In the Restaurant Autumn Is Here

HONG KONG FOOTBALL CLUB NOVEMBER 2012

Autumn is here... Savour the World’s Tastiest Black Périgord Truffle in the Restaurant

Other F&B highlights: Thanksgiving Celebration Glenmorangie Whisky Dinner Macaroons in the Coffee Shop and more!

November 2012 HONG KONG FOOTBALL CLUB MISSION STATEMENT

Vision: To be recognised as one of the leading sports clubs in the world. The Thoughts of the Chairman...... 2 Mission: To deliver quality services on the principles of accountability, consistency and transparency. From the Desk of Mark Pawley ...... 4 To develop an organizational culture that recognises the importance of staff contribution and commitment. Food and Beverage...... 5 To facilitate the development and participation of recognised sporting activities. Squash...... 16 Values: Being accountable – to communicate, consult Rugby...... 20 and provide information. Living within our means – to plan ahead within available Youth/Mini Rugby...... 25 resources. Developing a culture of service – to encourage commitment, integrity, courtesy and responsiveness. Hockey...... 26 Managing for performance – to set the direction and develop the necessary skills. Soccer...... 28 Aims: To provide the services the Membership needs. To improve the quality of Club life. Junior Soccer...... 30 To up-hold the Constitution and Bye-laws. To encourage Members to play their part in the Club. Lawn Bowls...... 32 Netball...... 33 General Committee Tennis...... 34 President : Dermot Agnew Vice President : Nick Hunsworth Ten Pin Bowling...... 36 Vice President : James Collins-Taylor Vice President : Bobby Lawson Badminton...... 36 Vice President : Iain Valentine Chairman : Fook Aun Chew Golf ...... 37 Hon. Secretary : John Shanahan Hon. Treasurer : David Howell Swimming and Triathlon ...... 38 Sports and Recreation : Philip Woolf Development : Mark Clift Book and Movie Library...... 41 Discipline : Mike Wood Constitutional Affairs : Desmond Ko Membership : Maurice O’Brien Hockey Officer : Niccola Russo Lawn Bowls Officer : Roger Nissim Rugby Officer : John Molloy Soccer Officer : Martyn Russell Squash Officer : David Reeves

Management General Manager : Mark Pawley Director of Operations : Tony Sealy Director of Food and Beverage : Dominique Artigolle Financial Controller : Ricky Chan Executive Chef : Patrick Lau 30 Facilities Manager : Evan Tao JUNIOR SOCCER Membership Services Manager : Kerry Ogle 28 Human Resources Manager : Angela Chan SOCCER Executive Housekeeper : Tracy Tseung Front Office Manager : Shirley Lo

Club Magazine Monthly journal of the Hong Kong Football Club. Arranged by Karen Chan-Mulvenna. For information and requests for placement of advertisements in “Club” please call 2830 9503. The opinions expressed in the articles are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Hong Kong Football Club or the 20 34 General Committee. The Club reserves the right to edit RUGBY TENNIS and clarify all content. The copyright of all materials is held by the Hong Kong Football Club.

Hong Kong Football Club 3 Sports Road, Happy Valley, Hong Kong Tel 2830 9500 Fax 2882 5040 • Website: www.hkfc.com.hk

Club Magazine November 2012 1 Notice To Members

• Accelerated Full Membership (Non-Sports Preferred) – Child of a Member The General Committee has recently approved changes to Policy Statement 6.9 (2) concerning a Child of a Member. The privilege that a Child of a Member may be nominated The Thoughts of to join the Club as an Accelerated Full Member will cease if that Child has already attained the age of 27 years. the Chairman A grace period of six months for implementing the revised policy, from the 1st November 2012 to the 1st May 2013 is hereby granted for any Member (of at least, 5 years he Club will hold its Annual General good standing) who wishes to nominate their Child for Full Membership, even though the Child has already attained Meeting (AGM) on Thursday 8th the age of 27 years. November 2012 and as it will be my last AGM as Chairman, I hope to see as many • Sports Preferred Associate Membership Tfellow Members there as possible. All Members should At the September General Committee Meeting it was have received the requisite notification, papers and also approved that all those joining through the Sports Annual Report for their reference and guidance and I Preferred Associate Membership route from the 1st January would urge all Members to attend the AGM which starts 2013 (excluding Junior Associates and Sports Debenture at 7pm prompt, in order to attend to the Club’s affairs. Associates), whilst within their commitment period, would be subject to a minimum spend charge of an amount For Members that require information about those equivalent to the prevailing monthly subscription, which is to be direct debited from the Member’s account. standing for election to the General Committee (GC), detailed curriculum vitaes are posted on the Club Notice Board on the 2/Fl for your perusal.

We say farewell on GC to Desmond Ko as Chairman of the Constitutional Affairs Sub-committee and Roger Nissim as Lawn Bowls Section Representative, with the former having served a number of years on the GC and Roger having served two years. I thank them both for their dedication and commitment during their time on the GC.

Lastly, I wish to thank all my fellow GC members for their hard work and dedication in my fourth and final year as Chairman and also Mark Pawley and the Management team and Staff members for their efforts in continuing to maintain the highest standards which we expect of this Club!

See you at the Club!

FOOK AUN CHEW Chairman

Obituaries We were saddened to hear the news of the recent passing away of our long time Member, Mr John Gourlay, and our Colts Rugby player, Antoine Ponticelli. Our thoughts and prayers go to their families and friends. May they rest in peace.

2 November 2012 Club Magazine November 2012 3 From the Desk of Mark Pawley

t time of writing a busy month approaches for a Leader of the Year from our Supervisory level Staff the Club with all our sporting teams basically members, who will be selected on a slightly different basis flat out with many of them, hopefully, in at year end and not by the Quarter Year. winning mode? At the same time our food Aand beverage operation moves into overdrive with the On the food and beverage front, for whisky lovers we Festive Season almost upon us. Continuing, for the have the Glenmorangie Whisky Dinner presented by moment with the sporting theme, whilst the new Sports Brand Ambassador Arnaud Mirey on Thursday 15th Hall flooring system has taken some time to install, I am November, and for truffle lovers we have the Perigord pleased to note that by the time you read this article the Truffle Dinner on Friday 23rd November which Sports Hall should be fully open. Although we have only includes wines paired with each of the six courses. Don’t been able to tackle the replacement floor system during forget too, the Thanksgiving Dinner Celebration in the summer months, next year, during the summer, we the Restaurant on Thursday 22nd November. will be looking to install new lighting systems, a new Last, and by no means least, please note that Booking ceiling system, as well as new wall fixtures and fittings. Forms are now available for our New Year’s Eve Party. Many congratulations are in order to the Staff Members As ever, please book early to avoid disappointment. pictured below who received their Quarter 3 Star I look forward to seeing you all at the Club! Awards at the presentation ceremony in late October. Just to note, these three Staff members along with a MARK PAWLEY further nine from the three other Quarter Awards will be General Manager put forward for the Employee of the Year Award at next year’s Staff Party. At the same time we will be selecting

2012 Q3 STAFF STAR AWARD

Chan Ming Tai – Housekeeping Lam Sze Ling, Shadow – F&B (Bar) Yau Hoi Ki, Anki – F&B (Kitchen)

4 November 2012 Club Magazine November 2012 5 FOOD & BEVERAGE

RESTAURANT A TRUFFLE STORY SUNDAY BRUNCH in the Restaurant in the Restaurant every evening for Dinner (except Sunday) and Chairman’s Bar from 6.30pm to 10.30pm from 11am to 2.30pm throughout the month of November throughout the month of November

Truffles are rare, expensive and have been called the pearls $245 per Adult (with unlimited flow of sparkling wine) or diamonds of the culinary world. They used to only $138 per Child (with soft drinks and chilled juice) appear on the tables of the great nobles of the past. Please contact the Restaurant at 2830 9562 for a Chef Adonald is pleased to introduce a number of dishes reservation or email: [email protected] to showcase this seasonal delicacy. His special menu will leave you satisfied and wanting more! Dress Code: Club Casual. No Collarless T-shirts, no Flip Flops, no short Casual Shorts (Knee length Please contact the Restaurant at 2830 9562 for reservation – no beach wear). Ladies are required to dress to a or email: [email protected] comparable standard.

CHAIRMAN’S BAR WINE CAROUSEL in the Chairman’s Bar every day from 6.30pm to 10.30pm From 6.30pm until 10.30pm daily, you can enjoy 2 hours of free-flowing wines specially selected to Photo for reference only match the season at a set price of $140 per person. There are 12 wines on offer. Alternatively you can ALL YOU CAN EAT select any two glasses of wine for only $75. SUNDAY SEAFOOD BUFFET All these wines can be purchased from our in the Restaurant takeaway list. Forms are available on our website every Sunday for dinner from 6.30pm to 9.30pm or at Reception. throughout the month of November A taste of international seafood awaits you in the FRESH OYSTERS Restaurant in November. Our culinary team has prepared an array of dishes to delight you. in the Chairman’s Bar every day from noon to 10.30pm $250 per Adult $138 per Child under 12 years of age - 6 oysters and 2 glasses of Sparkling for $150 Please contact the Restaurant at 2830 9562 for a - or 12 oysters and 2 glasses of Sparkling for $250 reservation or email: [email protected] Just as impressive, at the dinner buffet, enjoy unlimited consumption of chilled juice, soft drinks, beer and house wine for just $55 per person. Photo for reference only Photo for reference only

6 November 2012 SAVOUR THE WORLD’S TASTIEST BLACK PÉRIGORD TRUFFLE Dinner with the Black Diamonds of the Kitchen in the Restaurant Friday 23rd November 7.30pm: Pre-Dinner Drinks 8.00pm: A delightful 6-Course Dinner will be served $1,800 per Member $2,100 per Member’s Guest (only 36 seats available)

One of the most prized culinary delicacies, the famous black truffle from Périgord is featured in the Restaurant for one night only this month.

Welcome Drink Lucien Albrecht, Cremant d’Alsace Brut Rose NV * * * 1st Course Wagyu Beef Consommé and Truffles Jus with Carrot and Celeriac Pearls, Free Range Chicken Dumpling, Truffle Foam Domaine Huet, Vouvray Sec Clos du Bourg 2010 * * * 2nd Course Roasted St Georges Bay Scallop Pierced with a Black Truffle Matchstick on a Creamy Truffle Polenta Zind-Humbrecht, Alsace Riesling Clos Hauserer 2009 * * * 3rd Course Cauliflower Risotto, Black Truffle Shaving Jean-Louis Chave Selection, Hermitage Blanche 2006 * * * 4th Course Slow Cooked Veal Ravioli with a Truffle and Foie Gras Jus Tollot-Beaut, Beaune 1er Cru Greves 2005 * * * 5th Course Duck Wellington Stuffed with a Delicate Duck Confit Stuffing, Duck Jus with Black Truffle Clos du Mont-Olivet, Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2007 Magnum * * * Last Course Organic Black Truffle Brie Served with Oat Biscuit and Grapes Le Bon Pasteur, Pomerol 2001 * * * Tea or Coffee with Petits Fours

Please contact the Restaurant at 2830 9562 for a reservation or email: [email protected] Last day for cancellation: Monday 12th November 2012 Cancellations made after this date will be charged in full to the Member’s account, unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Club Magazine November 2012 7 8 November 2012 FOOD & BEVERAGE

DON’T ARRIVE HOME FOR THANKSGIVING DINNER EMPTY HANDED

How can the traditional turkey be left out of your Thanksgiving? Save all the time and effort, and bring the Club’s perfectly cooked turkeys to your home or office for a stress-free Thanksgiving celebration! A Turkey takeaway menu will be available from Wednesday 31st October to Sunday 25th November. Simply fill out the order form available from Reception or download the form from our website and drop it at Reception or fax it back to us on 2837 2661. Your turkey can be picked up from the Coffee Shop at your preferred date and time. Photo for reference only

COFFEE SHOP

ALL ABOUT HAIRY CRABS AFTERNOON in the Coffee Shop MACAROON PARADE for lunch and Dinner in the Coffee Shop throughout the month of from 3.00pm to 5.30pm November (subject to availability) throughout the month of November When autumn comes around, Please call the Coffee Shop at foodies lick their lips in anticipation 2830 9569 for more details. of the hairy crab season. Get your taste buds going at the Coffee Shop and enjoy this seasonal dining experience. Photo for reference only

WEEKEND SIZZLE DINNER BUFFET in the Coffee Shop every Friday and Saturday from 6.30pm to 9.30pm throughout the month of November

Who can resist the mouth-watering aroma of sizzling meat on a smokey barbeque grill? From chicken to prawns to whole roasted lamb on the spit, we’ve got them all as well as a terrific selection of accompaniments and dishes prepared from our Tandoori Oven. Be sure to show up! Photo for reference only Photo for reference only

Club Magazine November 2012 9 FOOD & BEVERAGE

SPORTSMAN’S BAR

Photo for reference only

On the Food and Beverage front One more slice Come and enjoy our great variety of traditional pizzas this month. They are perfect for sharing or you can enjoy it on your own. With a cold beer or a glass of wine, this is an easy, no fuss treat for lunch or dinner.

Soup weather is here Enjoy a pot of soul-satisfying hearty soup for your meal right here at the Sportsman’s Bar.

On the Big Screen Photo for reference only With Soccer, the race continues for the Barclays Premier League this month. Keep up to date with our weekly schedules on the notice boards. With Auto racing, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be from 2nd to 4th November; the United States Grand Prix will be from 16th to 18th November; and the Brazilian Grand Prix will be from 23rd to 25th November. With Golf, highlights include: 8th – 11th November — European Tour: Barclays Singapore Open 15th – 18th November — European Tour: UBS Hong Kong Open 29th November – 2nd December — US PGA Tour: Chevron World Challenge Keep up to date on the Club website and on all sports notice boards. For further information, please call the Sportsman’s Bar at 2830 9531.

10 November 2012 FOOD & BEVERAGE

GENERAL PROMOTIONS

Christmas Hampers Need to book Our Christmas Hampers are packed with only the Festive Functions? finest delectable items! If time is running out to book your Christmas function, The Hampers are exclusively made for Members and we will open the Sportsman’s Bar from 11am until are available in limited quantities, so place your orders 4pm on weekdays for private functions (this gives early to avoid disappointment. you sole use of the area, including the patio). With the glass windows pulled back, the bar becomes a totally Order forms can be downloaded from the website or open air venue. With unbeatable catering packages, picked up from the Reception. this makes the perfect venue for your Office Lunch or End of Year Party. For more information on packages and bookings please call the Catering Department on 28309512 or email [email protected]

It’s time to Great Value for Money Celebrate Christmas “Take-away Wine” Life is too short to drink supermarket wine, so check out the We have lined up a host of activities for your very competitively priced selection this month. holiday enjoyment: Great value for money… • Check out our Festive Wine List with the world’s finest wines available at very special prices. Offer valid until 30th November 2012 How to order? • Celebrate the holiday season with family and friends at your favourite restaurants at the Club. • Please fill out the enclosed order form or pick up the form at the G/F Lobby or download it from our website • All these and much more in our special www.hkfc.com.hk Christmas Brochure which • Fax it to: 2576 7598 or e-mail to: [email protected] you should have received in October. • Please allow 5 working days for the processing of your order ** Allocation is limited until stocks last ( on a first come first The programme served basis) can also be viewed on our website: www.hkfc.com.hk

Club Magazine November 2012 11 FOOD & BEVERAGE

GENERAL PROMOTIONS

Let’s do LUNCH AT THE CLUB 2012 NEW YEAR’S

The Restaurant EVE PARTY Monday to Friday at the Club from Noon to 2.30pm Set Lunch with Starter Buffet 2 Courses: $158 Add $20 and enjoy a third course If you’re looking for an epic night of entertainment and festivity then look no further than the New 3 Courses: $178 Year’s Eve Party at the Club. The talk of the town is that it’s one of the biggest and best nights out in all of Hong Kong. So who needs fireworks when you can have a blast of your own in the company of those looking for a night to remember!

The evening will kick off at 7.30pm with pre-dinner cocktails and canapés followed by an extensive Buffet at 8.30pm featuring a sumptuous The Coffee Shop culinary journey of global flavours, accompanied Monday to Thursday by unlimited pouring of wine, sparkling, beer and premium spirits throughout the night. As always a from Noon to 2.30pm live band from the U.K will be flown in especially Light Lunch Buffet for the big night and will keep the party alive and $128 (Adult); $70 (Child) everyone on the dance floor well into the early hours of 2013. Friday to Sunday from Noon to 2.30pm For those needing a recharge, a full Breakfast International Lunch Buffet Buffet will be served at 1am. And of course the night will not be complete without Champagne $148 (Adult); $75 (Child) served at Midnight to cheer the arrival of the New Year.

The Hong Kong Football Club invites you to book now to avoid disappointment as this event is nearly sold out!

Booking form available at the Front Desk and it The Chairman’s Bar can be downloaded from our website. You can also email: [email protected] Monday to Friday from Noon to 2.30pm Express Set Lunch 4 Courses: $103 Ticket Price $1,400 (per Member) $1,900 (per Guest)

12 November 2012 Club Magazine November 2012 13 ReloKids_PrintAd_ARTWORK221111.pdf 1 22/11/2011 11:00 AM

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Start of Season Party

new season and a new format “how is that Greek?” His answer must be for the kick off party. For the edited as we struggle in Hong Kong to be first time in many years we politically correct, but it was along the lines ventured outside of the Club of money management being in question Afor a change of scenery and some South in the country that we will not name again! China Sea air! Our ladies teams, as usual, made a Our private ferry collected the party goers great effort with placards requesting from Aberdeen wharf where we were contributions of Billions of Dollars and greeted with ‘shots’ of something orange other forms of assistance. looking, in small glasses, which were The Greek buffet was excellent and gradually replaced with plastic tumblers the iced barrels of drinks seemed to be before we had even left the wharf! bottomless but we made a valiant attempt The theme this year was dictated by the to discover where the bottom was. Greek restaurant that we had booked on No event can be complete without a quick Lamma Island. Set in a private bay and on topical quiz and so Greek knowledge was the beach it was a great location and setting tested and defiantly found to be wanting! for all those togas hidden at the back of our Do you know what the per capita GDP wardrobes to be dusted off and moth balls of Greece is? Half a million US$ was one cast aside. Well that was the idea! Rory answer!! This is Greece we are talking Gammel could obviously not find his but about, the one with the financial crisis and still made the effort and stripped his bed not the one with all the multi millionaires of the sheet which he explained he had (which does not exist by the way)! to look after as he would be sleeping on it that night as well. Our host for the evening, As a group of us sat towards the end of the Mark Bromhead, was well attired in a night with our bottles of wine and Greek Bishop dress-like outfit. We found cigars, it was difficult to think of our out later, when the dancing was in full event contributing as a Greek austerity swing with limbo between people’s legs package but one thing is for sure and that Mark supports the Scottish method of that was the event had a record wearing kilts!! attendance and it was a great success. Many thanks to Mark Bromhead for Also of note was Guy Norman dressed making all the arrangements. as a Pirate! Which begged the question,

16 November 2012 SQUASH

The Wing Ding Squash Tournament — Your Effort, Your Laughter, Your Contributions Causing Many A Smile

he Wing Ding Squash Tournament As one of Operation Smile’s largest donors, started as a way to celebrate the life Operation Santa Claus is extremely essential of Yuen Kam-Wing “Wing”, an to our organisation, and provides an advance commitment for our charitable activities in the inspirational, physically disabled coming year, so we can better plan and allocate TUrban Council Squash Centre employee who our resources to help as many as we can. passed away in 1998. Because of the amount of funding that can be Tim Everest has fronted the organization granted, a real difference can be made. and fund raising of the event for many years. In 2012, Operation Smile received a generous 10 teams of 14 players. Outrageous costumes. grant of HK$1.26 million from Operation Santa A full day of squash like you’ve never seen it Claus 2011 to fund its charitable medical missions. before. All for a good cause. The Wing Ding Squash Tournament is one of Operation Santa Claus’ major fundraising The annual Wing Ding Squash Tournament will activities. The Wing Ding Squash Tournament is be held on Saturday 24th November at the a chance for people of all ages with charitable Club. And your support truly makes a difference. hearts and spirits to come together for a day of amazing fun and competition for a wonderful All proceeds from the exciting tournament cause. If you are someone who enjoys squash or benefit local and regional charities selected by meaningful events, or just giving then this should Operation Santa Claus, the annual holiday not be missed.” appeal organized by the South China Morning Last year’s Wing Ding Squash Tournament Post and Radio Television Hong Kong. raised an incredible HK$1,512,461.42 for As organisers prepare for this year’s Wing Operation Santa Claus. The amount set a Ding Squash Tournament, David Wong, new high for the Wing Ding and resulted General Manager of Operation Smile – China in the tournament becoming a Top 5 OSC Medical Mission, was kind enough to share his Corporate Donor for the year. Photos from previous year’s Wing Ding event thoughts about Operation Santa Claus (OSC) For those interested in attending this year’s and the Wing Ding. Wing Ding, making a donation, helping out From David Wong: with any side events, or providing prizes for the raffle or special prize auction, please “We are very happy to be working with Operation Santa Claus. OSC is a unique program that aims contact Tim Everest, a Wing Ding to help charities and the community by providing organiser, at [email protected] or (852) charitable funding for various programs and also 9104-6383. promotion of each beneficiary’s charitable aims, supported by both SCMP and RTHK.

Club Magazine November 2012 17 SQUASH

Annual Squash Handicap Tournament Saturday 22nd September

The Annual HKFC Squash Handicap Tournament was to go the distance, concluded on Saturday 22nd September, with Julian Tanner disaster struck during and Adrian Ng (even handicap both at -6) in the Plate Game 2 and Julian Final and defending champion Tim Fan (-17) and veteran twisted one of his Lawrence Lee (-7) in the Cup Final. knees the wrong way and could not continue The first game of the Plate Final could not have been closer the match resulting in with both contestants battling to a sudden-death finish at a win by walkover to 20-20, with Adrian winning the last point and taking an early Adrian. 1-game lead. While the crowd were fully expecting the match The Cup Final was business-as-usual for 2-time winner Tim Fan. Tim played his usual patient game to avoid unforced errors while Lawrence tried his best to attack on every available opportunity. Despite Lawrence’s best effort and the crowd’s cheering for the underdog, Lawrence only managed to get 1 game at the end and Tim earned his “Triple” for this tournament. Thanks to all who participated and Blade for giving great prizes. Congratulations to Tim and Adrian. Wish you all a great season and Julian a speedy recovery.

Macau Squash Tour Saturday 29th September

Four years ago was the last time HKFC played Macau’s finest players. Therefore both teams were eager to do their very best on Saturday 29th September. With a 7-to-7 format every match counted and Macau’s team had a strong start winning the first match. After 4 games the score was 2-2 and Mark Rittmayer was 2-0 up in his match, however on another court Mark Squires was 2-0 down. On a knife-edge both games ended in a 3-2 loss (15-13 in the last game) and Macau’s Champs added a new trophy to their cabinet. Thanks to William and Tim Fan’s strong play, the final score was 4-3. COACHES CORNER: Luckily Macau offered great food in return for Player of the Month – the loss and Chairman’s Darren Measures pick brought us to “A Petisqueira” ending the Macau Tour 2012 with Junior of the Month – Krish Buxani wonderful Paella and tasty Sardines.

18 November 2012 Club Magazine November 2012 19 Rugby News

Captain’s Call

Welcome to Movember madness!

ou may the first ever game between a HKFC Breakthrough programme, who won notice side and Tin Shui Wai Pandas, the the Championship league last year a large oldest and newest rugby clubs in Hong and have taken the step up to play the number of Kong. The Pandas are based in the established clubs in Premier A this Ythe rugby boys sporting New Territories and are only in their year. Scorpions, Select, Sequins and odd half grown facial second season as a club, having been Bulls have all started strongly in the hair this month. Ladies formed from players out of the Police Community Leagues and this month don’t worry, it’s not Mark Liversidge, some strange team Club Captain bonding ritual or new fashion trend, it’s all in aid of charity as the Rugby Section leads the rest of Hong Kong in the first official Movember campaign, which is raising vital funds for prostate cancer initiatives. The guys are being sponsored to grow a moustache in the month of November, leading to a fancy dress celebration party that the Rugby Section will host at HKFC on the 1st December, where the “slugs” will be shaved off. I’m personally looking forward to seeing what ‘tache appears on Hone Patrick, Clint Borle and Andy Eagle… On the paddock, the first month of the season has been a tremendous success for Newedge Club, with impressive victories across all the teams, including a surprisingly one-sided derby win over Valley 45-3 in the Premiership. While it’s always a pleasure to beat our old foes, we wish Deano and the boys (many of whom are Members of HKFC!) all the best as they go about rebuilding the club, because we want a strong eight team Premiership to promote the game in Hong Kong. November sees the Club side play only 3 matches, which hopefully means the squad can be fit and fresh, and looks forward to big support both at home on the 17th against the Scots and around the corner at So Kon Po on the 10th and 24th. The Dragons have once again set the pace in Premier A playing some champagne rugby and at the end of October played

20 November 2012 RUGBY

Movember Try Of The Season It is very early in the year to call, but I don’t Movember is upon us and the Rugby Section is driving the Hong think any other effort will come close… Kong Rugby Inter Club competition, and will host a celebratory “shave off” party on the 1st December for all of the rugby teams Stephen “Horse” Nolan v Valley. in Hong Kong. Man mountain and international prop, The Rugby Section is aiming to be the club with the most Stephen “Horse” Nolan, provided the participants signed up, the most funds raised and the best home crowd’s (including special guest Pat looking moustaches, so we need your help – it is not too Lam) highlight of the derby game against late! Our very own Tom Bolland is one of the ”faces” of the Valley by gathering a high 22m re-start, and campaign and he is looking forward to you all joining him to rumbling down the left touchline to score in raise money for prostate cancer research. the corner to the rapturous applause of the Sportman’s Bar faithful. Male growers, or female supporters, if you would like to help the Rugby Section win the inter-club challenge then register, donate and grow. Sign up easily at hk.movember. com and align yourself with the Rugby Section and HKRFU pages, check out Facebook (www.facebook. Talent com/MovemberHongKong), and Twitter (@MovemberHK). Spotting The early rounds of the Premiership brings the spectacle of the intra-club Premiership fixture against Hong and Premier A leagues have shown the clashes Select v Sequins, Select v Kong Scottish, but the key event is on incredible amount of talent in the Elite Bulls, Sequins v Bulls on consecutive Saturday 10th November, the Ben Playing Squad this season. weekends. Those who have witnessed Kende Ball. The Club has last year’s stand-out previous Club v Club contests will For those of you who don’t know Ben, centre combination of Lloyd Jones know these games will be something and Jake Phelps who continued to pull he is an amazingly talented young bloke not to miss! apart the opposition with their telepathic and really nice guy, currently studying at understanding; with great hands and Injuries continue to hit all the the University of Sydney for a degree in vision, Jimmy Richards has been making squads and underline the importance Commerce, a rising star of Hong Kong magnificent strike runs from deep, while of large playing squads at the Club. rugby, Ben was very badly injured Stew Megaw, high on confidence after breaking into the Hong Kong national At one point in mid-October, 17 playing for Hong Kong in the Asian squad over the summer has had a members of the 38 man Elite Squad Junior Rugby Championship in 2010. cracking start to the season with a number were unavailable and 7 hookers Now a tetraplegic with limited use of his of stand-out performances, while new were injured and unavailable to the arms and no use of his legs, Ben needs players Nick Smith, Rich Finch and Community League teams. Thanks our support and the Ball is one of the international Seb Alfonsi are all delivering pulsating performances for the Dragons. again to physio Dave Bayldon, major fundraisers for the Ben Kende his assistants and the Game Ready Foundation, which provides support The back-row strength is incredible with machines for working over-time to as Ben embraces life’s opportunities. Will Hunt continuing to destroy opposition team patterns with his rugged play, Hong get our players back on the park. I hope to see everyone from the Section Kong internationals Rory Hussey and On the social front, we enter a quieter there on the 10th November. Guy Payne always at the front of the action, Tom Hayman the best 8 in Hong time in November and a chance for Finally, congratulations to Dougo Kong last season, joined by new boys big everyone’s liver to recover, after a and Brooke on their engagement Dan Falvey and the “Irish terrier” Jamie wave of events stretching back into Chapman. in mid-October and their wedding mid-September. From the amazing in December (if you need an event Tom Bolland and Lachlan Chubb turnout of 500 plus people at the organizer clearly Brooke is hyper continue to be the standout hookers in Walton Brunch, the gathering of old Hong Kong, with Ian Ridgeway showing efficient!!) boys with our friends from HKCC on why he was voted Hong Kong International the opening round of the Premiership, Go the Mo! Livo Player of the Year and Charles French making a welcome return to the Club through to the usual mayhem of the after his year in the wilderness (otherwise Captain’s Dinner and then with fun known as Aberdeen) to join Dan Watson in the sun and under the stars at the Thought and Mike Woodward in the fight for the inaugural Ladies Day where we raised for the month: second row spots. cash for charity (and I think found “This is the best squad I have ever coached some new “supporters” of the rugby “You guys are nuts. I’ve not and I am really excited about the season. boys), to the annual HKFC v HSBC seen anything like that since We have Hong Kong internationals playing social match and finally the gathering my first day at uni.” in the second team so the competition internally is fierce and it’s a dilemma that I of the Front Row Union. – Rugby Legend Pat Lam provides am very happy to have,” said Head Coach some perspective on the There will be a gathering of sponsors Rob Naylor. Captain’s Dinner and the old boys again for the home

Club Magazine November 2012 21 RUGBY

Bali Memorial INTERPORT CUP WEEKEND

Mini Girls Rugby

Bali Memorial Interport Cup v SCC

U7 team

Bauhinia Cup – Scorpions v SCC 2nd XV

U8 team

Mars Bar Cup – Contemptibles v SCC Growlers

U10 team

HKFC Ladies U11 team

22 November 2012 HKFC Eaglelawn ad0611_Layout 1 13/07/11 6:07 PM Page 1

Bali Memorial INTERPORT CUP WEEKEND

Club Magazine November 2012 23 RUGBY

Fun in the sun and under the stars. ADVERTISING RATES LadiesRaising $30,000 Day for charity2012 in a day Please visit our website to see our advertising rates: www.hkfc.com.hk /club-news/ monthly-club-magazine 3 months receive 10% discount 6 months receive 15% discount 11 months receive 20% discount Members receive an additional 15% discount.

We collect and deliver your car HKRFU Premiership – FREE OF CHARGE (Subject to Distance) November We provide good quick repair service at reasonable prices.

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24 November 2012 Youth / Mini Rugby RUGBY

Au revoir Antoine

It is with deep regret that we must announce the tragic His passing is both tragic and untimely. loss of one of our HKFC Colts rugby players, Antoine Speaking for all coaches and players who were fortunate Ponticelli. enough to have known Antoine, we feel blessed to have After a bicycle accident in September, Antoine never spent time with this wonderful young man. We mourn his recovered consciousness and sadly passed away, aged early passing. just 17. Those of us who were lucky enough to have known Antoine were struck by his overwhelming enthusiasm HKFC Youth Rugby Section would like to extend our and his tremendous team spirit. He trained and played to sincere condolences to Antoine’s family at this terrible time. the best of his ability and was an example to us all as he Our thoughts and prayers are with them. embodied the true nature of a rugby player. He ran hard, Au revoir Antoine. tackled hard but always played fair; no matter whether we had won, lost or drawn, at the end of the game, there was always that delightful smile and firm handshake.

HKFC U10 and U12 girls have a successful tournament at Discovery Bay

he Hong Kong Football Club team came off girls were victorious in the exhausted, hot Discovery Bay Beach Festival, and dusty. with the U10’s winning the The girls brushed TShield and the U12’s winning the Bowl. off the loss and This was the first competition that the threw everything HKFC girls competed in without having into the Bowl to borrow players from another club, Final where they while many of them were enjoying their met the second first taste of rugby. team of their The U12’s started their DB previous victors, campaign with a convincing win Sandy Bay. The against DeA, unearthing two stars, Club girls learnt Amelie and Lara, in the process. their lesson, and turned the Although dominant throughout their screws on their opponents to cruise second match against Sai Kung, the the mighty South Lantau Buffalos to a 10 – 0 victory. All the girls were match resulted in a 2-all draw despite delivered their first try, but not a victory. impressive but none more than the Club being held up on the try line much improved Katie, and the hugely Another narrow loss to the Sai Kung no fewer than three times following promising Jasmine. Stingrays and the girls had to dig deep continuous pressure by the “Fab Four” - for their Shield Game against the Lauren, Portia, Natasha and Anna. The U10 girls’ team had a great day Sandy Bay second team. Their hard at the festival, and for many of them The winner of the final round robin fought game brought with it the taste it was their first experience playing a match against Sandy Bay would of a 5 – 0 victory. Sarah was the lead full contact rugby game, in the sand continue onto the Cup Final, but try scorer on the day and selected as nevertheless. Their first game was a unfortunately Club’s well drilled the MVP. tough encounter against the experienced opposition emerged the winners. Sandy Bay first team, and unfortunately Both teams are looking forward to the The girls gave everything, suffered they went down. Having not scored in season and can’t wait to participate in several temporary injuries, and the the first game, their second game against the next festival in November.

Club Magazine November 2012 25 Hockey News

Chairman’s report

Dear All, Do we sit still and enjoy the status quo, or do we look to improve the Section? Do I feel greatly honoured we need to have better players, do we to be asked to be need younger players, do we need more Chairman of the local players, do we need international Hockey Section, in recognition, or do we just need to enjoy our one of the finest sports hockey more? My guess is that the answer clubs in the world. to all the above is yes. Over the coming It is with a feeling months the committee will be drafting a of trepidation that I Nick Studholme- medium term plan of sorts - please watch Hockey Section Wilson, step up to continue this space. Hockey Section the great work of Chairman the Chairmen and Hong Kong is changing, and we as a Club Touring Captains that have preceded me. and Section are following in-line. More and more people see Hong Kong as home, Ex-Hockey Chairman Charlie Over the last four years, Charlie has built whereas when I was growing up here, it Poulton presents Alan Railton on the strong foundations left to him by was seen as much more temporary. As a with the newly inaugurated PHADS previous Chairmen. He has taken the result we have seen the average age of Touring Trophy for his services to Section to new levels by working closely the expat population drifting up, and we and developing good relations with the Club, touring. This award will now be certainly see that in most of our teams! This and the Hockey Association. made annually to the Tourist of results in an increased age disparity range the Year. Alan is one of the leading Charlie has taken immense pride in his role in the Section, and makes it harder pleasing lights behind HKFC Hockey touring. everyone when it comes to social events, as Chairman of the Section, and that sense He has been on 21 PHADS tours of pride has been contagious. It has instilled but we do need to keep trying to be as since 1973; as he himself said “crazy into people a sense of duty, public spirit inclusive as possible. and a desire to do things to the best of their memories”. If you catch him in To the other end of the age scale, the Junior abilities. The current committee is filled with the Sportsman’s be sure to ask him Hockey programme, under Neil Galloway, talented individuals, who approach every about the “Hawaii 8” - it wasn’t your Rob Barker and Simon Chapman, continues duty with enthusiasm and efficiency. average 8-a-side game! Thank you to blossom and grow, just like their young to Mike Lamont for donating the The committee that runs the Section acolytes. We are now starting to reap the today is very different to the committee I benefits of the programme that we ramped trophy to the Section at his leaving first joined five years ago. Changes were up five years ago, with junior players party earlier this year. We think it necessary due to the growth of the Section moving up into the senior teams. When entirely appropriate that Mike’s and the Club as a whole. Responsibilities you have a successful junior development trophy be used this way as both Mike of committee members have become very programme, you get to see the talent and and Alan were prodigious tourists clearly defined, which has allowed the ability emerging in front of you. The future over three decades. The committee delegation of responsibilities down to a suddenly becomes very exciting. looks forward to hearing about sub-committee level. Highly capable people To end on a more somber note I was candidates for this year’s award at are now running all parts of the Section on saddened to hear about the passing away of the tours over the coming season. a close to professional basis, despite being Con Conway. Con Conway was President volunteers. These volunteers are performing of the HKHA from 1980-2001, and Hon. Life an extraordinary duty, for which we are all President after that. All of us playing hockey Want to be in the extremely grateful. The platform to run the in Hong Kong owe him a debt of gratitude, Section has now been put in place for the running for the for providing us with the infrastructure future; it is up to us to build on what we that we have today, and for his tireless have been given. Touring Trophy…? commitment to the sport. Whilst we always Charlie is able to step down from his should look to the future, let us not forget position as Chairman, with the satisfaction those who have got us here. Many of you will be familiar with the that it was a job well done. Thank you legendary Dinos’ tours to Macau and Nick Studholme-Wilson Charlie. Bangkok (all tours start with cocktails served by Singapore girls, Thai girls, The big question now is what comes next? Bollywood stars, Wimbledon players,

26 November 2012 HOCKEY

Olympic athletes complete with Olympic torches, Carmen Miranda et al, and end with MOVEMBER at HKFC a lot of fines - what happens in between can’t be repeated!) but not many will know that the Ladies Hockey Section has a touring tradition predating the Dinos... all the way back to 1983. The trip that year to Macau was memorable in that the whole touring team, some 20 ladies, managed to fit into a couple of rooms at the Lisboa and we played hockey on a grass pitch! We ladies have also toured with the men on a couple of occasions to Penang and to Macau (where one C team player fell from the mezzanine floor of the then Mandarin Oriental on to a large ornamental vase which shattered; I forget the number of stitches in his posterior!) Predating the Dinos were the N.Y.M.P.H.S., Nubile Young Maidens Playing Hockey Superbly, a name conjured up by Mike If you’re still looking for that MO-tivation to get involved and get behind the “Leaper” Lamont. Wearing shirts designed Movember campaign then the section prizes up for grabs might just sway you. by Carol Giblin (now playing for Valley), the For the Man of Movember and his Mo Sista (running man) who can together Nymphs comprised ladies from all teams. The drum up the most MO-ney for the cause, there is the opportunity to win some fantastic prizes in addition to the respect of your fellows - you can’t put a price first tour to Penang in 1985/86 saw the team on that! Please keep an eye on the HKFC Hockey Facebook page where in the same hotel as Tim Hancock who was the prizes will be announced. Whether you’ll be channeling The Undercover on his honeymoon! The Nymphs also toured Brother, The Rock Star or The Wisp we look forward to seeing your Mo - it’s a to Singapore to compete in the Typhoon great cause and a good opportunity to kick start your support for our chosen Trophy, on that occasion the team had its own charity, the Hong Kong Cancer Fund. Tell your brother, friend, boyfriend, husband, colleague and dad to register at hk.movember.com and together religious adviser, a player who had been a nun. we really can change the face of men’s health. For more information please Many Nymphs are now Dinos, so you see speak to Lydia and Jojo or email [email protected] touring has a long shelf life. The stories / legends generated by Hockey Section tours become part of the Hockey Section’s history. If you’d like to become a part of the Section’s Supporters Hockey Away history, sign up for a tour now! Games Society Sincerely, The SHAGS (Supporters Hockey An Anonymous Dino / Nymph Away Games Society) is a newly conceived society that is open to all players, family and friends of the Section. It is a fun way to support our teams at away games, be an active part of the Section and watch some fine hockey. The SHAGS first outing happened journey. The SHAGS were on 23rd September, filling a bus rewarded with some great hockey over to King’s Park to watch the and a well-deserved 4-2 win over HKFC Men’s A team take on the Punjab. Punjab A. Fueled by cold beers and snacks, they took over a section of Join the SHAGS on the next outing the stands and set up camp. or let us know if have a game you would like to have the SHAGS Once the game started it became come and support. very clear very quickly what the spirit of the SHAGS was all about. Go to the Section’s Facebook page Every move our boys made was for details of the next outing. rewarded by a wave of support from all who made the inaugural

Club Magazine November 2012 27 Soccer News

Message from the Chairman

As most of us are now a month into the season, I thought I would drop you a note to update you on some of the things that are happening within the Section: Chairman Growler ready as ever Physio During the close season, Sports Performance informed Neil Jensen, us that they were no longer Soccer Section able to provide physiotherapy Chairman cover on match days. Finding a replacement has not been an easy task, however fortunately a company called Myoactive have agreed to cover all home fixtures with immediate effect. They will also provide a walk-in service on Tuesday Sweet Caroline whoa whoa whoa Kung Fu Stew evenings from 8-9pm. It’s probably worth highlighting that the physio is there to treat injuries on match day and not be providing habitual strapping to players. Strapping will therefore only be done on an exceptional basis at the discretion of the physio. For the walk-in clinic on Tuesday nights, players should only expect a brief consultation. If treatment is required then they will need to see the physio at the Myoactive Lucky Mile in control Jason Langston in action for Albion clinic at their own cost, although we are hoping to agree a discounted rate. Training Kit and polo shirts Captain’s Corner All Section members have the opportunity to receive Hello, hello everyone, and welcome to the a training top (sleeved or sleeveless), shorts and a November issue of the Soccer Section’s polo shirt to wear on match days for a nominal cost of “Captain’s Corner”. $200. These are HKFC branded and manufactured by Canterbury. All our teams have kicked-off now, including We will look to issue these to the competitive team the social sides, and are well under way in their players over the next week or so and funds will be attempt for silverware and glory. deducted from your Member account. If you are not yet a Member then unfortunately you will need to wait until All the teams have started very well indeed and your card comes through. Scott Semple, from the sidelines I must admit the standard of Soccer Section The intention is for players of all the competitive teams Captain football across the entire Section has once again to wear the polo shirt on match days when in the Club. improved. It really is a delight to come along to Once we have distributed to the competitive teams, the Club on a Sunday afternoon and watch some real quality football then we will open this up to all other section members. being played. There is no doubt in my mind that playing all of the For those who did not receive a tracksuit top last year, Section games on a Sunday has helped to bring the Section closer please contact Tony Hamilton hamiltonbram@hotmail. together and there are a few more initiatives on the way with regards com and he will look to arrange this for you. I believe to Section apparel which Neil Jensen goes into further detail in his they are also $200 (they normally retail for $600). “Message from the Chairman”. Xmas Party We’ve got the usual Christmas Party extravaganza on the horizon This year’s party will be held on Saturday 1st which will be held on Saturday 1st December, so be sure to “save December at the Club. Michael Campion will make further details available in due course. the date” as it’s once again expected to be one of the best nights on the social calendar. Be sure to look out for details of the fancy dress theme See you all down the Club soon. from Social Secretary, Michael Campion, in the coming weeks. Cheers Neil Jensen, Soccer Section Chairman Later this month the Section once again hosts the Singapore Cricket Club in the regular Interport match. As always these matches will be

28 November 2012 Chairman’s report SOCCER keenly contested and I say “matches” A special mention also has to go There is also a dedicated page for as there will be an Over 35’s match to Albion captain Paul “Fitzy” match photos, which courtesy of John played this time too along with the Fitzgerald as he brought over a Charleston, will include fresh action usual “main” game. These matches will Morgan Stanley select side last month to shots from the previous weekend. be held on the evening of Friday 9th play the Dynamics in a friendly match We have an “Events” page amongst November with the Over 35’s kicking- in aid of the Soccer Section’s charity, other things and dedicated pages for each off at 6:30pm followed by the showpiece Youth Football Home Phuket. of the teams, so we’ve got lots happening. match at 8:00pm. In what was a close match played in the The overall plan for the website is to I would also like to express my thanks best of spirits, even Pimmy apparently, keep all of our members informed of once again to Kieran Flynn and his “old as Morgan Stanley ran out 3-2 winners, what is happening across the Section devils” for yet again hosting a terrific Quiz although the real winners on the night and provide fresh content on a regular Night in the Sportsman’s Bar last month. was the charity as HK$50,000 was basis, so if you would like to contribute, raised. They hope to arrange a return whether it be a match report or to help match in February/March. Thanks promote an upcoming event, be sure to also to Tony Hamilton-Bram and drop me a line at captain@hkfcsoccer. Growler for helping to facilitate. hk and I will grant you the necessary Finally, if you don’t already know about access rights. the new Soccer Section website, please Also be sure to register on the website, be sure to check it out. It can be found which can be done on the relevant at www.hkfcsoccer.hk (From L to R): Michael Campion, Allan section on the left hand side of the Jackson, Gilbert Collins and Kieran Flynn Details of all upcoming fixtures, home page. That way you will always be Following the success of last season’s including our social teams, and notified of any new content posted on Christmas Quiz they didn’t disappoint allocated training schedules can be the site. with a Halloween-inspired Quiz this time. found on the “Fixtures and Training Cheers, Scott Semple So high-fives all round to those involved. Schedule” page.

Club Magazine November 2012 29 Junior Soccer News

Sponsors of HKFC Sponsors of HKFC Youth Charity Partner of Junior Soccer 2012 – 2013 Pathway 2012 – 2013 HKFC Junior Soccer

P3 Junior Soccer squad in action-packed start to the season

HK Junior Football League tournament, Saturday 22nd September, Tung Chung

he HKFC Junior Soccer P3 unscripted 0-0-4! Things were soon looking squad (born 2005) started the new promising as every team won their opening season by jumping in ‘at the deep game, but subsequent games saw a mixed end’ with a Junior Football League bag of results, the lack of team practice T(JFL) tournament on the second Saturday of against more seasoned opposition began the season. Entering four untested teams in to tell. Still by the end of the group stages the 5-a-side event, some 50 players, coaches we’d had more wins and draws than losses, and parents boarded the coach for Tung with two of the teams coming near the top Chung – a journey not made any shorter by of their respective groups and all looking the long and loud discussion amongst P3’s forward to the next rounds. Minecraft enthusiasts at the back of the bus. Unfortunately the schedule had begun to The YMCA Christian College enjoys a rural fall behind early in the day, mostly due to setting with a backdrop of the Lantau hills slow game changeovers and a shortage of and a new artificial pitch. Great location, but coaches volunteering for reffing duties (not there was no time to enjoy the scenery - with from the Club we hasten to add, with Neil a tight schedule, four groups and a team in Jewsbury and Johnny Lam in particular each group, P3 were soon in the thick of it. spending time on the whistle). This meant With only one practice session under our that only a couple of games could be played belts and many new players, coaches were after the group round, with just Team 1 and understandably adopting an experimental Team 4 getting to play a single game - both approach with various formations from of which they won leaving us to speculate the cautious 2-2-0 to a Keegan-esque and on what might have been.

30 November 2012 JUNIOR SOCCER

Never mind, the tournament was intended as a friendly, and preparation for two further JFL tournaments at Tung Chung for HKFC Junior Soccer’s medals and silverware - of which largest contingent in P3 look forward to getting more than our fair share. A great Hong Kong Representative experience and a promising start Squad Selection for our guys.

The HKFC Junior Soccer Youth Pathway was developed in part TEAM 1: Coaches: Ian O’Donoghue, Peter Kwok to identify, develop and retain talented youth soccer players. Players: Gareth Fung, Oliver Manders, James O’Donoghue, As a mark of the success of this programme, this season sees Sam Riedal, Nicholas Stevenson, JJ Tullis HKFC Junior Soccer’s largest ever contingent in the Hong Results: 2 wins, a draw, then a cruel 0-1 loss in the dying Kong Youth Representative squads. seconds. One more win followed in the next round. Congratulations to Erik Wilhborn, Felix Kwok, Christopher Chung, James Kwok and Axel Rydberg for selection to play TEAM 2: Coaches: Neil Jewsbury, Johnny Lam for Hong Kong in their respective age groups. Players: Alex Bater, Michael Brewster, Liam Bromhead, Oliver The Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA) recently formed Jewsbury, Ian Lam, Wilf Murphy a 2000/2001 born development squad and Erik was one of 40 Results: Opened with a win but then struggled against some players selected to this initial squad. A final squad of 22 players well practiced opposition. One won, lost three. will be selected to represent Hong Kong at the AFC U14 Asian Championships to be held in April 2013. Additionally, Kenneth TEAM 3: Coaches: Lachlan Campbell, Ross Fothergill Kwok, the current coach of the HKFC U16 squad has also been appointed as Assistant Coach for this age group; the first Players: Lucius Campbell, Nicholas Fothergill, Arun Jaswal, Stirling Keogh, Casey Law time the HKFC has had coach representation at Hong Kong Representative level. Results: Playing without the benefit of a sub and showing real stamina, the five battled to 2 wins, a draw and a loss. At the time of writing, Christopher Chung and Axel Rydberg were representing Hong Kong U15 and Hong Kong U16 respectively. Christopher is in Qinhuangdao contesting the TEAM 4: Coaches: Piu Lam, Mike Nikkel, Jason Smith China Main Cities Cup and Axel was afforded the opportunity Players: Joni James, Matthew Lam, Destin Nikkel, Alex Smith, to play in front of a home crowd for the U16 Cross Straits Cup Darren and Sean Szeto featuring China, Macau and Chinese Taipei. Results: A win, two losses and a draw in the group, but a further win in a last round game saw them walk away on a HKFC U14 player, Felix Kwok and HKFC U16 player, high and with an even record. James Kwok (no relation), are also included in their age representative squads. Well done and good luck to all the players and coaches who have achieved selection in these representative teams. HK Community League Div 1 By Chris Plowman, Chairman, HKFC Junior Soccer match vs Top Skills and Ole, Saturday 29th September, Stanley Ho Sports Ground

P3’s first experience of the newly formed Community League saw a scratch team travel to Pok Fu Lam to play Division 1 sides from Ole Soccer and Top Skills in a round robin format. It was clear that these two sides had not wasted their summer training camp time and were able to put Club under constant pressure with goals inevitably resulting. Club did make some chances on the counter but were unable to Coach Kenneth Kwok with Erik convert and lost both matches. Wilhborn (left) and Christopher HKFC 1. Coach : Piu Lam Chung (right) Players: Garret Lee, Keith Au-Yeung, Ethan Chan, Right: Axel Rydberg (No. 4) Duncan Phillips, Alvin Lam, Conor Sum, Chung Hok-yiu and James Kwok (No. 25)

By George Tullis, P3 Head Coach, HKFC Junior Soccer

Club Magazine November 2012 31 Lawn Bowls News

HKFC won both HKFC teams to play in Champion and International Bowls Classic Runner-up in Women Hong Kong International Bowls Classic 2012 will be held during 3rd Indoor Singles to 11th November. Bowlers from all over the world will gather in Hong Kong to compete in both Singles and Pairs events. wo of our Division 1 bowlers – Since our Club could only nominate one men and women pair Camilla Leung and Tammy respectively to join this tournament, members had to compete to qualify Tham won their way into the semi- for the entry ticket. Competition was tense. Teams were arranged to finals of the Women Indoor Singles play in round-robin and in double-elimination format. T2012. The semi-finals and final were arranged to play in the same evening on 28th September Congratulations to our winners!! Pairs from our Club qualified to play at CCC. Both of them beat their opponent to in the coming International Bowls Classic are Priscilla Lam with Rita enter into the final. Shek, and Terry Kung with Stanley Luk. The final was an exciting game demonstrating top level playing skills with consistency and precision. Tammy maintained her momentum from the semi-final game to take the first set. However, Camilla came back to win the second set with a comfortable margin. With one set each, they went on to play a 3-end tiebreak. Having won the toss, Tammy took the jack to play a short head which turned out to be to her Priscilla Lam with Rita Shek and Terry Kung with Stanley Luk will represent HKFC in advantage. With the jack under her control, the HK International Bowls Classic Tammy continued with this strategy to win the first two ends with 4 shots up. Though Camilla won the third end, it was not enough to force the Visit by New Zealand Bowls Tour game into an extra end. As a result, Tammy Tham won Championship, while Camilla Leung was the Runner-up. Congratulations to A bowls tour group (with 20 members) from New Zealand visited Hong Kong during 27th September to 8th October. Arrangements had been both winners for their excellent performance and made for the NZ group to play against 4 major bowling clubs, namely achievements!!! KBGC, KCC, USRC and HKFC to compete for the Kevin Sinclair Cup, presented by Mrs Sinclair in memory of the late and well-known local journalist Mr Kevin Sinclair. Left: Tammy Tham – Women Champion of Indoor Singles All other games were played on grass. However, the NZ team put 2012 themselves to the test while they played on the indoor carpet green against the Club. The match was played on Wednesday 3rd October and the Club Below: Tammy Tham (far fielded four teams in Mixed Triples per the request from our visitors. right) and Camilla Leung (second from left) won both It was a cheerful evening filled with excitement and laughter. The NZ Champion and Runner-up in players ventured to try heavy shots on carpet green to turn the head, which Women Indoor Singles 2012 won applause from the home teams. However, the Club teams took full advantage of the home green knowledge to win the match.

New Zealand Bowls Group visited the Club on 3rd October

32 November 2012 Netball News

Message from the Chairman

Happy Halloween and Thanksgiving!

We are back training and and Netball and I think it’s fair to say that playing and it feels great to be we all learnt a little bit about netball and back! heaps about Hong Kong. I now know and will not forget that Lord Patton’s We kicked off the season on dogs were called Whiskey and Soda! A bit Monday 8th October with of trivia if you ever get asked that again. Karin Looram, our first games and thanks to Netball DSA Chairperson Alex and Canterbury, we For those of you interested, the Fast5 were kitted out in our new Netball World Series will take place in awesome dresses. Check out our new member Wellington,New Zealand from the 9th- Jen modeling the uniform this season. So far, 11th November. Not that we usually get the consensus after the games is that they are to see netball on TV but check it out if very comfortable to play in and as you can see you happen to get the chance. they look great on. We had some great wins The name Fast5 reflects the innovative and it was good to finally take to the court after rule changes with on-court team numbers training for one month. reduced from 7 players to 5 and three We have the following teams in the HKNA goal scoring zones, unlike the one goal league this year: scoring zone (inside the goal circle) like Jen modeling our new uniform normal 7 a side netball. Fast5 netball this season Club teams play without a WA or WD. Typhoons The top six netball teams in the world, according to the IFNA World Whirlwinds Rankings, will compete in the new Fast5 format. Monsoons Tornadoes It’s just the start of the season and we have had to say goodbye to several members of the DSA who are leaving us for foreign shores. We say goodbye Cyclones to Michelle Robinson who has a great adventure ahead of her in the We had our first social for the season on the 26th USA. The entire HKFC will miss Michelle as she was a great member of October with our casual get together and mini the DSA as well as being the Captain of the Triathlon/Swimming Society quiz night organized by Natacha. Natacha did of the HKFC. We also say goodbye to Jodie Price, who is off to Bangkok a great job with mixing questions relating to HK for an exciting new job. Jodie has been a big help in assisting with coaching. Junior Netball is ticking along. The girls have been training up at Bradbury school while the Sports Hall was renovated. The Junior Netball League games started on the 6th October and all teams did a great job. Look out for more results from the teams and photos to come. Lastly, as always, please keep the lines of communication open, honest and positive going into the season. Be on the look out for details of the Xmas party when they Team training sessions have begun! become available soon.

Club Magazine November 2012 33 Tennis News

Introducing Tennis Society’s new sponsor, Wolf Blass, proud to be the official sponsor of the society.

We began brightly winning several of the early matches but as the afternoon Bangkok Tour wore on, RBSC started to dominate the proceedings. ollowing a visit from the Royal Bangkok Sports Club last year, we were inspired to arrange our While we conceded defeat at tennis we first overseas tennis tour to coincide with the were determined to claim victory at the October long weekend holiday. And the tennis after-party where the RBSC arranged a Fgods were smiling down on us because after weeks of magnificent spread including a live band. torrential rain, the skies cleared for the duration of our It wasn’t long before we went head to visit to Bangkok. head at karaoke with Marlyn drawing first blood for the Footy Club, followed As soon as we landed and checked-in to our hotel, there quickly by Celina, Tammy, Kat, wasn’t even time for lunch as we made a dash for our first Rachel and Greg. Who knew there was match against the British Club. With only four courts so much talent in the Tennis Society! available we had to limit the number of participants to ensure everyone played two or three sets. There were Our first overseas trip was a huge success some very close games but in the end the British Club and most of the credit goes to Helen was just too strong for us. Let the record show the defeat for doing an incredible job sorting out was due in part to jet lag and lack of food! The British all of the travel, hotel, logistics and other Club was a tremendous host and we enjoyed an excellent arrangements for a group of 34 people. meal after the match as we exchanged souvenirs. She even prepared suggested packing lists to make sure everyone was fully prepared! With free time on Sunday morning, various members Thanks also to Kevin for liaising with of the group played golf, went shopping or had foot the British Club and RBSC and thanks to massages in preparation for the main event against both clubs for their wonderful hospitality – RBSC. With six excellent courts at our disposal, look out for news on our next trip, which is including three indoor courts complete with ball boys, likely to be Taiwan. we were able to field a full side for four hours of tennis.

34 November 2012 TENNIS

League Update The winter league is well underway. The Upcoming Events men’s A+ team has won one and lost one, the men’s B team has lost all three matches so far, the men’s D team is unbeaten with Saturday 24th November two wins and the ladies B team is unbeaten Parent and Child Social with two wins. The junior C team has lost Competition all three of their matches so far and the Check out the notice boards and website for junior B team has lost two, won one. Still details. (Also see poster below) plenty of games ahead, so come down and Sunday Social Tennis support whenever you can. A reminder that Sunday Social Tennis takes place every Sunday morning from 9am -12 noon. This social event is open to all Tennis Society members. Just come along with your League Players Wanted racquet and you are set to go. As the Tennis Society continues to grow in size and strength we are hoping to recruit Be sure to check out the Tennis Society website additional players to strengthen our league which is updated regularly with lots more teams. In particular we are looking for photos from all of the recent events. A-grade men’s and ladies players for the www.hkfctennis.com 2013 season. In addition, we have some If you have any questions, comments or Junior Associate memberships available for suggestions for the Tennis Society, please players under the age of 26. Please contact email the following address: [email protected] the Tennis Society for details and try-outs at [email protected]

Club Magazine November 2012 35 Ten Pin Bowling News

Message from the Secretary Coach Catherine’s Tips: One of the best and most overlooked bowling tips for During the summer while many those who are trying to become a better bowler is the of us enjoyed the holidays, we mental side of the game. Some even say the game of also practiced and sharpened our bowling is 90% mental. In a competitive league situation, skills in order to prepare for the understanding the mental side of bowling is the difference 7th Hong Kong Inter Club Tenpin between going home with the trophy and money at the Bowling League which kicked off end of the tournament, and just going home. in October 2012. It is important to maintain an even emotional pace. One of the biggest events during Whether you’ve just bowled a 285 or a 120, remind the summer was the 2012 yourself it is more than just the one game you came to Olympics games, although Tenpin bowl. Emotional spikes can cause too much adrenaline Semon Cheung to flow through the body and can cause poor bowling Secretary of BIG Bowling was not an official sport at the Olympics, watching other performance. sports got me thinking. These athletes devoted all their Professional athletes have devoted tons of time to this one time and effort to win these medals, sacrificing their social simple, yet so complex mental preparation before life and quality time with friends and family. Their reward competitions. The psychology of a play goes deeper than was much more than a medal, it is the sportsmanship that just blocking out the surrounding sounds and mentally they have. I give all the athletes a big round of applause! seeing the strike in your mind’s eye. Bowling without a good idea of what you need to visualize is just bowling. Semon Cheung Bowling to sharpen and hone your skills is championship bowling.. Badminton News

36 November 2012 Golf News

Golfing in China

n 26th September 2012, a total of 24 players from the Football Club Golf Society joined the Yamaha Challenge 2012 in Mission Hills. Participants started Othe day as early as 6.45am, gathering at Football Club to board the cross border coach at 7:00am. Shortly after 9:30am, players arrived at the Dongguan clubhouse of Mission Hills to prepare themselves for the shotgun start at 10:30am. After swinging for 18 holes, players returned to the clubhouse to have a buffet lunch / dinner and prize presentation. Graeme Peacock, a Member’s guest, won Longest Drive as well as Nett Champion and took home two Yamaha drivers. Our member, Allan Homeming, won Nearest To The Pin and brought a Yamaha putter Happy winners at Phoenix Hill Golf Club home. The return trip from Mission Hills took place at 6:00pm and participants were happy to have spent a Longest Drive and Nearest whole day away from Hong Kong. Pins were neatly framed and the winning players - JP, On 10th October 2012, 29 players gathered at Cathy, Andrew and Ter r y, Phoenix Hill Golf Club, Dongguan, pursuant to an were very proud to show attractive offer from the Management of this stunning their family how well they did Golf Club. Our players only had to pay for the golf at Phoenix Hill. As a result of package; the Management of Phoenix Hill offered a our very decent pace of play, complimentary breakfast pack, along with drinks and a players headed home at sumptuous lunch. Particularly impressive was the 4:45pm and arrived Hong electronic banner prepared by the club to show their Kong at about 7:30pm, in welcome to our Football Club players. An official time to join family and cameraman was assigned by the club to photo shoot friends for dinner. the round, with snap shots of the funny and happy faces of our players. All the photos were put together in a CD for each player to bring home. The winners’ certificates, including our Champion, Runners-up,

Below: Teeing off at Phoenix Hill Golf Club Group photos at Phoenix Hill Golf Club

Club Magazine November 2012 37 Swimming and Triathlon News

HKFC vs LRC Swim Gala Captain’s 21st September 2012 Report n Friday 21st September the HKFC Swimming Team faced our pool rivals – LRC. OThe event being an “away gala” Simon Brewster and Arthur Li show off their teeth Michelle Robinson meant we really needed to take things up a notch and put our best I type my final Captains report on the eve of The Clean arms forward and swim like our Half 15Km Open Water Swimming Race. This year will lives depended on it. And swim see 4 HKFC teams (5 per team) and one solo swimmer we did, race after race we swam – Richard Hall, entered. A record number of entries! We hope for a fine day, with a forecast of swells our together as a team. We cheered swimmers could be in for some “body surfing”. and supported, our spouses cheered and supported, everyone smiled and Olivia Wong At the end of October I will bid farewell to Hong Kong enjoyed the event. to travel with my husband Mark for his current business contracts, an adventure that will take us to sunny Cordelia Dyer received an Florida (great swimming), the UK, India, Australia and award for dedication, her first back to HK every so often. Definitely not goodbye, just bon voyage! gala; Cordelia put her hand up to swim every race possible to help I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Society the team. Having only mastered Cordelia can’t believe she’s for its tremendous support. I have really enjoyed my time diving earlier in the week, Cordelia been selected again! as Captain and will miss our morning swim and chat was a shining example of a “team sessions (chat in my case ☺). We are very lucky to have (continues next page) such a great bunch of people, it has been my absolute privilege to lead the Society, and you never know, one day you might have me back!

Well done to the team for our recent Swim Gala against LRC. Although we missed out on the trophy this year we certainly gave it our very best team effort.

I wish you all the very best for the forthcoming Hong Kong and Phuket triathlons. HKFC are always well represented which is great to see.

Happy swimming, running and biking!

Michelle Robinson Captain, Swimming and Triathlon Society The Happy Team

Farewell to our Captain Michelle Robinson

The Swimming and Triathlon Society sends a fond farewell to Her husband Mark has been instrumental in setting up www. our Captain Michelle Robinson who is moving to the United hkfcswimming.com and both of them have an IT flair which we States this winter. now have to learn rapidly.

Michelle has been a dynamic leader with an unbelievable turn of Wishing you both a fantastic new adventure together and also speed in the water that most blokes can only dream of. we welcome you back in Hong Kong waters when you pass through next! We will miss her boundless enthusiasm; her commitment to the Club and encouragement to others which has swelled our membership ranks.

38 November 2012 SWIMMING AND TRIATHLON

Airwaves Hong Kong Triathlon Challenge Race 23rd September 2012, a 1km swim, 30km bike and 8km run Congratulations to Phil Shirley and Guy Horne on coming 4th and 5th respectively in their age group. Congratulations also to new Society member Greg Brutus for successfully completing the race in hot conditions and he updates us on his triathlon goals.

’ve set my targets as the Airwaves event on the 23rd September and the HK ITU event on 14th IOctober (a sprint event of 750m swim/15km bike and 5km run). I only began triathlon training last year, primarily because I had never learnt to swim! Thankfully I arranged some private lessons with HKFC coach Lloyd McBean last summer and finally learnt how to swim freestyle. Since then I’ve done A smiling Greg Brutus at the one ‘Beginners’ triathlon at Science finish line Greg Brutus taking on a new challenge Park last summer. I also entered a sprint event in the autumn but wasn’t able to complete the swim as the water was very choppy. player”. Special mention also to Richard Hall Swimming is still my weakest discipline but thanks to joining the who raced in pretty much everything, with a Swimming and Triathlon Society a couple of months ago my smile on his face, Well done! Big, big thank technique and stamina has improved, along with my confidence. you to everyone, especially those who made his For me this is very much a personal challenge, I’m not expecting or her LRC “gala debut”. to win any medals. I’ll just be happy to survive the swims and Simon Brewster gave a performance of a then hopefully make up some ground on the bike and run stages lifetime swimming with an inflatable killer whale of the race. If these two events go well I’m hoping to move up to to push HKFC into the lead for the first of two Olympic distance for next year’s races. “fun relays”, a spectacular effort. Greg Brutus Last but not least, the highlight of my evening (besides the BBQ and icy cold beverages….) had to be David Howell and Richard Hall in the Hong Kong and Phuket second “fun relay” holding hands and swimming with the one free hand. I think Richard only Triathlons managed one breath for the entire lap as Dave The two big triathlon events of the year for local competitors are dragged him through the water on a mission to the Hong Kong triathlon on Sunday 14th October and Phuket on win, dedication! Sunday 25th November. HKFC are always well represented and we Michelle Robinson wish all our members the best of luck in both of this year’s races. (continues next page)

The ladies “strike a pose” ! HKFC members at the Hong Kong triathlon in 2010

Club Magazine November 2012 39 SWIMMING AND TRIATHLON

Hong Kong Triathlon Laguna Phuket Triathlon Sunday 14th October Sunday 25th November 1.5km swim, 40km bike and 10km run 1.8km swim, 55km bike and 12km run

The Hong Kong triathlon is usually held at Disneyland, which This is a tough event that is longer than a normal Olympic provides a flat and fast course. triathlon distance and the bike course starts with some tough steep hilly sections. The event is extremely well organised and What they say about the Hong Kong Tri... has a stunning setting. It’s very nice to swim in crystal clear water for a change! Richard Hall: Steve Willmott: What they say about the Phuket Tri.. I first did the HK Tri Unfortunately, things have not in 2001, as a result of a gone to plan for the last 2 years. drunken bet with an ex- In 2010, with about 1km to go of David Howell: Steve Willmott: Scorps team mate of mine, the run my watch was telling me I on a borrowed bike with no was on for a great time, until I was This year will hopefully This will be my 4th idea what I was doing. It passed by the Superman himself, be my 12th year of racing at consecutive year. Just racing was great fun, and I have Richard Hall, and so I began to Phuket. My best memory is in Phuket is a memorable done it every year since, bar sense something was wrong! It finishing each year and my experience in itself. The people, one when I was out of town. transpired I had missed the last loop worst memory was in 2005 the scenery, the atmosphere of I’ve been on the podium a of the bike course and was duly when I had food poisioning the race is really special. I have few times since in my AG, awarded my first ‘DNF’. I only had the night before. I was improved on my time each year but nothing has beaten how to wait 12 months until the next HK vomiting going up every so far (albeit by 4 seconds last proud I felt finishing it for Tri, when a puncture at the furthest steep bike hill and having to year)...so this year the aim is to the first time. turning point put an end to my race swallow it so I wouldn’t be beat my previous year - if I can do and made for a long, miserable 5km dehydrated. that I’ll be happy. walk back to transition!

Regensburg Ironman 17th June 2012 3.8km swim, 180km bike ride and 42km run

hilst on holiday in Marbella Germany Ironman and embarked on 6 back in the early 90’s, I recall months of training tailored specifically to sitting on a beach with a bottle complete the 3.8km swim, 180km bike of San Miguel watching the ride and 42km run. My training plan had Wathletes roll out of the sea in the first part of been put together by Henry De Beer the Spanish Ironman. I remember thinking (www.impactfitness.com.hk), himself a how great it would be to one day do an multi-Ironman, and had focused heavily Ironman and noted it down as one of life’s on endurance and nutrition. Aside from ‘to-do’s’. the training plan, Henry was a huge help throughout the 6 months, being constantly 20 years later and I had finally got around available to answer questions and allay the to it. In January 2012 I applied for the inevitable self-doubts that arise. was mumbling some unhappy words to me So, here I was at 6am, with the sun just in German about foot-tapping, but there was about to rise, stood on the bank of the no time for apologies. Guggenberger Lake in Regensburg, Germany waiting nervously for the hooter As I mounted my bike and made my way to mark the start of the event. The start out of transition, I started to focus on the surprised me a little, as I had expected a nutrition that Henry had drummed in to me mass scramble into the water that usually as being critical. During the next 6.5 hours ensues during shorter distance triathlons, on the bike I would be consuming around however, in contrast, the start was a lot more 600g of Carbs along with chocolate Gu’s, relaxed as the participants slowly waded into Coke, wine gums and basically everything the cool water conscious of the long day that your Mum told you was bad for you! lay ahead. The bike route was 2 x 90km loops through I soon managed to get into a relaxed stroke the picturesque Bayerischer Wald National and, as per the training guides, attempted to Park. After 40 km I approached the biggest tuck in to the slipstream of a faster swimmer hill on the course that was made a little to conserve energy. The swim went well and easier by the Tour-de-France style crowds I came out of the water around 5 minutes narrowing the roads and ringing the cow- faster than I had expected. As we jogged bells – a truly memorable experience. into transition the guy I had been drafting off

40 November 2012 Book and Movie Library

New Books in October Top DVD rentals in October

The Insiders Ultimatum Downton Abbey - Series 2 War Horse Whispers from the Ashes If the Dead Rise Not Midnight in Paris Man on a Ledge The Accidental Movie Star Vienna Secrets The Ides of March In Time To the Fair Land The Berlin Connection Trespass The Double Purgatory : A Prison Diary (Vol 2) Songs of the Humpback Whale Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy Seeking Justice Geronimo Stilton Saves the Olympics The Pact Moneyball The Smurfs The Devil’s Casino Baby Touch - Noisy Book Contagion Hidden - Season 1 Wealth, War & Wisdom Ten Little Fingers and Ten Lltile Toes Downton Abbey - Series 1 The Iron Lady The End of Wall Street Baby Touch - Bedtime Book One Day New Year’s Eve Tokyo Vice The Patriots Club Cowboys and Aliens Larry Crowne Goldie Hawn Killer Instinct The Debt Dragons: Gift of the Night Fury John Adams Wings of Fire The Descendants Boardwalk Empire - Season 1 Oprah Farewell Performance Barbie - A Fashion Fairytale Safe House Human Headlines (My 50 Years in Act of Valor The Help The Hangover Part II the Media) The Age of Turbulence: Adventures in Barbie in a Mermaid Tale 2 The Guard Jack 1939 a New World The Great Magician Margin Call Last Snow Broken Jewel One Day Cleanskin Michael Crichton ...and more! Birdsong ...and more!

Around 120km I had to tackle the ‘un-talked about’ 4th element of Triathlon….weeing on the move! This is a skill in itself, and to complete the task whilst pedaling and retaining an innocent look on your face whilst you’re going takes some practice. Coming into transition I started to think about the Marathon that lay ahead. The sun was now high in the sky and the temperature was around 32 degrees – I was hoping that living in HK and training in the heat and humidity would be on my side. After a quick change into trainers and smothering myself in sun cream, I was off running into the 4 x 10km laps around the ancient Regensburg City. The crowds were amazing, and having my name on my racing number meant everyone was cheering me on by name which was fantastic. 2km in to the run I passed my brother- in-law and family who were cheering loudly as spectators and just giving a quick ‘high-five’ to my young nephew gave me a much needed boost. After 13 miles, whilst I had mastered the weeing on the bike, weeing on the run was a challenge too far and so a quick dash into a portaloo was in order. Apart from the quick wee stop I managed to keep running for the full marathon. The most memorable part was the last 200 metres where the crowds were 5 deep and were so loud. My family had gathered to cheer me on and threw me a large Union Jack flag to raise high above my head as I crossed the line Chrissie Wellington style. I’d done it…11hours 42 minutes. I was overtaken with emotion. With all the commitment, training time and sacrifices during the preceding 6 months…it was a moment I will never forget. For anybody out there harbouring thoughts of attempting an Ironman, I would advise to go into it with eyes wide open…it will consume every minute of your thinking for 6 months, it will stretch your working and family relationships to the limit and it will cost you a small fortune…but is it worth it…ABSOLUTELY!!

Steve Willmott

Club Magazine November 2012 41 42 November 2012