Saturday 22nd October – Typhoon Haima causes a bit of a stir.
With Fortress So Kon Po washed out by several days of downpour, it was left to HK’s artificial tracks to host a limited service of rugby. The Tempest, Pirates and Contenders all treated themselves to an extra half of shandy on the Friday night as their games were always destined to be canned.
The Marines led the charge on their must-win game against HKFC Expendables, at Sandy Bay after the previous week's disappointment. The initial scare about a typhoon-related cancellation faded as the skies cleared and the match kicked off to a brisk start. The Marines got down to business quickly with an early try by Kevin Yu. But a defensive lapse soon allowed the opposition to pull one back. Thereafter, the Marines were on song with the forwards dominant in ball possession and incisive runs from the centres and wings. Two tries from Renaud Charbonnel and one each from Tim Haywood and Dan Tabatabai ensured a bonus point victory for the Marines. Etienne Paumier’s conversions and 1 penalty kept the score board ticking. Final score:36-5 Man of the Match: Dan Alfassi. Words by Umesh Desai
In the KPMG Women’s Premiership, the Phoenix lost our narrowly to HKFC Ice. Read the match report here, courteous of BC Magazine. http://www.bcmagazine.net/bc/2016/10/27/match-report-hkfc-ice-22-14-cwb-phoenix-kings-park-22-october-2016/
Saturday 29th October
The scholarly Loxi had a huge win over East Kowloon on Saturday, overpowering the men from t’other side of the harbor 62-0. The win launches them to second place in the NL7 standings on 11 points. Their league counterparts the Contenders had a bye.
Down at So Kon Po, the Marines had a different experience. Playing at home versus a much younger and fitter opposition, they had a disappointing day at the office. HK Scottish CU took advantage of the Marines' defensive lapses and cruised to a comfortable 29-0 win. A lot of homework to do for the Marines with lineouts and tackling needing particular attention. On the other hand, the scrums and mauls were solid, the good work should continue. The Marines look forward to the next challenge and judging by how quickly the team sheet is filling up - morale remains high. Man of the match: Clement Chan. Words by Umesh Desai.
The week’s rest did no good for the Pirates as they went down 31-7 to HKFC Sequins. However, they remain comfortably in third place of NL4. The Tempest were up against league toppers, University, who had yet to lose a match. On the auspicious day of Halloween, University did not know what was brewing. The Tempest playing like the undead, with the strength of the Kraken and the aggressiveness of Cerberus, quickly asserted themselves in the game. Two quick converted tries with only a penalty to answer. The second half saw a more balanced battle with both sides playing for territory. University looked like they were finally going to cross the whitewash after some hard play up field, when a breakaway try sealed their fate and wrecked their moral. The only question left in the game was whether Tempest could get the bonus point... which sadly went astray. CWB’s First XV find themselves mid-table, with many of their lower placed foes up next. Words by Guido Phillips
The Lammergeier of WNL2 ran out winners 20-12 v Gai Wu Hawks, the Phoenix backed this up with a 12-0 victory over Kowloon Ladies.
Fixtures for Saturday 5th November
Tempest v DB Pirates, 3pm @ THT
Pirates v Tai Po Dragons, 1.30pm @ THT
Marines v TSW Pandas 2XV, 4.30pm @ TSW
Contenders v University Freshmen, 3pm @ SB
Loxi v City 4XV, 1.30 @ Fortress SKP
Phoenix v BYE
Lammergeier v Kowloon Ladies 2XV, 4.30 @ KGV

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