Early lessons for the men from Sandy Bay

Published by South China Morning Post: 22nd September 2018
https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/2165348/tigers-shake-slow-start-overcome-kowloon-premiership-kick

Excerpt -
Herbert Smith Freehills HKU Sandy Bay, the new outfit formed after the dissolution of the Hong Kong Cricket Club rugby section last year, put up a brave effort in their inaugural match before going down to Natixis HKFC 43-13. Sandy Bay lock Jack Delaforce, who is also on Jones’ national team radar, said he was disappointed with the result but there were a few factors that hampered the squad going into the fixture.

“Last week was unfortunate with a few injuries, two hookers and our starting halfback went down, but we can’t really take that as an excuse. It’s been a good vibe down at training, I just think we haven’t had enough time together because of those new guys coming in.”

Published by Hong Kong Rugby Union: 22nd September 2018
https://www.hkrugby.com/news/tigers-scottish-hkfc-big-winners-after-saxo-capital-markets-premiership-super-saturday

Excerpt-
Today’s second game saw Herbert Smith Freehills HKU Sandy Bay fall to a 45-13 loss to Natixis HKFC. The Sports Road outfit jumped all over Sandy Bay to mar the newly formed super club’s coming out party as they squelched their opponents with a 24-point first half.

Flanker Raef Morrison marked his return to Hong Kong Premiership action with a try after just five minutes, with rock solid fly half Glyn Hughes adding the conversion - and a penalty three minutes later - as HKFC pushed their lead to 8-0 after eight minutes.

Sandy Bay scrumhalf Jack Metters replied for his side on the next available opportunity, less than a minute later, with his penalty cutting the margin to five points. Hooker Mitch Andrews returned the favour shortly after, with his try extending Club’s lead further.

Metters replied with a second penalty a yellow card against Salafai Mika made the going that much harder for Sandy Bay.

Shortly before half-time centre Ben Axten-Burrett capitalized on the extra space to score his first of the season as Football Club pushed its lead to 24-6 at half-time. The second half saw more of the same as new signee, Irish lock Sam Pim, scored his first try for HKFC in the 47th minute, followed by a conversion and yet another penalty from Hughes as the margin ballooned to 31-6.

Sandy Bay were awarded a penalty try midway through the half to make the score somewhat more palatable, trailing 31-13, but were unable to close the gap further. Winger Niall Rowark and centre Tom Hill added insult to injury with late tries for Club who won 45-13.