Tries by Jack Metters and Luke Van Der Smit kept Herbert Smith Freehills HKU Sandy Bay in this very physical contest, on the scoreboard, but HKFC pulled away eventually through a string of penalties from Glynn Hughes who took the opportunities whenever they came and ended up with a 27 point haul for the day.
Conversely, the Bay hammered away and showed forward dominance and occasional flair from the backs but ultimately, the HKFC defence was resolute and able to repel the raids. Time spent in the red-zone did not convert to points and frustration started to creep in as the second half continued.
Missing skipper, Gair Currie, in the centres may have rocked the midfield stability but Guy Spanton and Gareth Kallel accounted for themselves reasonably well while Seb O'Brien and Jack Metters did not see much ball out by the tracks. There was an extra spring in the step of the backline with Liam Slatem back at the helm and co-captain, Lawrence Babe, back on board in the second row.
HKFC came on their bus, were challenged for much of the match but did the job and went home with a solid 4 points, snapping at the heels of HK Scottish.
Onwards we go to Round 8 where a win is the only option.