On Saturday March 5th Nanjing Rockets RFC travelled to Shanghai to compete in the first round of the newly formed All China 15’s Cup. Nanjing has been placed in the eastern division with two teams progressing out of each division to compete in the finals. The Eastern Division comprises of two tournaments, the first being in shanghai and the second being in Nanjing on March the 19th.

In the first round Nanjing found them selves up against Hangzhou Harlequins RFC, after looking the stronger of the two teams Nanjing took a slender lead into the break to be up 3-0. The Rockets were looking to build on the territory and possession they had enjoyed and get some more points on the bored which they did to open up a 10point gap. Disappointingly they were unable to keep control of the game and allowed the Harlequins straight back in and with less then a minute on the clock Harlequins stole possession inside their 22 to run the entire pitch to score a winning try.

For the second and final game of the day the Nanjing Rockets were pitted against The Shanghai Dolphins, This was played at a high tempo with both teams looking to score early on but it was evident both teams had been on an extended break as fatigue set in and play got scrappy.

Shanghai dolphins made the most out of their possession and ran in two tries, Nanjing were unable to respond and the game finished 14-0. The first phase of the All China 15’s Cup was an excellent event and everyone Nanjing are very excited to be hosting the second half of the Eastern Divison competition. Mathematically Nanjing are not out and with it being a home tournament will be looking to put in two very strong performances against Shanghai Silver Dragons and Suzhou Late Knights on Saturday March 19th.