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HK Potbellied Pigs win plate in Manilla
05/09/10
SATURDAY - A DAY OF CONSOLIDATION
The entire squad met at a pre-determined location for the team briefing and tactical discussions on Friday night. The bad news was that the Lites' first game was at 08.24 on Saturday morning whilst the Heavies' first game was at 13.26. This meant that the entire squad had to leave the hotel at 07.00 in order to brave the fierce Manila traffic and arrive at the ground in time. Some tourists appear to have decided that the only was to make the bus in time was not to go to bed. Whilst this was a valiant sentiment, hindsight would probably indicate that this may have not been the best strategy.
The Lites' first game was against one of the local sides, the Alabang Ibons; full of fast young players who had been training at school all week and who were not old enough to drink. The Lites' started off well and scored an early try but after a minute of play it was clear that the heat, lack of fitness and humidity was taking its toll on our players. The game plan was cast aside and we played a game which was akin to a cross between netball and touch rugby. These tactics were not too successful and we lost to the narrowest of margins; 19 - 5.
The next two games showed that the Lites could play San Miguel rugby and we beat the Baretto Blues and our sister club, The Arabian Pot Bellies. However, as The Arabian Pot Bellies had beaten the Alabang Ibons all three teams were tied at the top of the pool and this resulted in determination of the pool standings based on point differences. We were third which incurred the severe penalty of an 08.00 start on Sunday.
The Heavies were more fortunate with their later start and this was apparent in their first game against the Pyrenees French Asian Barbarians where, due to a cooling of the temperature to a mere 38 degrees centigrade in the shade, the Heavies notched up a large number of tries. Equally impressive were the wins over the Flying Elvises and Valley RFC. The Heavies were looking good and finished top of their pool. This had the advantage of a later start on Sunday but meant promotion from the Bowl Competition to the Plate Competition.
The team awards ceremony was held on Saturday night, everyone cognisant of the fact that the bus was due to leave at 07.00 on Sunday!! One or two players had an early night .......... one or two players did not!
SUNDAY - A DAY OF ACHIEVEMENT
The bus left shortly after 07.00. Well done and thanks to everyone who made the effort to get up at 06.30, check out of the hotel and make the bus. The Lites were due to play our old rivals, HKFC Scorpions Second Team. We arrived at the ground early to start warm up exercises and to discuss tactics. Five minutes to go and no sign of the opposition ..... a walk over was a distinct possibility. The Scorpions arrived. It was difficult to assess which team had been out latest and had drunk the most. This was a finely balanced game and such details could determine the eventual winners. The chaps from Scorpions Second Team are a very social lot and it would appear that they did not make the game and kindly let their mates from Scorpions First Team play in their stead - or that's what it appeared. The Lites rose to the occasion like scum on a pint of Newcastle Brown Ale and proceeded to demonstrate lethargic skills at the Newcastle Brown Ale skill level. They lost and were out of the tournament at 08.14. What were they to do for the rest of the day????
The Heavies started their quarter final of the Plate much later and demolished Para Todu Rugby Club from Guam in spectacular style. Things were looking good. The semi final was against HKFC Scorpions First Team (or maybe their second team - who knows?). It may well have been their second team as the Heavies scored six or more tries and exacted revenge for the loss suffered by the Lites earlier.
The final of the Plate loomed with an mouth-watering clash against the Taipei Baboons. On paper the Heavies were the clear favourites, despite the defection of the hooker to the Taipei Baboons. Apparently he had never played for a team which had won something and did not want to change this! The final started well in subdued light in front of a baying crowd of assorted species. The Heavies quickly scored three tries and it looked as if a rout of the Taipei Baboons was to ensue. However, the Heavies made heavy work of the second half and really tried their best to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. They were saved by the final whistle and won 17 - 14.
A great day of achievement and celebration. CX 902 took the winning team back to Hong Kong.
My unofficial Piggie player of the tournament was Iain Fyffe for his weaving runs and sound tackling. All of the Heavies played well and I think that just about everyone scored, except maybe PB Softie!
Thanks are due to a number of people:
The Committee and those who helped organise the tour
The sponsors, Telstra International and Playmore International
Mercy and Rogues
The Lites for getting up at 06.30 on Sunday
All players and supporters for their effort and commitment
Anyone else who thinks they deserve thanks.
We do have other events this week.
The Kowloon Rugbyfest at King's Park this Wednesday. Be there for 10.00
The Bali Memorial Game this Friday at the Hong Kong Football Club. Be there for 12.30 or so.
The Hong Kong Sevens - see you there??