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 >The big bad Bills were sweet Williams after the Rams' slaughter |
Police Old Bill skipper B.J. Smith reports on the team's rugby wallop of Guangzhou's Rams at the Police Sports and Recreation Club on June 24
Following a recent tour of the Old Bill to Guangzhou it was the turn of the Rams to come to Hong Kong and play us on our home turf.
Having been beaten quite soundly the last time around mainly due to the dominance in the forwards, we knew it would be a hard match. However with the likes of big Steve Tarrant and veteran hooker Dave Lewis we were in with a shout.
Trying to escape the heat we kicked-off at 5 pm and from the first whistle it was committed rugby. Blond Frenchmen Paul Renouf opened up the scoring for the Old Bill, the muscular second rower bulldozing his way through three of their players before an all too easy conversion from the talented boot of Dereck Boyden.
The match continued to go the Force's way with Robbie McRobbie putting in a salmon-like performance, totally dominating the line-out ball.
The Rams then gave away a silly penalty which gave Police the chance to try a move they had been rehearsing all season.
Jim Walker gathered the ball and side-stepped two players then threw it wide to speedster Dave Grant who changed up a gear and left the fullback standing in his wake.
Police were now 14-0 up and really enjoying the day. The pressure continued with big lock Rod Colson proving his worth with some impressive ball handling, launching a long spin pass which went a full 40 yards before being gathered up by paceman Tobi Lothian who sailed over the line for the third try before halftime.
It was no time to relax though as I used my tactical experience and knowledge of the game to make a few changes, with the local lads in fine form bringing tries from "Kung Fu" Yau Chin-wah and "Gurkha" Chu Chung-fai. Now the game was way beyond doubt.
The Rams did score on two occasions, but by the end of play the Police squad had added another two tries by Ewan Douglas (playing for the final time and named 'man of the match') and Jon Morgan who never misses a chance when close to the posts.
With Boyden's silken conversions, the final score came to Old Bill 45 - Rams 12. A great day for all concerned, and as discussed over a few ales, the Rams will be ready and waiting in Guangzhou for the rematch.
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