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The Police Panthers kicked-off their rugby season with a wet and hard sevens event at Happy Valley on October 14. Captain Brian Yung reports.
The Hong Kong Football Union Heineken Sevens signalled a wet and muddy start to the rugby season, seeing a draw and three losses for the Police Panthers.
Despite appalling conditions from a heavy morning of rain, the ardent team sprang into action seeking an early lead in their first game, up against the HK U19's. Their top co-ordinated effort gave the swift and lean Panthers the first try. But the young and energetic HK U19 boys fought back hard against a tight defence and slipped past to level the match at 5-all. The score remained unchanged at the final whistle.
The ground was waterlogged and made worse by players stomping randomly on slippery ground. However, adrenalin rose high on the sidelines with Panthers supporters barracking boisterously for their boys and heckling referees, who at their best missed out on some fundamental and important decisions.
Hardly deterred by the first game draw, the gung-ho Panthers re-grouped for a full comeback in their second match of the day, this time against the Valley Griffins. They endured a long, hard battle with impressive ball handling from veteran "Kung Fu" Yau Chin-wah and courageous tackling from "Fei Mooi" Li Wing-wah. The three-man pack of Wong Wai-yung, Bruce Mak Tak-choi and Lee Kit-ming bulldozed their way into many muddy mauls and rucks. By this time, the ball was dead and buried in the murky swamp, and the referee had a hard time trying to figure out which players to penalise as they were all covered in the brown mud slick. The game ended with the Panthers defeated 7-0.
After a short break, the Police side strode on for their third match against the Nomads. A top effort was seen in Andy Lau Tin-sang's sidestepping skills, but it failed to get past the hard Nomad defence. Defensive catching was also seen from fullback "Mark I" Tam Chu-hin. Despite a concerted stalking effort, the Panthers allowed their prey to win 17-0.
The fourth and final game against DeA II was an entertaining one, with a great performance from Panthers dad-and-son combination "Checkers" Bud Kwai-ming and Bud Ka-chung.
DeA II's forwards were surprised by the bold drive of "Gurkha" Chu Chung-fai darting directly into opponents twice his size, and an excellent display of skill and tact came from scrum-half Roy Ho Cham-sum. Good efforts from "Happy" Wong Wing-hang and Tsang Ming-sum were also seen. After the final whistle, the Panthers managed to lose 5-12.
Last but not least, credit goes to Panthers staunch supporter and first-aid guy "Bonesetter" Ho Kam-yin, with his magic spray, water bottles and first-aid kit.
The Panthers are always on the watch for new players. If you are interested in learning to play rugby, come along to Panthers training sessions at the Police Sports and Recreation Club on Wednesdays at 5.30 pm. Or contact skipper Brian Yung on 2860-3217.
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