tough paper round) got married and started as Section skipper in the space of a month. Must learn to spread things out more in future.
The highlight. Had to really struggle to come up with one defining moment of a season that contained so many special moments, but the display the Drags put on in the Knockout Final against Kowloon was truly exceptional. They swarmed everything, ran everywhere and really put bodies on the line. Superb win.
And with that, just a few thanks for the season. Big thanks to the committee (you know who you are), ably led by the little Irish fella, who do much more behind the scenes than anybody realises. The Coaches and Managers have also been tireless in generally getting stuff done, and the Season’s triumphs wouldn’t have happened without them. finally, of course, the players – it’s all about you, after all.
It may have occurred to you (as it has to one whingeing old git who will not be named here) that the Blog has been a little quiet lately. Guilty. And it's not as if there has been nothing to write about: Club have wrapped up their season with a magnificent win over HKCC to win the Cup as well as the league, and Drags replicated that performance with an utterly defiant showing against Kowloon's Division One team. I will post Murray "Inimitable" Sargant's comments on Dragons' finest hour shortly. My only excuse is that I have been busier than Stobart lately, and we all know he is the world's busiest man.
El Capitano, Tony George has kindly contributed some reflections on this season of marvels for HKFC, below. Hope you enjoy them. After posting Murray's write-up (a mere fortnight late), I will be sending the Blog into hibernation for the summer. May I say that it has been a pleasure to be your Blogger this season and that I have really appreciated not only the compliments that you have favoured the Blog with, but also the complaints. When you are summoned to Sequins corner on matchday to debate the heaviest ever Club front row, you know you're making an impact...
Bring on victory in 2008-09!
Have a great summer.
Harps
From Tony George, Club Captain
So, Harps has asked me to indulge his fabulous blog with some personal reflections on the season. I’ll endeavour to oblige, so long as you’ll forgive the slightly scattergun approach…
The Captain’s Dinner. I have to admit to having been slightly nervous about this, my first as skipper. I also really, really don’t like public speaking. I shouldn’t have worried – not only were the audience very kind, they weren’t listening, so it was all OK. In all seriousness, this was a top night and it was great to see players from throughout the Club mixing and chundering together. And, even if I say so myself, my heave over the VIP table was a special moment.
Atmosphere. I dunno about you, but I found this year to be much more welcoming and inclusive. I still don’t think we’re quite where I’d like us to be, but that just makes next year even more exciting.
Guangzhou. On a personal note, this season was my first trip up to take on the PLA. Ok, so the pitch is awful, the facilities are, well, there are no facilities bar the Golden Arches, but the train trip back makes up for everything. In time honoured fashion, the streakers shall remain nameless; suffice to say that man bags will always make me think of rice wine…
Winning. Which we seem to have managed a lot of. I’ll spare you the list. Actually, no I bloody well won’t: Bulls won the Kowloon X’s, Club and Drags both did the double, Select won the third, the GAIce won everything and the U14s were bloody fabulous.
Fine sessions. See above. The one before Miss Kowloon may have been a little over the top. Some may even say that it contributed to the eventual fate of poor old Miss Conversion. I don’t know, as I can’t remember – yet another get home at 6am clutching three Sausage & Egg McMuffins and a Fillet O Fish kind of a night.
Q smiling. Well, he had to in the end. Didn’t you see Hobler’s attempted chip in the Final?
Dodgeball. Same again next year?
Drop goals. They became a fixation for a while, Stobart nailing one from dead in front of the posts with a 13 man overlap outside him. And then the Firsts caught the bug, with some just silly ones in the last few games. I suppose, when you’re winning, even Scots think they’re Jonny…
Beating Valley. We managed that a lot this year, and the three times in Div 1 were fun. Apparently they think we’re Scum. Bless. We just think they’re not all that good. Better luck next year.
The really personal. I turned 30 (yes it was a tough paper round) got married and started as Section skipper in the space of a month. Must learn to spread things out more in future.
The highlight. Had to really struggle to come up with one defining moment of a season that contained so many special moments, but the display the Drags put on in the Knockout Final against Kowloon was truly exceptional. They swarmed everything, ran everywhere and really put bodies on the line. Superb win.
And with that, just a few thanks for the season. Big thanks to the committee (you know who you are), ably led by the little Irish fella, who do much more behind the scenes than anybody realises. The Coaches and Managers have also been tireless in generally getting stuff done, and the Season’s triumphs wouldn’t have happened without them. finally, of course, the players – it’s all about you, after all.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Drags reach Knockout Cup Final
From the inimitable Murray Sargant...
VICTORY FOR DRAGS 18 CWB 15. What can be said it was a hard fought last minute win and the sort of game you expect when Causeway Bay who needed a win to salvage some pride from a disappointing season came up against a confident Drags team having just won the 2nd Division title. Right from the opening kick off we new it was going to be a long afternoon. Semi was in impactful form and the CWB game plan seemed fairly clear. Give it to Semi and kick deep into Drags half. Drags to their credit weathered the opening 10 min and replied in emphatic form with a length of the field try that started on our own 22 and went through 7 pairs of hands before finally Callum ran over to score in the corner. Drags up by 5. CWB didn't lie down and they soon came back with a couple of penalties to keep them in the game. The game then became a hard fought mid field tussle with no one wanting to back down. We entered the second half leading by just a few points. This was short-lived as CWB pounced on a loose ball and ran in a try, it had to be said against the run of play. Never the less Drags now found themselves behind for the first time in the game. Full credit to the lads who remained positive and pushed hard to get back down the CWB end of the field. This was proving a great challenge as CWB continued to apply pressure and the penalty count against Drags was mounting as the ref forgot to call ruck and let CWB dive into every ruck off their feet. Thing's didn't look good for Drags with CWB applying all the pressure when from turnover ball in the line out Carny flicked a ball out the back of a ruck to young Adam Raby standing on his own 22 meter line. Raby then dodged and weaved to the halfway line before chipping over the entire CWB pack and re gathering and setting off for a great sprint down the far touchline scoring under the posts. Drags went wild as the try put us three points clear of CWB with 5 min to play. Drags 15 CWB 12. One last twist however kept us fighting till the very end. CWB came back at us and sure enough Drags were penalised yet again on our own 10 meter line right in front. Back came CWB to level the scores with 3 min to play. Drags 15, CWB 15. The final phase of the game was all Drags. The never say never attitude really shone through and the pressure on the CWB defense intensified. Drags looked to be on the brink of scoring and with a final push Carny our creative prop chipped over the top. Would have been a huge fine under normal circumstances but he did manage to roll the CWB player over to our side of the ensuing ruck which resulted in a penalty to Drags right in front. Raby cool as you like slotted the penalty and in doing so booked Drags into the final of the Knockout Cup for Division 2. Well done and congratulations for a great game.
VICTORY FOR DRAGS 18 CWB 15. What can be said it was a hard fought last minute win and the sort of game you expect when Causeway Bay who needed a win to salvage some pride from a disappointing season came up against a confident Drags team having just won the 2nd Division title. Right from the opening kick off we new it was going to be a long afternoon. Semi was in impactful form and the CWB game plan seemed fairly clear. Give it to Semi and kick deep into Drags half. Drags to their credit weathered the opening 10 min and replied in emphatic form with a length of the field try that started on our own 22 and went through 7 pairs of hands before finally Callum ran over to score in the corner. Drags up by 5. CWB didn't lie down and they soon came back with a couple of penalties to keep them in the game. The game then became a hard fought mid field tussle with no one wanting to back down. We entered the second half leading by just a few points. This was short-lived as CWB pounced on a loose ball and ran in a try, it had to be said against the run of play. Never the less Drags now found themselves behind for the first time in the game. Full credit to the lads who remained positive and pushed hard to get back down the CWB end of the field. This was proving a great challenge as CWB continued to apply pressure and the penalty count against Drags was mounting as the ref forgot to call ruck and let CWB dive into every ruck off their feet. Thing's didn't look good for Drags with CWB applying all the pressure when from turnover ball in the line out Carny flicked a ball out the back of a ruck to young Adam Raby standing on his own 22 meter line. Raby then dodged and weaved to the halfway line before chipping over the entire CWB pack and re gathering and setting off for a great sprint down the far touchline scoring under the posts. Drags went wild as the try put us three points clear of CWB with 5 min to play. Drags 15 CWB 12. One last twist however kept us fighting till the very end. CWB came back at us and sure enough Drags were penalised yet again on our own 10 meter line right in front. Back came CWB to level the scores with 3 min to play. Drags 15, CWB 15. The final phase of the game was all Drags. The never say never attitude really shone through and the pressure on the CWB defense intensified. Drags looked to be on the brink of scoring and with a final push Carny our creative prop chipped over the top. Would have been a huge fine under normal circumstances but he did manage to roll the CWB player over to our side of the ensuing ruck which resulted in a penalty to Drags right in front. Raby cool as you like slotted the penalty and in doing so booked Drags into the final of the Knockout Cup for Division 2. Well done and congratulations for a great game.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
No more worlds to conquer?
Short and Sweet Message from Tony George, Club Captain
Select managed to clinch the Third Division on Saturday. They beat Police 37-10, securing the bonus point necessary to put Valley Mustangs under pressure. Sure enough, they couldn't manage enough points against Kowloon Pussies, so Select take the title on points difference.
***********************************************************************************
So that's it then (this is Harps again, by the way, although you had surely already noticed the improvement in style). HKFC completes what is believed to be an unprecedented clean sweep of Divisions One, Two and Three. As our esteemed Captain pointed out, his first season at the helm "could have gone worse." Now that it's happened, there is a certain sense of inevitability about this tremendous achievement - it now seems that anything less would simply have been disappointing. And, of course, in a sense, it would have been. HKFC has been blessed this year with a large pool of committed, talented players across all divisions: if we had not brought that strength to bear, we could justifiably regarded it as a failure.
I think that's the burden of "big" teams everywhere, whether that means the All Blacks on the international stage, or the club with the best player resources and facilities in an amateur league. And we've seen how the expectation cripples the ABs when it matters, and how all of their talent, all of their resources and all of the support they have from a rugby-mad nation is not quite enough when they are confronted by, if I may, more committed, more cohesive teams in knockout situations.
I'm not here to knock the ABs (although it does have its pleasures), but - on a much more modest scale - Club have often been victims of a similar dynamic in the past. As the team with the biggest player group, the best facilities and the highest expectation levels, they have been outfaced by teams from smaller clubs playing with more hunger, more togetherness and the enormous motivation of beating The Establishment. Not so any more. Club have taken the enormous step forward of combining their historic strengths with a new intensity and drive. The coaching staff and all the players can take enormous credit for that, and the rest of Hong Kong rugby should be afraid.
In a fever of excitement, the great darts commentator Sid Waddell once said of the-then young darts champion Eric Bristow: "When Alexander of Macedonia was 33 he cried salt tears because there were no more worlds to conquer - Bristow is only 27." Like Bristow at that time, a mainly young Club team have carried all before them in Hong Kong. So what next?
Well, first and foremost, there is a knockout cup final to be played against HKCC at King's Park on Saturday. There is a point to prove here: HKCC have beaten Club 2-1 in three matches this season, although one of Aberdeen's victories was later overturned because of an improperly registered player. Club have an opportunity to (i) set the record straight against HKCC and (ii) wrap up the knockout cup in addition to the league championship. And this should not be missed.
In the long term, it will be critical that Club does not sit back and bask in the reflected glory of 2007-08 for more than a few weeks. Otherwise they risk falling into the trap that claimed England after they won the RWC in 2003. Great teams do not win one-off championships - they dominate for a generation, or a generation's sporting equivalent.
The season is not over for Dragons either: they must face Division One side Causeway Bay on Saturday. It is unquestionably within Drags' power to beat CWB, who struggled badly in Division One this season, and go on to a "glory" final against Kowloon (providing they beat PLA). The structure of this knockout competition makes it a hiding to nothing for the teams from the higher division: win and no-one is impressed; lose and it's embarrassing. But for the teams playing up, it's a real chance to make a point. Drags can do this, and argue their Division One credentials to the powers that be.
All the best for now
Harps
Select managed to clinch the Third Division on Saturday. They beat Police 37-10, securing the bonus point necessary to put Valley Mustangs under pressure. Sure enough, they couldn't manage enough points against Kowloon Pussies, so Select take the title on points difference.
***********************************************************************************
So that's it then (this is Harps again, by the way, although you had surely already noticed the improvement in style). HKFC completes what is believed to be an unprecedented clean sweep of Divisions One, Two and Three. As our esteemed Captain pointed out, his first season at the helm "could have gone worse." Now that it's happened, there is a certain sense of inevitability about this tremendous achievement - it now seems that anything less would simply have been disappointing. And, of course, in a sense, it would have been. HKFC has been blessed this year with a large pool of committed, talented players across all divisions: if we had not brought that strength to bear, we could justifiably regarded it as a failure.
I think that's the burden of "big" teams everywhere, whether that means the All Blacks on the international stage, or the club with the best player resources and facilities in an amateur league. And we've seen how the expectation cripples the ABs when it matters, and how all of their talent, all of their resources and all of the support they have from a rugby-mad nation is not quite enough when they are confronted by, if I may, more committed, more cohesive teams in knockout situations.
I'm not here to knock the ABs (although it does have its pleasures), but - on a much more modest scale - Club have often been victims of a similar dynamic in the past. As the team with the biggest player group, the best facilities and the highest expectation levels, they have been outfaced by teams from smaller clubs playing with more hunger, more togetherness and the enormous motivation of beating The Establishment. Not so any more. Club have taken the enormous step forward of combining their historic strengths with a new intensity and drive. The coaching staff and all the players can take enormous credit for that, and the rest of Hong Kong rugby should be afraid.
In a fever of excitement, the great darts commentator Sid Waddell once said of the-then young darts champion Eric Bristow: "When Alexander of Macedonia was 33 he cried salt tears because there were no more worlds to conquer - Bristow is only 27." Like Bristow at that time, a mainly young Club team have carried all before them in Hong Kong. So what next?
Well, first and foremost, there is a knockout cup final to be played against HKCC at King's Park on Saturday. There is a point to prove here: HKCC have beaten Club 2-1 in three matches this season, although one of Aberdeen's victories was later overturned because of an improperly registered player. Club have an opportunity to (i) set the record straight against HKCC and (ii) wrap up the knockout cup in addition to the league championship. And this should not be missed.
In the long term, it will be critical that Club does not sit back and bask in the reflected glory of 2007-08 for more than a few weeks. Otherwise they risk falling into the trap that claimed England after they won the RWC in 2003. Great teams do not win one-off championships - they dominate for a generation, or a generation's sporting equivalent.
The season is not over for Dragons either: they must face Division One side Causeway Bay on Saturday. It is unquestionably within Drags' power to beat CWB, who struggled badly in Division One this season, and go on to a "glory" final against Kowloon (providing they beat PLA). The structure of this knockout competition makes it a hiding to nothing for the teams from the higher division: win and no-one is impressed; lose and it's embarrassing. But for the teams playing up, it's a real chance to make a point. Drags can do this, and argue their Division One credentials to the powers that be.
All the best for now
Harps
Friday, February 15, 2008
Knocking on Heaven's Door
Life has returned to normal. Chinese New Year's been and gone. Skiing/golfing/lying on a beach/boozing is done and dusted and we're back to rugby weekends. You know what that means. Q will wear a perpetual frown. Tim Griffin will get yellow-carded (well, he would if he was playing). The Sequins will be in their corner, sadly reflecting on how the game has changed and ordering another beer. PT McGee will shout mild comments of gentle encouragement from the stands.
And what a day it could (should) be. Club can make their Division One title safe by despatching DEA. Drags face a battle royale with Scorps, but will be crowned Division Two champions if they triumph. Should Select win heavily against Kowloon Pussies, they stay in with a shout in Division Three. Indeed, Club increasingly resembles Ancient Rome in its pomp - every continent (for that read division) fears the force of our arms. And then it's Andy Malbon's Stag, and Miss Kowloon...and Saturday night.
The stakes are high, though. Will it be veni, vidi, vici and Cluba Victa or will those damned Barbarians come and sack the Colisseum in Sports Road? Club (and I mean the 1s now) are tantalisingly close to victory, but DEA will sense the opportunity to really spoil the party. There will be no room for hubris and complacency will be fatal. The same applies to Drags. Form goes out of the window in Club Derbies. If Club and Drags want to win the Laurel Wreath and ascend into elysium as champions, then they will have to play like champions, by Jupiter. And that, I promise you, is as far as I will stretch the Roman analogy. We who are about to play salute you!
See you at the Club.
Harps
Teams below...
CBRE Club v DEA Tigers
HKFC, Saturday 16 February, 5.30pm
1. Pete Spizzirri
2. Tom Cameron
3. Nigel Hobler
4. Angus Washington
5. Steve Matthew
6. Tim Edgar
7. Jared Smith (AQ)
8. Nathan Johnson (N)
9. Peter McKee (N)
10. Pat Foreman (N)
11. Dan Parr
12. Nigel D'Acre
13. Richard Rouse
14. Andrew Chambers
15. Mike McKee (AQ)
Bench
Adam Harper
Chris Howard
Dean Finnegan
Phil Reid
James Kibble
Junior Naylor
Callum Nieto
Tim Robinson
Adam Raby (AQ)
Ed Johnson
Colin Begg (AQ)
CBRE Club Dragons v CBRE Club Scorpions
HKFC, Saturday 16 February, 4pm
1. Adam Harper
2. Duncan Robertson
3. Gary
4. Chris Howard
5. Ramsay Carter (C)
6. TBA/Andrew Corkery
7. Marcus
8. Dean Finnegan
9. Phil Reid
10. Junior Naylor / James Kibble
11. Callum Nieto
12. Robin Bredbury
13. Tibbett
14. Raby
15. Ed Johnson
Bench
Junior Naylor / James Kibble
Richard Gallagher
And what a day it could (should) be. Club can make their Division One title safe by despatching DEA. Drags face a battle royale with Scorps, but will be crowned Division Two champions if they triumph. Should Select win heavily against Kowloon Pussies, they stay in with a shout in Division Three. Indeed, Club increasingly resembles Ancient Rome in its pomp - every continent (for that read division) fears the force of our arms. And then it's Andy Malbon's Stag, and Miss Kowloon...and Saturday night.
The stakes are high, though. Will it be veni, vidi, vici and Cluba Victa or will those damned Barbarians come and sack the Colisseum in Sports Road? Club (and I mean the 1s now) are tantalisingly close to victory, but DEA will sense the opportunity to really spoil the party. There will be no room for hubris and complacency will be fatal. The same applies to Drags. Form goes out of the window in Club Derbies. If Club and Drags want to win the Laurel Wreath and ascend into elysium as champions, then they will have to play like champions, by Jupiter. And that, I promise you, is as far as I will stretch the Roman analogy. We who are about to play salute you!
See you at the Club.
Harps
Teams below...
CBRE Club v DEA Tigers
HKFC, Saturday 16 February, 5.30pm
1. Pete Spizzirri
2. Tom Cameron
3. Nigel Hobler
4. Angus Washington
5. Steve Matthew
6. Tim Edgar
7. Jared Smith (AQ)
8. Nathan Johnson (N)
9. Peter McKee (N)
10. Pat Foreman (N)
11. Dan Parr
12. Nigel D'Acre
13. Richard Rouse
14. Andrew Chambers
15. Mike McKee (AQ)
Bench
Adam Harper
Chris Howard
Dean Finnegan
Phil Reid
James Kibble
Junior Naylor
Callum Nieto
Tim Robinson
Adam Raby (AQ)
Ed Johnson
Colin Begg (AQ)
CBRE Club Dragons v CBRE Club Scorpions
HKFC, Saturday 16 February, 4pm
1. Adam Harper
2. Duncan Robertson
3. Gary
4. Chris Howard
5. Ramsay Carter (C)
6. TBA/Andrew Corkery
7. Marcus
8. Dean Finnegan
9. Phil Reid
10. Junior Naylor / James Kibble
11. Callum Nieto
12. Robin Bredbury
13. Tibbett
14. Raby
15. Ed Johnson
Bench
Junior Naylor / James Kibble
Richard Gallagher
Friday, January 18, 2008
It Matters Now
First of all, apologies for a very disappointing blogging output this week. I have tried to persuade my bosses that I add value by posting these musings on the noble game of rugby, but they remain far from convinced. Indeed, they remain far from convinced that I add value at all...
But here I am and here we are with the match of the season ahead of us tomorrow. This fixture is the pinnacle of rugby in Hong Kong: it's our answer to Lewis v Tyson at boxing, England v Australia at cricket and the Ryder Cup - all rolled into one. It's Club v Valley, live and exclusive at HKFC, 6pm. The very prospect is enough to get the blood going...
Yes, we are very different Clubs. Yes, you can argue that we are the "establishment," with our superb facilities and large player base, and that they are the "alternative establishment" with a similarly large number of players and a very strong social aspect. Indeed, people from both sides would make a number different claims for their own sides and criticisms of the other. For as long as I have been playing against Valley for HKFC, the rallying call has always been a reminder that this is Valley we're facing here boys so pull your finger out. This kind of local tension is natural but none of it really explains why this rivalry - and tomorrow's fixture - are so important.
All that counts here is that Club and Valley have the best two rugby union teams in Hong Kong, and that they are each other's true benchmarks. The hot air and cultural rubbish can go out of the window. Club and Valley know tomorrow's game is the biggest challenge available in the Territory as teams and for individual players. That's why it matters so much.
For Club, tomorrow will represent the biggest test of the season. They could still very well go on to win the league even if they lose, but it will have given Valley a sniff after two successive defeats this season by Club. A win, on the other hand, will have an effect that would be greater than the sum of the points received. To use a boxing analogy, a win would make Club the undisputed champion by virture of an unprecedented three knock-out victories against their opponent this season. It will serve notice of Club's superiority to the rest of Division One and effectively close off the season. Lose, and Club will have hard work to do for the rest of the season, the more so if the loss is bad.
In Other News: All Black great Ian Jones stopped by to help Club with their training session last night. The big man gave the forwards some great insights into line-out play, including tactics for bringing down the line-out jumper - something I had never even thought about (once they're up, they can look after themselves...). However, Jones had met his match in his Club equivalent, Tim Griffin. "When you're going straight up at two," Griffin informed the most-capped New Zealand lock in history, "it's all about speed."
Dragons scraped past Aberdeen 17-12 in a scrappy old game last Saturday, Scorpions put up a much-improved performance against PLA. Drags were somewhat ragged after the Christmas and New Year break and played some pretty brainless rugby at times (myself included - I promise NEVER, EVER to try a miss-pass again). Drags will need to work hard if they are to continue their unbeaten run against a strong PLA outfit next weekend and are not helped by the absence of a fixture tomorrow, although several players are likely to have game-time for Club.
The Tens Dinner tomorrow night promises to be great smash (especially if we beat Valley) - hope to see you there!
Harps
CBRE Club v Crown Valley
HKFC, 19 January 2008, 6pm
1. Pete Spizzirri
2. Tom Cameron
3. Nigel Hobler
4. Angus Washington
5. Tim Griffin
6. Rupert Clarke
7. Tim Edgar
8. Robert Mills
9. Peter McKee
10. Pat Foreman
11. Callum Neito
12. Nigel D'Acre
13. Richard Rouse
14. Andrew Chambers
15. Mike McKee (AQ)
Replacements:
Adam Harper
Steve Matthew
Dean Finnegan
James Kibble
Tim Robinson
Adam Raby (AQ)
Colin Begg (AQ)
But here I am and here we are with the match of the season ahead of us tomorrow. This fixture is the pinnacle of rugby in Hong Kong: it's our answer to Lewis v Tyson at boxing, England v Australia at cricket and the Ryder Cup - all rolled into one. It's Club v Valley, live and exclusive at HKFC, 6pm. The very prospect is enough to get the blood going...
Yes, we are very different Clubs. Yes, you can argue that we are the "establishment," with our superb facilities and large player base, and that they are the "alternative establishment" with a similarly large number of players and a very strong social aspect. Indeed, people from both sides would make a number different claims for their own sides and criticisms of the other. For as long as I have been playing against Valley for HKFC, the rallying call has always been a reminder that this is Valley we're facing here boys so pull your finger out. This kind of local tension is natural but none of it really explains why this rivalry - and tomorrow's fixture - are so important.
All that counts here is that Club and Valley have the best two rugby union teams in Hong Kong, and that they are each other's true benchmarks. The hot air and cultural rubbish can go out of the window. Club and Valley know tomorrow's game is the biggest challenge available in the Territory as teams and for individual players. That's why it matters so much.
For Club, tomorrow will represent the biggest test of the season. They could still very well go on to win the league even if they lose, but it will have given Valley a sniff after two successive defeats this season by Club. A win, on the other hand, will have an effect that would be greater than the sum of the points received. To use a boxing analogy, a win would make Club the undisputed champion by virture of an unprecedented three knock-out victories against their opponent this season. It will serve notice of Club's superiority to the rest of Division One and effectively close off the season. Lose, and Club will have hard work to do for the rest of the season, the more so if the loss is bad.
In Other News: All Black great Ian Jones stopped by to help Club with their training session last night. The big man gave the forwards some great insights into line-out play, including tactics for bringing down the line-out jumper - something I had never even thought about (once they're up, they can look after themselves...). However, Jones had met his match in his Club equivalent, Tim Griffin. "When you're going straight up at two," Griffin informed the most-capped New Zealand lock in history, "it's all about speed."
Dragons scraped past Aberdeen 17-12 in a scrappy old game last Saturday, Scorpions put up a much-improved performance against PLA. Drags were somewhat ragged after the Christmas and New Year break and played some pretty brainless rugby at times (myself included - I promise NEVER, EVER to try a miss-pass again). Drags will need to work hard if they are to continue their unbeaten run against a strong PLA outfit next weekend and are not helped by the absence of a fixture tomorrow, although several players are likely to have game-time for Club.
The Tens Dinner tomorrow night promises to be great smash (especially if we beat Valley) - hope to see you there!
Harps
CBRE Club v Crown Valley
HKFC, 19 January 2008, 6pm
1. Pete Spizzirri
2. Tom Cameron
3. Nigel Hobler
4. Angus Washington
5. Tim Griffin
6. Rupert Clarke
7. Tim Edgar
8. Robert Mills
9. Peter McKee
10. Pat Foreman
11. Callum Neito
12. Nigel D'Acre
13. Richard Rouse
14. Andrew Chambers
15. Mike McKee (AQ)
Replacements:
Adam Harper
Steve Matthew
Dean Finnegan
James Kibble
Tim Robinson
Adam Raby (AQ)
Colin Begg (AQ)
Thursday, November 22, 2007
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
Friday, November 16, 2007
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
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
Monday, November 12, 2007
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.
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.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Drags smash Aberdeen at SKP
From Drags Team Manager, Murray Sargant
HKFC Dragons 51-7 HKCC
An outstanding result on the weekend against Aberdeen.
This weekend was not looking all that great for us as CJ and I worked hard on pulling the team together all week. Firstly on Thursday night Grewers hurt his neck and was not up to playing and secondly on game day itself Robin pulled up lame with a nagging calf strain. Luckily for Drags we called on Phil Reid and Shoey to fill the gaps and they didn’t disappoint. Unfortunately that did leave us with one reserve for the game itself but luckily it was super sub David Gutherie.
It became apparent early on that our pack was in a dominant frame of mind and the front row of Babis, Kim and Harper made sure that the Aberdeen scrum was going to have a long day in the office. We turned over at least four of their feeds and on our put in we were rock solid. This meant that we had heaps of procession and the result was some excellent pressure leading to the first try from Callum in left hand corner.
After that it was the turn of the Drags lineout to have a go. They didn’t disappoint with Tim jumping at 2 and Corks at 4 we dominated the air and made every lineout competitive. Plenty of quality ball for Phil Reid to distribute and the backline which didn’t disappoint. Raby was in confident form and looked dangerous every time he touched the ball. Two great tries from out wide and Aberdeen even with their star centre from the 1st were on the rack. Raby then did a Wilkinson and had an unsuccessful attempted at drop goal from just inside the halfway line. Won’t repeat what CJ thought of this use of the ball but you cant hold back the confidence of youth. He then went onto score three tries and set up a fourth so CJ felt all was forgiven. Stobart take note if you miss a drop goal you better score three tries.
Going into the half we felt comfortable and that resulted in our only lapse of the game. We were throwing the ball around from side to side and sure enough one of our passes got intercepted. The backs then recovered well bringing the Aberdeen centre down on the 22 meter line. However with quick ball and some fast rucks Aberdeen eventually got the ball back to their large centre who went over from close range. The resulting try and conversion really got Drags fired up and that meant more trouble for Aberdeen for the remaining second half.
The backs then really opened up with a second try to Callum on the wing. This was the try of the day as Callum raced down the right touch line Aberdeen seemed to have him covered. A little extra gas from Callum and a nice step made the Aberdeen defence hesitate and then the fullback went high. Callum brushed him off and managed to stay well inside the touch line for great solo try. The rest of the afternoon had Andy Yip get on the score board with two touch downs and also another for Raby and one each for Ramsey and Shannon finished off the 9 try wrought. The only negative was that Corkery got nailed in the ribs from a very hard hit in one of our many attacking moves. The result was three broken ribs and a painful end of the game for Corks. He is fine although he will need the next few weeks to get his ribs back in shape. I can confirm that straight after the hit and while he couldn’t breath his first words were “ I want to punch that fucker” Summed up the spirit in the team that day with everyone giving 110%.
By far the strongest game of the year from Drags despite not having a bench sorry David as you did get a run so we ended the game with no bench. The fact we never let up and kept scoring and putting the pressure on was excellent. We had starring performances right across the park with Raby leading the try count, Peyton and Shannon driving up the middle, Edgar and Corks in the air but the Man of the Match as voted by CJ and Ramsey as Captain was Phil Reid. Phil played a fantastic solid game in attack and was the fourth member of the backrow cleaning up any forwards that wanted to run in his direction. A great performance from him, a very worthy winner in what was a great day for Drags.
Well done to the entire team. A Superb effort.
HKFC Dragons v HKCC
Saturday 27 August, 3.00pm, SKP
1. Adam Harper
2. Kim Cau
3. Damien Babis
4. Peyton Burnett
5. Ramsey Carter(C) (try)
6. Shannon Ford (try)
7. Andrew Corkery
8. Tim Edgar
9. Phil Reid
10. Ben Harris
11. Adam Raby (3 tries)
12. Simon Shoebridge
13. Andy Yip (2 tries)
14. Callum Nieto (2 tries)
15. Ed Cosgrove
Replacement: David Gutherie
HKFC Dragons 51-7 HKCC
An outstanding result on the weekend against Aberdeen.
This weekend was not looking all that great for us as CJ and I worked hard on pulling the team together all week. Firstly on Thursday night Grewers hurt his neck and was not up to playing and secondly on game day itself Robin pulled up lame with a nagging calf strain. Luckily for Drags we called on Phil Reid and Shoey to fill the gaps and they didn’t disappoint. Unfortunately that did leave us with one reserve for the game itself but luckily it was super sub David Gutherie.
It became apparent early on that our pack was in a dominant frame of mind and the front row of Babis, Kim and Harper made sure that the Aberdeen scrum was going to have a long day in the office. We turned over at least four of their feeds and on our put in we were rock solid. This meant that we had heaps of procession and the result was some excellent pressure leading to the first try from Callum in left hand corner.
After that it was the turn of the Drags lineout to have a go. They didn’t disappoint with Tim jumping at 2 and Corks at 4 we dominated the air and made every lineout competitive. Plenty of quality ball for Phil Reid to distribute and the backline which didn’t disappoint. Raby was in confident form and looked dangerous every time he touched the ball. Two great tries from out wide and Aberdeen even with their star centre from the 1st were on the rack. Raby then did a Wilkinson and had an unsuccessful attempted at drop goal from just inside the halfway line. Won’t repeat what CJ thought of this use of the ball but you cant hold back the confidence of youth. He then went onto score three tries and set up a fourth so CJ felt all was forgiven. Stobart take note if you miss a drop goal you better score three tries.
Going into the half we felt comfortable and that resulted in our only lapse of the game. We were throwing the ball around from side to side and sure enough one of our passes got intercepted. The backs then recovered well bringing the Aberdeen centre down on the 22 meter line. However with quick ball and some fast rucks Aberdeen eventually got the ball back to their large centre who went over from close range. The resulting try and conversion really got Drags fired up and that meant more trouble for Aberdeen for the remaining second half.
The backs then really opened up with a second try to Callum on the wing. This was the try of the day as Callum raced down the right touch line Aberdeen seemed to have him covered. A little extra gas from Callum and a nice step made the Aberdeen defence hesitate and then the fullback went high. Callum brushed him off and managed to stay well inside the touch line for great solo try. The rest of the afternoon had Andy Yip get on the score board with two touch downs and also another for Raby and one each for Ramsey and Shannon finished off the 9 try wrought. The only negative was that Corkery got nailed in the ribs from a very hard hit in one of our many attacking moves. The result was three broken ribs and a painful end of the game for Corks. He is fine although he will need the next few weeks to get his ribs back in shape. I can confirm that straight after the hit and while he couldn’t breath his first words were “ I want to punch that fucker” Summed up the spirit in the team that day with everyone giving 110%.
By far the strongest game of the year from Drags despite not having a bench sorry David as you did get a run so we ended the game with no bench. The fact we never let up and kept scoring and putting the pressure on was excellent. We had starring performances right across the park with Raby leading the try count, Peyton and Shannon driving up the middle, Edgar and Corks in the air but the Man of the Match as voted by CJ and Ramsey as Captain was Phil Reid. Phil played a fantastic solid game in attack and was the fourth member of the backrow cleaning up any forwards that wanted to run in his direction. A great performance from him, a very worthy winner in what was a great day for Drags.
Well done to the entire team. A Superb effort.
HKFC Dragons v HKCC
Saturday 27 August, 3.00pm, SKP
1. Adam Harper
2. Kim Cau
3. Damien Babis
4. Peyton Burnett
5. Ramsey Carter(C) (try)
6. Shannon Ford (try)
7. Andrew Corkery
8. Tim Edgar
9. Phil Reid
10. Ben Harris
11. Adam Raby (3 tries)
12. Simon Shoebridge
13. Andy Yip (2 tries)
14. Callum Nieto (2 tries)
15. Ed Cosgrove
Replacement: David Gutherie
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