Sandy Bay Stands Strong – Holds on to defeat DB/FK/SLB Barbarians 24-14

The team stepped off the bus into the unfamiliar surroundings of the Education University of Hong Kong Sports Centre loose and upbeat, no doubt a function of the impromptu karaoke session that had broken out on the team bus. However, our ladies quickly focused on the task at hand as they started to warm up: a match up with a game DB/FK/SLB Barbarian squad.

And a thrilling match up it was! As has become the norm for our Ladies – the Golden Lionesses pressured the Barbarians from the start, quickly winning a scrum and pushing forward into the Barbarian 22 meter area. Outside Centre Back, Alisa Chelpanova took a pass from Number 8 Ahlia Koram and smashed through the Barbarian defense, dragging a defender with her over the line for the game's first try. Not long after, forward Ella Steenson crashed through the Barbarian line leaving defenders in her wake to score another try. Grace Eathone’s aim and kicking proved true as she knocked both conversion attempts through the uprights leading to a 14-0 Sandy Bay lead.

Still in the first half - as Sandy Bay jumped out to a lead, the Barbarians raised their intensity and drove deep into the Lionesses' zone – looking to get points on the scoreboard. Our Ladies proved their mettle and contested every meter – holding up the Barbarian attackers and preventing them from putting the ball down for a try not once, but twice! A third Barbarian attempt was foiled when the Sandy Bay pressure forced a turnover, allowing the first half to end 14-0.

The 2nd half was more of the same, with excellent rugby being played on both sides. Inside Centre Back Darcey Rummun got free for one of her trademark winding runs and jetted up the sideline for another try! 19-0 Sandy Bay!

However this Barbarian team was not easily dissuaded, and continued to push forward and attack the Sandy Bay defense. As the Barbarians pushed forward, they were met with terrific tackles from the Lionesses. Anya Gidumal and Amani Thambi were especially proficient in protecting the wings and repelled Barbarian attacks from their position. Ella Steenson and Caroline Skoett made fantastic tackles to push back their opponents. While the whole team was resolute in their commitment to defense, Sandy Bay’s backs in particular deserve mention for their determination. Even so, The Barbarians were able to break through the Sandy Bay defense for 2 tries – bringing the score to 19-14 going into the last minutes of the match.

With the game clock winding down, the Barbarians were threatening to tie and or take the lead with a try and a conversion. While there attacks were continually met with crushing Sandy Bay tackles, they were able to advance well within Sandy Bay territory. The Sandy Bay faithful on the sidelines cheered on their team with vigor, hoping their enthusiasm would give the Lionesses an extra bit of energy to repel the final attacks one last time. Once again Sandy Bay rose to meet the Barbarians forcing a turn over! Scrum-Half Grace Eathorne scooped up the ball, quickly found an opening, and sprinted 60 meters for a final try for Sandy Bay to put the game out of reach! A rousing victory to soothe the Sandy Bay faithful on the long trip home! Final score 24-14.

Sandy Bay pushes their record to 4-0 and currently sits atop the league table. The Lionesses know tough matches with Hong Kong Football club loom and return to practice this Tuesday sharpen their skills. Up the Bay!