Despite the world is busy with Trump and covid 19, there is a team of "young"men in HK who are free spirit in heart and just want to have a good time playing amateur rugby with their mates.

Last Friday, on this fine evening, The Banditos were playing against a very strong opponent in DEA Tigers who have quite a few ex HK Internationals and prem guys in their team. Despite that, we showed great resilience in our pack who were led by JJ, Dougie, Pony and of course Banditos legend Willy Chen. Whilst in the back we were led by Smarty wo came out of retirement and Tony "the Aussis' finest" Scott from the 10 and 15 position respectfully.

We conceded a few quick tries against their very quick nibble centre, Leungy (maybe we can convince him to play for us again) but we did fight back with tries from beautiful piggy work which led to try scored by our ever present Pony. Smarty and T Scott also produced a few magical runs which led to a try scored by special winger David Benskin.

Though we fought furiously throughout the game, we did concede three tries at each half due to lack of fitness, which is no fault of our own. Since covid, the only training we have had was drinking, it's understandable also correctable.

Though down on scoreline throughout the game, Banditos never gave up. At the closing seconds of the game, Smarty once again made a fantastic break from our own 22 and was one on one against the full back with pony on his shoulder.
In an ideal world, it was a simple draw and pass, but noooooo.... once again, referee had to intervene and made his worst call at the worst time to rule the pass to Pony was forward. Yet another unfortunate incident involving the referee. We should have been awarded the try really... this cost us a potential two losing bonus points.

At the end it was 6 tries to 3 to the Tigers, as a team we all had fun and had a great run out. The spirit and love of Banditos was strong and we will look forward to our next one. But as we all know, this isn't about the rugby score but about the Boat Race, to which in spectacular fashion we finished on top.

POTD....Smarty, wonderful rugby player, someone who is a natural footballer, came out of retirement from a few years back and yet had a performance like that, it was a joy to behold to have him on the team at 10.

DOTD... was pretty much decided when JJ dropped the ball whilst diving for the line, costing us the try bonus point and to be back within 7 points of the Tigers. The Ex Radiers Captain was fined suitably for this. It seemed no one could do anything worse...... but then Stevie's play on the day was second to none, so JJ...u are Let off this time haha. Stevie Chan's decision to eat buttered popcorn before the game, didn't pay off with knocked on, miss passes no tackles, but hey who doesn't do this in an old boys game, but the main lowpoint, which contribute to his nomination was... after securing the ball at the break down in our 22, all that was required was a pass to Smarty which positioned himself beautifully on our try line to kick the ball out of danger. Stevie somehow missed Smarty, the fullback and the water boy on the side line as the ball sailed into no man's land, giving Tigers now a 5 meter scrum and an opportunity to score. Doh!

Thanks to Shirly for strapping up the lads, Issac and Alan for hydration duties and Troy for filming the boat race.

Lastly I would like to say thank you to all the boys who took part last week, From coaches, players and supporters alike. It was a wonderful evening, Hope everyone had a good time.

Long live the Banditos!!!