Yes, another rugby post. I watched probably the best match I have seen for the Pirates (the 4th Div Causeway Bay team). They were very similar to the Gai Wu team that they took on, and it was a fast moving, high points match that they won, but it could easily have gone the other way had it not been for some flying tackles made out near the wing. The support play was incredible and the ball was quick and passed from one set of hands to another down the pitch as Gai Wu scrambled to make all their tackles. It was back and forth with such pace that it almost seemed like an ice hockey match with the hits and constant attacking from both teams. I was racing up and down the far side of the pitch as I scrambled to find a front row seat to the action.
Then I was off to watch the Valley women take on Football Club/Gai Wu. Most of the Causeway Bay Phoenix had come to the match. We were curious to see what the two teams looked like from a viewer standpoint, and we also were heavily invested in the match. If Football Club/Gai Wu gained bonus points with their win, then they would take over number one in the rankings. The number two team would have a steep uphill battle to the finals while the first place team had an easier time. To our shock and delight Valley won the match! Whoa whoa whoa!
It was the best women's game I have seen played on Hong Kong soil, including national team play. Valley, which I have regarded as deep in individual talent (and the biggest of all players) but lacking in cohesion got their acts together and it was a sight to behold. They supported each other the way that they needed to, and seemed more confident than I have ever seen them. Club, on the other hand, seemed unsure, which I have never experienced. I have seen smug, confident, even condescending behavior, but the nervousness was new. Their scrum half, who is usually strong in leadership and nasty to opposition, felt pressured to resort to more than just nasty behavior and received a yellow card. She evened this out by faking a trip by the Valley captain later on, during a penalty quick tap, and having her sent off. It was a very convincing dive, especially since the referee did not see her swerving to run straight into the other girl on the ground and then sprawl over at his feet. This was very costly to Valley because it led to a FC/GW try that took the game to seven points after a considerable lead by Valley. Valley was slowly letting up while FC/GW were keeping it together like the well drilled team they were, adding to the tension on the sidelines.
When the final whistle blew, the crowd erupted. More Valley men were there to support the women than Football Club, despite the venue being held at FC. Coupled with the Phoenix women, the crowd was decidedly for the away team, which must have stung. I felt a bit sorry for the FC/GW women. It stings to lose, but they all played very well. Well enough to make me take notice and write down a few thoughts on how they played and what we need to make sure to do.
So now we are number one thanks to Valley. This means that we will play Aberdeen/Kowloon next week while FC/GW and Valley have a rematch, as they are two and three. Our team is split down the middle on who will meet us in the finals (if we win). I think we will see FC/GW make it through. They are just too well drilled to not make the needed dramatic changes, while Valley is still developing and will be a huge threat in the future.
Then I was off to watch the Valley women take on Football Club/Gai Wu. Most of the Causeway Bay Phoenix had come to the match. We were curious to see what the two teams looked like from a viewer standpoint, and we also were heavily invested in the match. If Football Club/Gai Wu gained bonus points with their win, then they would take over number one in the rankings. The number two team would have a steep uphill battle to the finals while the first place team had an easier time. To our shock and delight Valley won the match! Whoa whoa whoa!
It was the best women's game I have seen played on Hong Kong soil, including national team play. Valley, which I have regarded as deep in individual talent (and the biggest of all players) but lacking in cohesion got their acts together and it was a sight to behold. They supported each other the way that they needed to, and seemed more confident than I have ever seen them. Club, on the other hand, seemed unsure, which I have never experienced. I have seen smug, confident, even condescending behavior, but the nervousness was new. Their scrum half, who is usually strong in leadership and nasty to opposition, felt pressured to resort to more than just nasty behavior and received a yellow card. She evened this out by faking a trip by the Valley captain later on, during a penalty quick tap, and having her sent off. It was a very convincing dive, especially since the referee did not see her swerving to run straight into the other girl on the ground and then sprawl over at his feet. This was very costly to Valley because it led to a FC/GW try that took the game to seven points after a considerable lead by Valley. Valley was slowly letting up while FC/GW were keeping it together like the well drilled team they were, adding to the tension on the sidelines.
When the final whistle blew, the crowd erupted. More Valley men were there to support the women than Football Club, despite the venue being held at FC. Coupled with the Phoenix women, the crowd was decidedly for the away team, which must have stung. I felt a bit sorry for the FC/GW women. It stings to lose, but they all played very well. Well enough to make me take notice and write down a few thoughts on how they played and what we need to make sure to do.
So now we are number one thanks to Valley. This means that we will play Aberdeen/Kowloon next week while FC/GW and Valley have a rematch, as they are two and three. Our team is split down the middle on who will meet us in the finals (if we win). I think we will see FC/GW make it through. They are just too well drilled to not make the needed dramatic changes, while Valley is still developing and will be a huge threat in the future.
Comments