HONG KONG FOOTBALL CLUB MAY 2013

Teams include: Aston Villa, Manchester City, Newcastle, Sunderland, Leicester, Rangers and more THE HKFC CITIBANK INTERNATIONAL SOCCER SEVENS 2013 Friday 24th to Sunday 26th May

Also at the Club this month: Mother's Day Celebrations on Sunday 12th May

Contents

The Thoughts of the Chairman...... 2 HONG KONG FOOTBALL CLUB From the Desk of Mark Pawley ...... 4 MISSION STATEMENT At the Club...... 5 Vision: To be recognised as one of the leading sports Food and Beverage...... 6 clubs in the world.

Mission: To deliver quality services on the principles of Squash...... 14 accountability, consistency and transparency. Rugby...... 16 To develop an organizational culture that recognises the importance of staff contribution and commitment. Mini Rugby...... 21 To facilitate the development and participation of recognised sporting activities. Hockey...... 22

Values: Being accountable – to communicate, consult Mini Hockey...... 25 and provide information. Living within our means – to plan ahead within available Lawn Bowls...... 27 resources. Developing a culture of service – to encourage Netball...... 28 commitment, integrity, courtesy and responsiveness. Managing for performance – to set the direction and Soccer...... 30 develop the necessary skills. Junior Soccer...... 31 Aims: To provide the services the Membership needs. To improve the quality of Club life. Badminton...... 33 To up-hold the Constitution and Bye-laws. To encourage Members to play their part in the Club. Ten Pin Bowling...... 33 Golf ...... 34

General Committee Tennis...... 35 President : Dermot Agnew Vice President : James Collins-Taylor Swimming and Triathlon ...... 36 Vice President : Nick Hunsworth Vice President : Bobby Lawson Vice President : Iain Valentine Chairman : John Shanahan Cover photo: Sunderland returns to play at the HKFC Citibank International Soccer 7’s Hon. Secretary : Mike Wood Hon. Treasurer : David Howell Sports and Recreation : Philip Woolf Development : Mark Clift Discipline : Dave Reeves Constitutional Affairs : Roger Finnie Membership : Maurice O’Brien Hockey Officer : Niccola Russo Lawn Bowls Officer : Nick Grimshaw Rugby Officer : John Molloy Soccer Officer : Martyn Russell Squash Officer : Neil Roberts

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 16 25 Facilities Manager : Evan Tao HIGHLIGHTS FROM TAIPAN CHALLENGE MINI HOCKEY 6s Membership Services Manager : Kerry Ogle Human Resources Manager : Angela Chan Executive Housekeeper : Tracy Tseung Front Office Manager : Shirley Lo

Club Magazine Monthly journal of the Hong Kong Football Club. 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 General Committee. The Club reserves the right to edit 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 22 Tel 2830 9500 Fax 2882 5040 • DINOS CELEBRATING 25 YEARS Website: www.hkfc.com.hk

Club Magazine May 2013 1 The Thoughts of the Chairman

s you will all be aware, the Club hosted several number of Club Bye-laws when leaving his child on the major international sporting events in March Club Premises with a domestic helper while he went to and April, which included rugby, lawn bowls another club for the evening. This is totally unacceptable and hockey. We also provided facilities for two behaviour. The lack of supervision by some parents of Amatches in the Asian 5 Nations Rugby tournament young children, who are allowing their offspring to run when Hong Kong played the United Arab Emirates amok around the Club and disturb other Members, is and Japan on the Main Pitch. In May, it’s the turn also unacceptable and attracting complaints from both of Soccer with the HKFC Citibank International Members and Staff alike. Please remember to have some Soccer Sevens from 24th to 25th May. Aston Villa respect for your fellow Members, and Staff, by supervising (the European under 19’s Champions), Manchester City, your children when they are on the Club Premises Rangers and Newcastle are just some of the major teams (and ensure they are wearing shoes when on the Club that will be represented at this year’s Main Cup tournament, Premises). The General Committee to a person are clear along with entries from the Hong Kong Football Association that more disciplinary action, including where necessary, and, of course, Club sides. Don’t forget too, the Masters suspension of membership, will follow if certain Members Tournament where a number of ex-professionals will also continue to flout the rules of the Club. be playing. So, make sure you get down to the Club for a JOHN J SHANAHAN great weekend of premier soccer action. Chairman The behaviour of children and the bringing of domestic helpers to the Club while performing their duties continues to be a problem. Last month, a Member was disciplined by a Disciplinary Panel for breaching a

2013 Q1 STAFF STAR AWARD

Crystal Cheung - GM Office Gary Li – F&B (Bar) Jennifer Navalta – Shop and Library

2 May 2013 Club Magazine May 2013 3 From the Desk of Mark Pawley

he weather in April was variable, to say the least, and one hopes that May will bring a prolonged spell of fine and sunny weather. That being the case please take note of the Swimming Pool Complex Guidelines on the opposite page Tof the magazine where we have outlined a number of points about dress NOTICE TO MEMBERS code and etiquette etc. You will also note the photos about some of the Staff training that has been conducted over the past few months. In line with this is our Annual Star Award programme where we recognize, Please be informed that Members firstly on a quarterly basis, those Staff members that have excelled in their will be unable to access the Ladies respective jobs. This culminates with the Employee of the Year Award at Changing Room in the Infield on the Annual Staff Party. Congratulations to Crystal, Gary and Jennifer who are pictured on page 2, who are the winners of the first quarter Star Saturday, 25th May and Sunday, Awards. Keep up the good work. 26th May due to requirements for the Food and Beverage promotions this month have a slightly “French” International Soccer 7’s Tournament. feel to them with a French Gourmet Celebration in the Restaurant The Changing Room will be closed throughout May where Chef Patrick has put together an enticing four- from 7:00am to 8:00pm on both course dinner menu (where you can pay an extra $100 and get three days. If access is required to Lockers glasses of wine from our special selection) and then in the kiosk at the G/F Lobby where there will be a special selection of French produce. then this can be arranged by the We are not entirely French this month as the Restaurant also has its very Housekeeping attendant(s) who will be own Boat Trip to Lamma Sunday Night Buffet promotion going on on duty outside the Changing Room. whereby we will try and create a little bit of Lamma’s seafood restaurants without you having to get the boat trip over there. In the Coffee Shop we move from Thailand (in April) to India in May with a Truly Tandoori Dinner Buffet promotion available on Friday and Saturday evenings. The Sportsman’s Bar has a Traditional Pies promotion which we reckon will go down very nicely with a few beers! Obviously, the Soccer 7’s Tournament takes centre stage towards the end Obituaries of May but prior to that we will be showing the final rounds of the English Premier League, the Heineken Cup Final along with three Grand Prix’s We were saddened to hear the news and the first week of the French Open at Roland Garros! of the recent passing away of our Last, and by no means least, please note in your diaries Sunday 12th long time Members, Iain “Broony” May which is Mother’s Day and ensure you get a booking as soon as Brown, and Mike Windsor. Our possible, for one of our Mother’s Day dining options. thoughts and prayers go to their families and friends. May they rest I look forward to seeing you all at the Club! in peace. MARK PAWLEY General Manager

4 May 2013 At the Club

STAFF TRAINING

Throughout the year, the Club offers various training courses for Staff members to enhance their skills to better serve the Club. Pictured below are some of the highlights:

SWIMMING POOL GUIDELINES

The Swimming Pool Complex is a great place to be particularly when we have fine weather! The opening hours are from 7:00am – 9:00pm daily and please remember that you will be required to show your membership card and sign in upon entering. Obviously swimming pool safety and etiquette are very important to us and we ask that you recognize and follow the Swimming Pool Complex Bye-laws noted below.

First Aid Certificate Course • Children under 11 years of age must be supervised by an adult at all times and except for events and functions CPR / AED Training designated by Management, such children must leave the Swimming Pool Complex by 7pm. • Running, chasing, pushing, horseplay, climbing on landscaping features or other inappropriate or offensive conduct is not permitted in the Swimming Pool Complex. • The throwing of balls or other objects and the use of water propelling devices within the Swimming Pool Complex is not permitted. Working and Managing Generation Y and Emotion Management • The minimum dress requirement at all times for all persons in the Swimming Pool Complex shall be appropriate swimwear. Babies must wear swimwear nappies/ diapers in the Swimming Pool Complex, but leak proof swimwear must be worn by babies using the Pools. Babies’ nappies/diapers must not be changed on tables, loungers, or chairs, but in a changing cabana or Swimming Pool Complex toilets where baby change facilities are available. English Workshop • Children of 8 years of age and over are not permitted to use the Children’s Pool; children less than 11 years of age are not permitted to use the Jacuzzis. • No Persons suffering from open sores, skin diseases or other ailments of a comparable nature may enter Pool or Jacuzzis. • All persons must follow the directions of the lifeguards at all times and be familiar with and obey the rules of the Swimming Pool Complex. F&B services

Club Magazine May 2013 5 FOOD & BEVERAGE

RESTAURANT

SUNDAY BRUNCH in the Restaurant and Chairman’s Bar from 11am to 2.30pm throughout the month of May

$245 per Adult (with unlimited flow of sparkling wine) $138 per Child under 12 years of age (with soft drinks and chilled juice) Please contact the Restaurant at 2830 9562 for a reservation or email: [email protected]

Dress Code: Club Casual. No Collarless T-shirts, no Flip Flops, no short Casual Shorts (Knee length – no beach wear). Ladies are required to dress to a comparable standard.

ALL YOU CAN EAT SUNDAY NIGHT BUFFET: “BOAT TRIP TO LAMMA”

FRENCH GOURMET CELEBRATION in the Restaurant every evening (except Sundays) from 6.30pm to 10.30pm throughout the month of May

During the French Gourmet Celebration this month, Photos for reference only Chef Patrick has prepared a four-course dinner menu at $478. For an additional $100, Members can enjoy any 3 in the Restaurant glasses of wine from our special selection. every Sunday for Dinner (except 12th May) from 6.30pm to 9.30pm Please contact the Restaurant at 2830 9562 for reservation or email: [email protected] The growing number of seafood restaurants in Lamma has made this island very popular among seafood lovers. To save you a boat trip, we are bringing the taste of Lamma FOCUS ON FRANCE AT THE to the Club. FOOD AND WINE KIOSK Hurry up, it is time to ‘get on board’ in the Restaurant. $250 per Adult The Food and Wine Kiosk at the $138 per Child under 12 years of age G/F Lobby will have a special selection of French produce Please contact the Restaurant at 2830 9562 for a reservation available throughout the month of or email: [email protected] May. Come and check it out! Just as impressive, at the dinner buffet enjoy unlimited consumption of chilled juices, soft drinks, beer and house wine for just $55 per person.

6 May 2013 Club Magazine May 2013 7 FOOD & BEVERAGE

COFFEE SHOP CHAIRMAN’S BAR

ALL YOU CAN EAT DINNER BUFFET: FRESH OYSTERS TRULY TANDOORI in the Chairman’s Bar every day from noon to 10.30pm in the Coffee Shop on Friday and Saturday evenings - 6 oysters and 2 glasses of Sparkling for $150 from 6.30pm to 9.30pm - or 12 oysters and 2 glasses of Sparkling for $250 $248 per adult, $135 per Children Throughout the month of May, we will have a special Tandoori corner featuring Tandoori Chicken, Lamb Kebab, WINE CAROUSEL Fish Tikka and Nana Bread, among other regular tandoori favourites. in the Chairman’s Bar every day from 6.30pm to 10.30pm For more information please call the Coffee Shop at 2830 9569 or email at [email protected] From 6.30pm until 10.30pm daily, you can enjoy 2 hours of free-flowing wines specially selected to match the season at a set price of $140 per person. There are 12 wines on offer. Alternatively you can select any two glasses for only $75. All these wines can be purchased from our takeaway list. Forms are available on our website or at Reception.

GENERAL PROMOTIONS Photo for reference only LET’S DO LUNCH AT THE CLUB

MADELEINES The Restaurant in the Coffee Shop Monday to Friday from Noon to 2.30pm from 3pm to 5.30pm Set Lunch with Starter Buffet throughout the month of May 2 Courses: $158 Madeleines are very small sponge cakes with a distinctive shell- Add $20 and enjoy a third course like shape acquired from being baked in pans with shell-shaped 3 Courses: $178 depressions. Please call the Coffee Shop at 2830 9569 for more details. The Coffee Shop Monday to Thursday from Noon to 2.30pm Light Lunch Buffet $128 (Adult); $70 (Child) Friday to Sunday from Noon to 2.30pm International Lunch Buffet $148 (Adult); $75 (Child)

The Chairman’s Bar Monday to Friday from Noon to 2.30pm Express Set Lunch 4 Courses: $103 Photo for reference only

8 May 2013 FOOD & BEVERAGE

SPORTSMAN’S BAR

OPENING HOURS As the Mini Soccer and Mini Rugby training seasons are coming to an end, starting from June, the Sportsman’s Bar will open at 11am on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays until further notice Photo for reference only

On the Food and Beverage front TRADITIONAL PIES Everyone loves a good, warm, traditional pie. With a cold beer or a glass of wine, this is an easy, no fuss lunch or dinner treat.

On the Sports front Our very own International Soccer 7’s tournament is back with a bang over the weekend of Friday 24th to Sunday 26th May. Building on our past experience we have put together some great food and beverage delights that will be available “Pitch-side” throughout the weekend. On the screen, the 2013 UEFA Champions League GENERAL PROMOTIONS final is on 25th May at Wembley’s. Kick off time is 7.45pm UK time. For those not able to stay up so late we will be replaying the game the next day. Great Value for Money The English Premier League takes the spotlight with plenty of important games on. Please make sure you “Take-away Wine” check the notice boards for updated dates and time. Life is too short to drink supermarket wine, so check out In Rugby, the Heineken Cup Final will be held at the very competitively priced selection this month. the Aviva Stadium, Dublin on Saturday 18th May at Great value for money… 10pm HK Time. In F1 racing, the Spanish Grand Prix is on Sunday Offer valid until 31st May 2013 12th May and the Monaco Grand Prix is on Sunday 26th May. How to order? • Please fill out the enclosed order form or pick up In Tennis, The French Open, at Roland Garros, starts the form at the G/F Lobby or download it from our on Sunday 26th May and the final will be played on website www.hkfc.com.hk Sunday 9th June. • Fax it to: 2576 7598 or e-mail to: [email protected] Keep up to date on the Club website and all sports • Please allow 5 working days for the processing of notice boards. your order For further information, please call the Sportsman’s Bar ** Allocation is limited until stocks last at 2830 9531. (on a first come first served basis)

Club Magazine May 2013 9 JUNE PREVIEW

10 May 2013 Club Magazine April 2013 10 JUNE PREVIEW

Club Magazine May 2013 11 APA LYRIC THEATRE, Wanchai 16 th to 26 th MAY HK$320 to HK$690 (VIP) www.hkticketing.com 31 288 288 goodmorninghongkong www.goodmorninghongkong.com

For ‘preferential member’ rate quote “GMHK5” when booking your tickets. 12 May 2013 APA LYRIC THEATRE, Wanchai 16 th to 26 th MAY HK$320 to HK$690 (VIP) www.hkticketing.com 31 288 288 goodmorninghongkong www.goodmorninghongkong.com

For ‘preferential member’ rate quote “GMHK5” when booking your tickets. Club Magazine May 2013 13 Squash News

CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS TOURNAMENT SATURDAY MORNING YOUTH SQUASH at the Club

10:15am to 12:30pm every Saturday from 13th April

- Open to HKFC Juniors aged 11-17 - No payment or long-term commitment required - Racquets, balls and protective eyewear will be available for anyone who does not have their own The HKFC Club Championships Tournament will be held from 4th to - Players must bring their own shoes­­­­ — 25th May 2013. The following Tournaments will be held: they must be clean with non-marking, light coloured soles. • Men’s Open Championship: Cup, Plate and Bowl – Main Draw maximum 64 Entries Just get on court and play. Simple as that! • Ladies Open Championship: Cup, Plate and Bowl – Main Draw maximum 32 Entries

• Men’s Master Championship (40 or above): Cup and Plate – Main Draw maximum 32 Entries For more information or • Men’s Super Master Championship (50 or above): Cup and Plate – maximum 32 Entries bookings please contact [email protected] • Ladies Master Championship (40 or above): Cup and Plate – maximum 32 Entries

Last year’s winners of the Club Championships tournament

14 May 2013 FUTURE SQUASH TOUR - BALI You may know Bali for its beaches, its culture and its very friendly people and markets. But did you know they also play squash? Tour in There are two great locations with squash courts, the Grand Hyatt at Nusa Dua and the Canggu Bali Club at Canggu, which is just north of Seminyak. The Grand Hyatt is a five star hotel on the South coast of Bali with three squash courts, gym and 5 swimming pools. We would be able to use all of the hotel Bring your squash facilities when playing there. racquets to Bali on your next trip! The Canggu Club is the only private sports club on the island and has a great gym, squash courts swimming pool and a number of SQUASH LADDER bars and restaurants. http://www.cangguclub.com/tennis Top Five players in the Ladies’ and Men’s Ladders Flights are direct from Hong Kong with either Ladies Mens Cathay Pacific or Garuda and take only 4 hours 1 Carmen Lee 1 Chad Sunde and 20 minutes. 2 Shina Leung 2 Ho Ming Chiu We are arranging a 4-day trip later in the year. 3 Isabella Bersani 3 Vincent Yu For all those interested, please contact Maarten at 4 Karen Lau 4 Lincoln Chan [email protected] 5 Ruchika Kumar 5 Malcolm Kerr

Best Caption Competition DATE FOR YOUR DIARY:

A bottle of Champagne is to Summer League starts on 10th June 2013. Same format as previous be won for the best caption for years. Ensure you keep fit in the ‘off ’ this photo of Malcolm Kerr season period and Join a team. and an unknown gorilla. They can be talking to each other or just a comment from

one gorilla to the other gorilla. Masters 3 at Dai Pai Dong in North Point

Please send your entries to: [email protected]

HKFC MASTERS 3 The final match of the season was played against Wakco at the Sports Centre on Java Road, North Point. For those of you who have not played at these courts, imagine a combination of fridge like conditions on court with a Karaoke system being used by the marker. This gives you a good picture of Java Road Sports Centre. The results were not great (ie we lost) so let’s focus on the reason we like Java Road and the Wacko team – the Dai Pai Dong afterwards. As always, this team is very sociable, which is what Masters is all about.

Club Magazine May 2013 15

Rugby News

Mark Liversidge, Section Captain CAPTAIN’S CALL Lions, Dragons, Penguins and Taipans his is a very special month in the mighty Sergio Parisse of Italy, Hong Kong rugby history, as Springbok Jacque Fourie, Catalan for the first and possibly only dragon Imanol Harinordoquy and All- time the British & Irish Lions Black Nick Evans the best fly-half in Tplay here, with a first ever test match Europe for the last few seasons. against the Barbarians, in what promises If you haven’t yet got a ticket for the donate to Rwandan Rugby, who were to be not only a fantastic experience at game, sort it out now. participating in the Tens for the first the Hong Kong Stadium on Saturday time. Thanks to Leonie Blenkiron 1st June, but another memorable “rugby Late March and early April felt like a for managing the process and all of week” across the city, with HKFC at the never-ending rugby wonderland at the you who donated. I look forward to hub of the action. Club! seeing many photos of young aspiring I was lucky enough to have been on The Hong Kong Tens was again Rwandan rugby players dressed in a six-week playing tour following the was a sensational event, truly living vintage Scorpions tour shirts! Lions in Australia 2001 and it is simply up to its billing as “the best Tens Congratulations to Jamie Hood and the best rugby experience you can tournament in the world” with almost the rest of the Hong Kong boys at imagine. With the commitment Hong every team including current or recent this year’s Hong Kong Sevens, tough Kong’s rugby community makes to international players, NRL players and pool matches, but beating core teams enjoying every event, this will be an rising stars of the Sevens World Series. Argentina and the USA on their march amazing party. Grab a red, or black and The Penguins won the Cup for the first to the Bowl Final. As always a fabulous white shirt and get involved… time, while our own Newedge Club team acquitted themselves bravely, up weekend, the Beach Boys perked up the The Lions will be playing their first against professional teams. Once again South Stand on Saturday afternoon and game on tour and every player will be huge thanks and congratulations to the I’ve had a word with some of the Union looking to excel to claim a starting place volunteer organising committee, lead Board and asked if we can have the in the Test Side, while the Barbarians by Chris Harker, David “Animal” Rolling Stones or AC/DC next year. As will feature a star packed side many Slater, Pippa Laxton and the rest. always great to see the massed hordes of whom would never before had of the mini section streaming across the the opportunity to play the Lions; We managed to gather 200kg of kit to pitch in the march past and surprising Highlights from the Taipan Challenge

The Challenger XV The Taipan XV

Team Coaches Under 19 Grand Final Varsity Challenge

16 May 2013 RUGBY everyone with the mass gangnam-style Kong this year, as the two invitational mob! Well done to all who made it teams with players drawn from across THE LION into the South Stand on Saturday, for the HK Premiership clubs, looked DRAGON both the creative costumes and their to play open attacking rugby. There ability to get out of bed by 8am and are too many sensational passages CHALLENGE CUP still be standing by mid-afternoon, of play to mention, but Jimmy 6:00pm Thursday 30th May while I have to commend Kevin Richards, James Murray, Adrian at HKFC Taylor and his BT team for having Griffiths and Andy Kelly were star the best box and rugby shirts this year! performers, as the game came down HKFC Invitational XV to the very last play and a close call v The Sevens Week ended on a very by the touch judge ruling out a try for London Scottish sad note for everyone associated to the Challenger, leaving the scoreboard HKFC, HKRFU and the wider rugby With a warm up match at reading 28-25 and the Taipan 5:00pm community with the passing of Ian regaining the Mansergh Cup. “Broony” Brown. 300 of his friends HKFC Contemptibles gathered on the eve of Taipan Day in the The Taipan dinner was a wonderful v Sportsman’s Bar to farewell him, showing evening, with entertaining speeches Ancient Scots the impact he had in our Club and from both Andrew Weir and Dave community. Vale Broony. Lewis, as the old boys, gentlemen of And the fun doesn’t stop… business, players and the great and the Taipan Day was sensational, with good of HKFC mingled until very, very By the time you read this piece, the Andrew Weir of KPMG taking on late in the night. Vandals will have returned from a first the Taipan role against Hong Kong time visit to India, where they will be based rugby legend Dave Lewis. Thanks to Bruce Ruffy for delivering in Kolkata, playing against the Calcutta a great mini festival, Dave Nazer The day started early with a mini Football Club, spending days with Khelo for managing the dinner functions, festival from 8am until lunchtime, Rugby, a fantastic charity supporting Don Rider for the programme, Bill before a succession of highly orphans and street kids, plus a bit of Burgess and the brains trust for entertaining matches as the HKRFU exploring. More next month… their guidance, Rob Naylor, James Under 16 and Under 19 Grand Cook, Kevin West, Andy Hall, The annual May Ball will be on Finals were contested, along with Dave Whiteford, Dave Egerton, Saturday 11th May, with the usual a Ladies Challenge match and Jon Moore and Sean Purdie for parade of striped Club Jackets mixing with the Varsity Challenge seeing The managing the respective playing squads glamorous girls for an evening of award Colonials winning a close contest 25- and finally PT McGee for leading presentations, entertainment and end of 19 to take the Bowl from the British the committee, before dropping me in season team bonding. and Irish Lions. it two weeks out to deliver the event And then on to the Lions Week in Hong The Taipan Challenge match was and disappear to Hawaii (on business Kong, look out for famous faces in the probably the best club match in Hong allegedly!) bars and corridors of the Club and join in the various Section events. We will host a number of matches over the course of the week, with the highlight being the visit of London Scottish, home of many a famous British Lion and Scottish international, who will take on our own HKFC Invitational XV in the Lion Dragon Challenge Cup. The Sports Hall will be packed full for the Stephen Jones Testimonial Dinner on Thursday Dave Lewis and his son Richard Lewis 30th May, with many famous rugby faces joining us for what will be a memorable evening and there are sure to be other gatherings through the week. Please get down to the Club, join in and enjoy the Lions experience. Go the Lions!

Colonials Victory Livo

Club Magazine May 2013 17 RUGBY

Friday 22nd Hong Kong 7’s Day 1 No bigger test then playing the current Hong Kong 7’s Champions, under the Friday Night Lights. It’s a fantastic experience, we let ourselves down on several occasions with individual and team errors but learned a lot from the masters of the game. Saturday 23rd Hong Kong 7’s Day 2 Canada Still a stern challenge as Canada are a well organized team and have beaten some of the top teams this year. We are close to taking the win and go down 14-12 JAMIE HOOD’S 7s missing 3 clear opportunities in the last few minutes to clinch the game. HKFC star Jamie Hood gives us an insight to playing in the Hong Kong Sevens. Spain After taking a knock in the Canada game I join the injury list alongside Ant Haynes. We play well Monday 18th March in patches but again make some mistakes which 7’s week starts with a run out against England at Sandy Bay. let Spain take the lead and eventually the game. A Playing against a top core team is a big challenge and is a wake disappointing result as Spain could be a team we face up call, showing the serious increase in intensity and skill from the in the qualifiers in London. Asian 7s Series. The session goes well and we get an opportunity to get the ball through the hands and work on our playing pattern Sunday 24th against some top class opposition. Hong Kong 7’s Day 3 Tuesday 19th Argentina A day off from training and preparation, giving us all a bit of A huge game against a strong team near the top space and time to relax before the big weekend. of the series table who beat South Africa earlier in this tournament, we perform well minimizing our Wednesday 20th mistakes and taking all our opportunities whilst Training session against Wales, the current 7’s World Cup holders, Argentina struggle to convert their opportunities. We giving us another opportunity to practice our game play against take our first win 7-5 at this year’s sevens and move some top class opposition. Wales exposed a few weaknesses in our into the semi-finals. defensive pattern, which needs to be addressed. USA Thursday 21st The game presents the opportunity for revenge for Early morning training session against the current World us, after narrowly losing to the Eagles in the Toyko Series Champions New Zealand, provides us with an amazing 7’s last year in the last play of the game. A really experience to play against some of the best players in the strong team including the fastest player on the circuit, world, and a real test for us before our first game. Carlin Isles, playing on the wing, we pressurize them Spend the rest of the day watching some great rugby at the HKFC and play a better tactical game ensuring we keep Tens, before an evening team analysis and video session on our possession to win 20-12 and becoming the first “non first pool opponents Fiji. core” team to make a Bowl Final. The South Stand Sevens!

18 May 2013 RUGBY

England The week goes full circle with us facing England, this time with a Bowl Final at stake. The noise in the stadium was unreal and the support was fantastic. Unfortunately we make too many mistakes and give away too much possession, which allows their dangerous runners into the game and they pull out to a healthy lead. We can’t get back into the game but do get a consolation try at the death. The Final loss puts a bit of a downer on the end of the weekend, but it has been a good learning curve for the Adam Wooliscroft at the Atacama Crossing race to raise funds for whole squad as we look forward to the London 7’s with the spinal research. opportunity to become a core team in the World Series and then head to Russia for the World Cup. WOOLLY vs THE HKFC TENS WILD The Best Tens Tournament The Atacama Crossing was an epic experience! I am proud to have finished it, and particularly to have in the World finished 6th overall.

CUP FINAL Most importantly, I am delighted to have raised awareness HSBC Penguins 21- 14 ULR Samurai and over GBP5,000 for Spinal Research. I’ll never forget the difference a millimetre can make and this charity is very HSBC Penguins finally won the GFI HKFC Tens at the close to my heart. I want to say an enormous “thank you” to seventh attempt after beating ULR Samurai International 21- 14 in a fiercely fought Cup final at Hong Kong Football Club. everyone for their generosity and support during the race.

Australian winger Richard Hooper outsprinted the Samurai The race is genuinely as tough as it sounds! defence to touch down a last-minute grubber kick by England In a strange masochistic way, the mental and physical Sevens scrumhalf James Lightfoot-Brown, who had sprinted determination that you need stretches you way beyond your over 50 metres along the right touchline after making a break comfort zone, and you learn new things about yourself and from a scrum near his own 22. even grow. This is what makes it so incredible. The scenery The two teams had been locked at 14-14 at half-time after isn’t too bad either! Penguins scored through Australian flanker Dylan Sigg and former Hong Kong scrumhalf Johnny Gbenda-Charles, 7 marathons (250km) in 7 days is demanding enough, set up by Sigg. Samurai drew level each time through especially by day 3 when the cumulative effect on your body breakaway tries, first by Paula Tikomainaivalu and then is really noticeable, but it was a combination of ALL the through scrumhalf Kelemedi Bola. other factors that made it such an immense challenge. The top-seeded BGC APB All Stars – earlier knocked out It is self-supported, which means that you have an 8-10kg by Penguins in the Cup quarter-finals – won the Plate after backpack, holding 7 days food (nasty dehydrated stuff) and crushing fifth seeds the Scottish Barbarians, whose side all your kit. This pack constantly bounces up and down on featured six Scotland Sevens internationals. your shoulders, with every stride forwards, for 6 hours per Lloyd McDermott Warriors of Australia stacked with NRL day. It increases the pressure on your knees but also on your players and a couple of Australian Sevens players won the Bowl, while an Irish Vikings side featuring England Sevens duo Dan Bibby and Ollie Marchon won the Shield. PLATE FINAL BCG Asia Pacific All Stars 41-0 Scottish Barbarians BOWL FINAL Lloyd McDermott Warriors 26-12 Wild Titans SHIELD FINAL Irish Vikings 22-5 Lloyds London

Club Magazine May 2013 19 RUGBY shoulders too and unfortunately there be out there ! It’s well worth adding to are no massage opportunities out there! the bucket list if you haven’t been! HKFC MINI It’s the rucksack that causes the running One of the really positive aspects is style to develop from the normal the number of new fantastic friends RUGBY “gazelle like stride” into what resembles that I made during the week. I was a fast “old lady shuffle”. particularly lucky with my tent mates FESTIVAL The Atacama Desert claims to be and it was brilliant to be able to the most arid place on earth and you share a tent with such a breadth of could taste the dryness in the air. unique individuals, from such varied The HKFC Mini Rugby Festival Sweat evaporates instantly, which backgrounds, all over the world. The took place at Sports Road on Sunday fortunately means you don’t smell too guys I was running ( okay, battling 10th March with an impressive 315 bad after 7 days!! But, you need to it out ) with were also fantastic competing teams, 22 more teams than balance this by water consumption sportsman, demonstrating the best the previous world record turnout. to avoid getting into trouble with in camaraderie, which is a significant The weather set the tone for what dehydration or even heat stroke. part of the event. turned out to be a successful day all Daytime temperatures soared to Finally, an enormous shout of respect to around seeing some great mini rugby a torturous 45 degrees, making both blind runners who somehow, and I being played across all age groups, thermoregulation, especially as a don’t really know how, as I struggled culminating in a very exciting U12 larger runner, a huge challenge. On enough, had the strength and final on the main pitch supported by a top of this the nasty, white salt flats determination to get around that large very enthusiastic young crowd. reflect the sunlight back into your face incredibly technical course, to raise (a little like snow does), adding to the The day’s success was testament to funds for charity. They even managed to intense oven effect. Bruce Ruffy and the many parent finish at a decent pace - this really was volunteers who made this tournament The initial altitude at over 3,000m was incredible and incredibly humbling! such an enjoyable day for all. a killer on the lungs, and for the first 3 days I struggled to get enough air, as oxygen levels dropped to 80%, and I now far better appreciate what it’s like to be asthmatic ! The sand was hard going absorbing 30% of the forward momentum on every single step and wasting precious energy, and the salt flats, were worse, like running on a part frozen ploughed field! Finally, being a comparatively “large” rugby shaped runner also added to the challenge. The more delicate race leaders were all in the 60kg zone, where as I started at a light 86kg and had fallen to undernourished 79kg by the end. Still a 20kg (20 litres of water) difference, added to the challenges of thermoregulation,

You are invited to the first especially over the hills. JOIN THE FUN Open Rugby Day GIRLS’ OPEN Saturday, 11 May from BUT, what doesn’t kill you only makes 3 to 5:00pm at the Hong Kong you stronger!! The human body is RUGBY DAY! Football Club, Main Pitch. pretty impressive and it’s incredible how Bring a friend, bring a neighbor, Girls ages 6 to 19 are welcome. quickly you recover each day. bring your sister. Come ready to play, meet players and coaches, be apart of No experience necessary. Hong Kong’s growing All Girls The scenery was both epic in scale HKFC members & non-members rugby program. and incredibly unique in appearance. welcome. Contact Liz Moser at There was some genuinely beautiful [email protected] for more scenery as well as the opportunity to run information. through some really unusual alien-type geography, apparently where NASA tests its moon buggies, although we didn’t see any. It was a real privilege to

20 May 2013 MINI RUGBY

The Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs and Tigers all represented the HKFC U7’s division very well. Stand out players for the Leopards included Chris Robertson, Harry Page, Ben Hague, William Riddick and James Richardson. Perhaps the most pleasing aspect of the day was seeing Alysha Dodd make a 10- yard break before offloading to Leila Pimlott to score. This is what is worked on in training and it’s great to see it actually work in a game and only goes to show how far all the kids have come this year. The Tigers 1 team played well for a INAUGURAL win, a loss and a draw from their three games with the team showing massive OVERSEAS TOUR improvement throughout the year. The hard work at training really paid off FOR GIRLS MINI RUGBY with the result being much stronger performances on game day. On Sunday 7th April, an intrepid band of 49 (24 kids plus coaches and parents) set our for the wilds of Buffalo country in West Lantau (Tai O) for a joint training session The Tigers 2 team also really excelled. with the Lantau Buffalos. This involved U8’s, U10’s and U12’s and was the brain The standout play of the day was a hat child of myself and Chris Meecham, a Club member but also a coach with the trick of tries by Daniel Bennie in the Buffalos. When I say brain child, we discussed this over one or two (possibly more) mornings opening match, but overall the beers and it seems Liz Moser heard us, so all of a sudden we had to follow it up ! squad has really gelled over the year and So the Ice set off to see if Buffalo Girls really do go round the outside. developed into a real team. A great day was had by all, with tackling practice and full on games of touch Cheetahs 1 started slowly out of the for the Under 8’s and three legged races and leapfrog for the U10’s and 12’s blocks, but picked up their tempo and (something to do with Russell Henderson). really dominated the play with some This was followed up with lunch for 50 or so at the Stoep and lots of playing on excellent passing and running ending the beach. the day with five wins and one loss. All in all it was a credible performance. The Buffalos have invited us back next year when they promise to organise something.....can’t wait. The Lions team 1 played well with This could become the next Manila 10’s. strong performances from James Li- Campbell, Seb Gyngell, Dominic David Howell Falso, Philip Blackwell, and Aiden Head Coach U8 Girls Rugby Cheung contributing many fine runs in all three games. Lapses in concentration affected the team in the game they lost as they resorted to bunching in defense and leaving space on the flanks where tries were conceded. Lions 2 won all three games, beating two good Valley teams and enjoying a comfortable win over a not so good DeA team. Mentions for Lucas Hayman, William Boswell, Jeremy Tsai, Caleb Lee and Michael Cha who ran and defended with great energy.

Club Magazine May 2013 21 Hockey News

Celebrating 25 Years of Dinos

The Ladies Section’s E Team, aka the Dinosaurs, celebrated their 25th anniversary as a Club team over the weekend of 1 to 3 March in considerable and inimitable style…would one expect anything less of the Dinos?

ormed in the 1987/1988 season by a group of senior (over 35 years of age) Club players, the Dinos entered the Second FDivision of HKHA Women’s League Club Officials with Dinos on Saturday as the Club’s D team. 25 years later the Dinos still play in the Second Division but afternoon saw Averil taking the toss for are now the Club’s E team. the Dinos’ league game against Recreio B, at the Club pitch, which the Dinos 40 Dinos, including the first Dino captain won 3-1; Chappie commented that he Averil Waters and 5 other members of had never seen the team so committed Dinos on Sunday in commemorative T-shirts the original team (Leslie Glancy, Fiona donated by the Hockey Section to secure a win! Well, in front of a Black, Susie Logan, Mary Coghill and crowd of old Dinos, the current Dinos Heather Prober, two of whom are still Entertainment was provided by way just had to do well. playing in/managing the team), made it to of a slide show/ video of the Dinos the party which started on Friday evening Post-match the Club very kindly and the piece de resistance, a poem with a junk trip to Lamma. Saturday provided champagne in the Sportsman’s from Poetasuarus (aka Leslie Glancy) Bar, the Dinos somewhat lowered the detailing the history of the Dinos… tone however by ordering chips! all 25 years! Oh, between courses Saturday evening saw the Dinos and the organizing committee, fronted by guests, resplendent in party frocks, Captain Di May, welcomed the guests congregate in the Club Restaurant’s Gingham Style (ask Dori Dainton!). VIP Room to have their success Sunday saw the Dinos, their partners, toasted by the Club Chairman John children and grandchildren enjoy a Shanahan, General Manager Mark buffet meal at the Indian Recreation Pawley, the General Committee’s Club in Sookunpoo. All Dinos were Enthralled spectators at Dino league match on Hockey Representative Nicki Russo Saturday wearing commemorative purple (of and Ladies Hockey Captain Jo Fargus, course!) T shirts, provided by the before sitting down to a sumptuous Hockey Section. meal. Dominique and his team did Alas and alack, the party was over the Dinos proud, the menu, the wine, but what fun it had all been. So many the staff and the ambience were all stories, memories, laughs and high jinx. superb. The little touches, frilly napkins, Here’s to the next 25 years, pip pip ! purple lai see packets, glitter and pinkies, were the Dinos’ own - nearly as The Dinos wish to thank the Club and tasteful as Dominique’s. the Hockey Section for making their Organizing Committee in Gangnam style party such a roaring success.

22 May 2013 HOCKEY

Rob Derikx in action at the International 5s Ben Hawes and Enrico Marican The World MESSAGE FROM THE HKFC Hockey HOCKEY 6s COMMITTEE Challenge 2013

Patrick Watts, he Hockey 6s weekend was Chairman, HKFC Hockey 76s CCommittee kicked off in a spectacular way as our international players The 2013 edition of the HKFC Hockey In the Ladies Bowl Beijing A and B battled combined to play an 11-a-side Texhibition match. The Club has hosted 6s promised 2 days of fast and furious it out and, fortunately for the selectors, action. This year the overseas visitors Beijing A won 6-3. The Mens Bowl some international matches before, but were our old friends from Beijing Hockey produced a cracking final between KNS the quality of the players on show and Club (looking to win the Mens Cup for and Dutch, the score at full time was 5-5 the freedom to play in a less competitive the first time), ISCI from Indonesia and with KNS winning the penalty challenge environment made the match an exciting the Shenzhen Knights. The local teams shootout for a final score of 7-6. prospect for players and spectators alike. included many Premiership players in The Ladies Plate saw HKFC Heroes and both the Ladies and Mens competitions Five time world player of the year, Jamie the Supergirls arrive in their superhero with Jatt Airways, Khalsa and HKFC ABS Dwyer, led the JDHA Barbarians team costumes, the Heroes running out 7-1 looking strong in the Mens and Valley A which comprised six of his current winners. The Mens Plate final was played and HKFC Heroes looking good value in Champions Trophy and Olympic bronze in appalling conditions with Amber rain the Ladies. falling and the skies turning black. The medal winning Australia team. The side Day 1 saw the matches come fast and players carried on bravely and HKFC also included up and coming international furious, 6 per hour from 9am to 6pm - ABS put aside ASI Samurai 5-1. players from Asia, including Singapore, the Ladies benefitting from a late start Japan and Hong Kong. Very sadly for all involved the weather had, at 11am, thanks to the scheduler! Day by now, set in for the night, and the Mens Their opposition was the Euro All Stars, 1 upsets included the ASI Samurai and Ladies Cup Finals were cancelled. Geishas beating HKFC Heroes in the a blend of international talent from Great Ladies Competition and Beijing beating Nevertheless well deserved Britain, Holland and Germany, with a HKFC ABS in the Mens. congratulations to the first time Ladies vast amount of experience across multiple Cup Winners, Valley A and ASI Samurai Olympics over the last decade. Day 2 saw a later start (thanks from all to Geishas and, in the Mens competition, Jim!) and some surprising results in the Despite a horrendous storm late Beijing Hockey Club and Jatt Airways. remaining group games. The organizing afternoon, the rain subsided and the committee – remembering the Olympic Our thanks, as always, to our air cleared by 6:30pm. Perfect playing Badminton competition – looked very outstanding team of umpires led by conditions arrived in time for the start at closely at all the games and concluded Alfred, for their tireless efforts. Also to 7pm. The game started at a great pace, the results were caused by Wan Chai the players for being ready, and willing, with the JDHA Barbarians dictating the rather than Intelligent Design! to play every game on time. We hope pace in the initial stages. They had youth you enjoyed the weekend and look The Ladies and Mens last place matches on their side and the Australian players forward to inviting you back for the next commenced with both teams sending edition in 2014. were showing their quality as they moved a runner from the goal line to the half the ball around. Jamie Dwyer was starting way to sink a pint and start the game, Patrick Watts to pull the strings in the midfield and his winners all round!

Club Magazine May 2013 23 HOCKEY

stunning pace, movement and skill was making life difficult for the Euro team. They opened up a two goal lead and looked ominous even though chances were being created at both ends. HONG KONG As the game continued into the second quarter, both sides were INTERNATIONAL 5s creating chances. The Barbarians kept the pressure on though and opened up a 4-1 lead. The All Stars did not panic though and pulled a goals back through Ben Hawes and Sander van der Weide at penalty corners, the latter a sharp rebound from a very tight angle. After half time, the same pattern continued, with the youthful Australians and Asian players looking the more dangerous, finally ending the 3rd quarter 5-3 up. At the start of the 4th quarter, the Barbarians were in the driving seat, but the Euro All Stars started to turn up the pressure as the Barbarians intensity dropped. In the space of a few minutes the Barbarians were opened by through balls to Erik Bouwens, who punished the Barbarians with powerful shots through Aussie goalkeeper, Andrew Charter’s legs. This was quickly followed up by a second penalty corner finish from Ben Hawes, giving the All Stars the lead. The Barbarians pressed again and created a number of chances at the other end, but could not quite get the final touch in ugby 7s and 10s, Cricket 6s and 5s is the front of goal. Hawes then completed his hat-rick with a clever solo latest format to be introduced in hockey. The effort from a penalty corner, giving the Euro All Stars a 7-5 win, from opportunity to trial for the FIH does not happen what seemed an improbable score line at the end of the 3rd quarter. every day and Hong Kong is notorious for trying Rthese things. So off we went…during the 6s! Confused? A huge thanks goes to all the players for the commitment to playing a hugely exciting and entertaining game. It was also great to see some Before we start, a few key things to know with 5s HK and Club players revel in this environment, showing how good they are. • Smaller pitch – approx 45m x 30m. • Boards all the way around the sides Hong Kong hockey rarely gets to see such a quality game and we • Can score from anywhere on the pitch hope this can be a regular part of the tournament going forward. The four-team series kicked off on Friday night with the big guns from Australia (aka Team Earth) taking on the The World Hockey Challenge Teams: might of the Dutch (aka Team Air). As a new format that Euro All Stars - Sander van der Weide, James Fair (GK), Feerk none of the players or umpires had encountered before, ten Hoor (GK), Rob Moore, Ben Hawes, Dan Fox, Laurence Docherty, it was a relatively slow start. However, purely knowing Michael Green, Eric Bouwens, Sjoerd de Wert, Richard Alexander, Rob that you could score from anywhere meant that a few Derikx, Geert Jan Derikx, Richard Finch, Yan Adams players were trying their luck from all over the pitch. As JDHA Barbarians - Jamie Dwyer (Captain), Andrew Charter (GK), the first third progressed, the speed picked up and the Kieran Govers , Rhett Halkett, Jacob Whetton, Trent Mitton, Glenn realisation that the pace was frenetic with no rest (as Simpson, Tim Deavin, Enrico Marican, Yiru Tan, Kosuke Matsumura, the ball rarely went out of play), meant that legs and Hirotaka Zendana, Asghar Ali, Arif Ali, Ishtiaq Ahmed, Julian Lewis lungs were being pushed to their limits even for these seasoned pros. Both teams had solid benches to call on and it was needed. The Australians showed they were at the top of their game and were soon 3-0 to the good, including two fierce strikes from Kieran Govers. The Dutch though warmed to the task and soon were back on level terms. This, however, sparked the Australians into action again and saw a huge change in the game, with a dazzling display of finishing and 8 unanswered goals by the end of the 2nd third. The Dutch boys, with some pride on the line, regrouped at the changeover and quickly got 3 goals back in the last third. This was followed by a rapid-fire hatrick from Laurence Docherty for the men in Orange, but Jamie Dwyer and Trent Mitton finished the game off for the Earth team and a convincing 15-8 win.

In the second fixture of the night the GB team (aka Team Euro All Stars Water) overcame the Asian Barbarians (aka Team Fire)

24 May 2013 MINI HOCKEY

12-8. The game followed a distinct pattern throughout, with the GB boys taking a two goal lead, only to be pegged back each time. Midway through the second third, the lead changed hands several times, with Team Fire sensing an unexpected victory. It was all set up for a tense final third and the teams kept cancelling each other out until the last 5 minutes when some quality finishes saw the GB team pull away.

After an intriguing first day of 5s, the second round was played on the Saturday during the Hockey 6s lunchtime break. Team Australia took on the Asian Barbarians and were quickly Above Left: into their stride, scoring some spectacular Sander van der goals along the way, their pace and precision Weide and the Shaheen U8s too much for the local boys. The second and final thirds saw some spirited play from Above Right: the Fire team, but they never really got Luke Marcon busting through close to the dominant Australians, eventually the tackles and succumbing 15-8. towards another Dan Fox and Ben Hawes coaching the HKFC U12s at the goal for the U12s HKFC Mini Hockey 6s The second match of the day saw traditional rivals Holland and GB take each other on, with players very familiar with each other. The MINI HOCKEY 6S Dutch were eager to get their first 5s win and started strongly with Erik Bouwens again in he debut of the Mini Hockey 6s into the Hockey 6s weekend meant top form. They opened up an early lead, but that the whole event began to take on more of a Hockey Festival GB stayed in the game and exchanged goals atmosphere… especially as the coaches and umpires for the Mini to stay in touch at the end of the first quarter. 6s teams were the international players in Hong Kong for the world The pace of the game was tough and with THockey Challenge and the International 5s Series, also debuting for the first both goalkeepers in excellent form it was not time anywhere on the world hockey stage. as free scoring as the earlier game. Goals came in the final third and the Dutch opened The tournament was set up as 6 teams, 6-aside, 6 games and played up a 4 goal lead as the smaller GB bench was across three age groups on three separate pitches. The Under 8 exposed. It was too much for GB to claw back competition was made of HKFC Red, HKFC white, HKFC Blue, HKCC, even though two quick goals set up a hectic KCC and Shaheen. The tournament was fairly even with teams competing last few minutes, which saw Holland come out well for the top honours. In the end the U8 Final was played between KCC 10-8 winners. and HKFC Blue, with yet another strong KCC team winning the top prize. The U10 tournament was contested by HKCC, HKFC Blue, HKFC White, With the last round set for the evening, we Khalsa and KCC (unfortunately 1 team did not manage to make it to the were ready for an exciting finish and an ‘Ashes’ tournament so this age group played a 5 team competition only. The final match between GB and Australia, but the rain was won by the Khalsa team, who were dominant throughout the round came in and washed out the final matches robin matches. of the tournament, much to everyone’s disappointment. It was obvious though that The U12 tournament was capped off with a thrilling final that ended in a what 5s we did see, was highly entertaining golden goal winner. Teams competing were: HKFC Red, HKFC White, and potentially this is the birth of a new era for HKFC Blue, Khalsa, KCC and Shaheen. As with the U8 competition, games the sport. More next year…!! were competitive and some close scores meant that the top two teams went into the finals having already played some tough matches. Prevailing with the extra time winner was HKFC White over the KCC team. The winner was reminiscent of the U12 ALL STARS game last month when Michael Sheperdson (from HKFC) scored the Golden Goal winner against his opponent (from KCC). A great way for the Club to wrap up the Mini Hockey 6s and a fitting end to the tournament overall as it set an exciting tone and enthused the international coaches who were very complimentary of the skills they had seen on display. As the Hockey 6s, International 5s and World Hockey Challenge all proved such a success, it is likely there will be a similar tournament held in future years to come, and as such a willingness already to make more of this Mini Hockey 6s tournament. Watch this space… the future stars will be back!

Club Magazine May 2013 25 MINI HOCKEY

Mini Hockey: Singapore Tour

spe aki ng o f s u c c

e

B s s r a Brandon Learning Centre n d www.brandoncentre.com o n L ear Your pathway to success ning re Le Français; quel est ton but? Cent French for every purpose

IB… IGCSE… UK School Entrance… Sheer Enjoyment Brandon Learning Centre, 2 minutes from Hong Kong Football Club! How do we help our students to excel? Call us: 2575 1761 A British Education without leaving Hong Kong

www.brandoncentre.com Ages 4 + - English Speaking Board public speaking classes develop con dence Ages 8 + - Begin preparation for Common Entrance 11+/13+ to develop a strong foundation in English, Science, Humanities, Maths and French Ages 9 + - Our “LEARN DISCUSS PRESENT” course introduces key cultural topics, enhancing interview : : skills Ages 10 + - Verbal and non-verbal reasoning courses prepare for UK Boarding School interviews Ages 11 + - Intensive Common Entrance/Winchester College Examination/Scholarship preparation Ages 16 + - Advice on entry to UK Universities including pathways into law, medicine and Oxbridge Ages 17 + - UCAS application/University interview preparation

spe aki ng o f In 2012, our students were awarded places at the following schools: s u c c

e Winchester College (6 students including one scholarship), Eton College, Harrow, Wycombe Abbey, Downe

B s s r a n House, Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Badminton, Benenden, Heath eld, St Swithun’s, Headington, Oundle, d o n Tel: 23750088 (Jordan) L King’s College, Canterbury, United World College, Magdalen College, Rugby, Stowe, Radley College, ea rning Centre Tel: 25751761 (Causeway Bay) Marlborough College, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, Epsom, Dragon School, Summer Fields, Port Regis. [email protected] - www.brandoncentre.com Universities: Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, King's College London, Imperial, Manchester, University of Hong Kong.

26 May 2013 Lawn Bowls News

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

here has been a lull between the completion of the Winter Leagues in February and the start of the Premier Leagues at the end of April. During this time much work has gone into the selection of the teams that will be Trepresenting us with 5 Men’s teams and 3 Ladies team’s entered and regular practice has commenced. In the meantime many of our Section members are getting into competitive mode again by participating in the National Triples Competition for both Men and Women. I have seen some very close and exciting games played already and wish our surviving teams all the best as the competition progresses. The recently completed Skill Enhancement Course run by PT Lee was attended by 16 bowlers and has been very well received with strong support for a repeat/follow up programme to help reinforce what has been learnt. There has also been action on our own Indoor Ladder with Denis Hamelin making good progress upwards sufficient to challenge the current leader Anne Gately. However she was able to comfortably hold off his initial challenge but I am sure there will be more!

Roger Nissim

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Club Magazine May 2013 27 Netball News

Kiwis having a ball

Karin Looram, Netball DSA Chairperson The ANZ Kiwi Ball is the annual premier event for anyone with a connection to New Zealand – be it heart, mind, body or soul. The CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE party at the Hong Kong Football Club (HKFC) in Happy Valley on 14th June is being co- organised by South Lantau resident Roimata Hi Everyone, Harmon of ORA Events. It’s a celebration This month saw the end of another season for the netball. As I write of Kiwi food, drink, music and culture with a this report, the teams are gearing up for the semi and finals taking place performance by Te Hokioi Ki Whanga Kakara, early May and by the time you read this results will be in. Hong Kong’s own Maori cultural group. There’ll be a silent auction and prize draw to raise This season we have four out of six teams who have made it to the finals funds for KidsCan, a charity which supports to be played at the Football Club. Look out for a full write up in next disadvantaged New Zealand children. To month’s magazine. purchase tickets, visit Last month saw the ever popular Beach Netball take place at Repulse www.ora-events.hk Bay. Many HKFC players took part in the festivities, which saw one of our teams win their group placing. Check out some of the photos of the players including; Mills, Jess, Elise,Ness, Penn and Jenn. Looking Beach Netball at Repulse Bay good ladies! Also on tour were our players in the Hong Kong National Youth Team, including Charlotte Thompson and Stephanie Locandro. The team went to Perth, Australia on a training tour from 30th March to 8th April. Congratulations to Charlotte and Stephanie for making the squad and I am sure they took a lot away from the training tour. A big shout out to Melissa Atkins (HKFC CLUB) who was the Assistant Coach and Manager for the tour. I trust Melissa’s cooking didn’t keep any players off the court and I hope her driving didn’t incur any speeding tickets! Lastly, we will be running our ever popular Summer Netball from July 10th through to August 14th 2013. This is a fun and relaxed way to get a good run around in the off-season and meet new people. No need to register a team, just come along and grab a bib! Look out for details on our website: www. pitchero.com/clubs/hkfcnetball

28 May 2013 Match Report

HKFC Whirlwinds (16) vs HKCC Phoenix (25) Whirlies secured a 4th spot in the 2nd division this season to enter the semis against HKCC Phoenix who finished in 1st place. With 7 players ready to take the court, GS: Elaine, GA: Roimata, WA: Eva, C: Tracy, WD: Dawn, GD: Heather and GK: Sue. Two ‘just in case’ Ali and Fran and one HK Rugby rep speeding her way in from training Jen, we were ready to roll at Western Park. There was a new combination in the shooting circle, flexibility in the mid-court with options to swap amongst themselves and a solid pairing in the defensive circle. The crowd was piling into the stadium as the whistle blew. Our turnover on the first centre pass got us up by 2 in the first few minutes, but it wasn’t to last for long. HKCC pulled themselves together and with their accurate shooting, they were able to pull away with the lead for the rest of the game varying the lead between 8 shots, up to 11 shots. Highlights were playing in the semi’s, having support on the sidelines from team and family members and not getting thrashed. Low-lights, Charlotte, Soo Jin, Caroline and Rachael, for various reasons, were unable to make it, we missed you! A 9pm game at Western instead of a home game at HKFC. Player of the Match was unarguably, Sue Yip. The stats for her tips to the ball were 77% and 89% for her actual intercepts. Thanks to coaches Karin and Tach who helped us through the season. Captain Heather and Vice Captain Elaine, who kept it real, kept smiling and lead us to the semis. Umpires Eva and Fran for stepping up so we didn’t have to. Good luck to all the other HKFC teams in their finals! Time to swap the netball shoes for heels, hair bands for loose manes, sports dress for party dress and cycling shorts for whatever tickles your fancy for the AGM around the corner! Roi Harmon (GA)

Club Magazine May 2013 29 Soccer News

Scott Semple, Soccer Section Captain SECTION CAPTAIN’S REPORT Hello Hello to one and all. t’s a huge month for the Soccer Section as all the leagues draw to a conclusion, plus we end the season with our premier event: The IHKFC Citibank International Soccer Sevens! April was a terrific month for the Soccer Section as Richard Ewart’s Lucky Mile secured their promotion place having amassed enough points to be promoted into the HKFA second division. This means that there will be another Sports Road derby match to add to the calendar as they will join the HKFC first team in that division. Wanderers after their league title win It’s been a while since both sides have been in the same division and everyone 4th May kicking off at 5pm with the The Masters tournament too looks should be looking forward to them Yau Yee League annual dinner taking like it will be the best yet with Ajax locking horns once again next season place immediately afterwards in the All Stars coming back out to defend as they were always keenly fought Restaurant at the Club. their title which they won with a real touch of class last season. They have encounters. So, please be sure to get yourself along also confirmed that Finnish legend during the day to cheer on what will be Onto the Yau Yee League; as you will Jari Litmanen will be joining their another guaranteed piece of silverware see from the photograph that graces this squad this year as well as former Dutch for one of the Club sides! page, Club Wanderers wrapped up the international Aron Winter meaning Yau Yee League Championship in fine And best of luck to both teams!! they are certainly going to be the team style by defeating Club Colts in their to beat. penultimate league fixture in what was There is also the YYL Soccer 6’s to a warm up to the YYL Cup Final. Over contend with too prior to the Soccer 7’s The Citibank All Stars will also be the duration of the season Wanderers as well as a trip to Singapore to compete hoping to make an impact, as well have shown great consistency and its in their Soccer 6’s tourneys, so it’s going as Discovery Bay, who had Teddy great credit to the hard work that both to be a busy month! Sheringham in their line up last year. Terry Harris and Mark Healy have Getting back to our very own Soccer We will also see a return to the Rangers put in with their talented squad. It is 7’s tournament it’s gearing up to Legends who are coming out for the a very well deserved award as in my be yet another fantastic event with first time since their only appearance eyes with Wanderers being the most Manchester City coming out to play in 2008 in which they won the Masters impressive side in the Yau Yee League for the first time. They will be joined tournament at a canter. Apart from this season. in the Main Tournament with regulars the Rangers goalkeeping legend Andy With regards to the Cup Final, we Aston Villa, Newcastle, Sunderland, Goram, they also have some real class in are delighted to announce that this Leicester City and Rangers as well as their squad by way of Arthur Numan, match will be taking place at the Hong teams from the HKFA and amateur Michael Mols and Jorg Albertz. So Kong Football Club on Saturday, sides from Hong Kong. I have no doubt that the Masters tournament will be as enjoyable as ever!

30 May 2013 Junior Soccer News Full details of the tournament can be found on the excellent tournament website: http://www.hksoccersevens.com On the evening of Thursday 23rd May we have the traditional curtain raiser to the week with the Sportsman’s Sponsors of HKFC Sponsors of HKFC Youth Charity Partner of Dinner. This year our guest speaker is the former Leeds, Junior Soccer 2012 – 2013 Pathway 2012 – 2013 HKFC Junior Soccer Manchester United, AC Milan and Scotland Legend Joe Jordan. Joe, or Jaws as he was affectionately known was a fearless striker with skill to match. He was inducted into the U12/U14 HKFC Scottish Football Hall of Fame due to his efforts for his country. He is also one of only a very small group of players to score in Girls’ Football three successive World Cup finals, along with the likes of Pele, Diego Maradona, Miroslav Klose, Ronaldo (the Brazilian one!), Team David Beckham and Jurgen Klinsman! Fine company indeed. So be sure to get in contact with the Soccer Section as soon he U12 and U14 HKFC Girls’ Football Team as possible to secure your seat for this always enjoyable and were nonexistent until half a year ago. Yet, entertaining event! the achievements and progress the teams have So, with all that said, good luck to all those lucky enough to made is beyond belief. The team was newly Testablished only last August but it has still gained the represent the Club in the various sides during the 7’s! Hopefully we will be able to secure some silverware to mark the end to a interest of all sorts of players. Some are skilled and have very enjoyable season! And to everyone else that comes along to been playing at an early age; some were completely new watch, sit back, relax and enjoy a true festival of football! to the sport. But it did not matter whether the players had different experiences in the sport, or if they were of There is also some sad news as the Club has been informed that different ages, or if they did not know each other initially former Soccer Section Captain, Mr. Mike Windsor has sadly because soon enough they bonded as a team and worked passed away. Absent member David Sharam has added some together for the rest of the season. comments that you can see below. The 30 or so players who play in either the U12 or U14 Mike was Captain of the ‘A’ team in seasons 1964/65 and girls’ teams only train twice a week, which includes a 1968/69 and all our thoughts and condolences go out to tough early start on Saturday. However, the girls always his family and friends from everyone not only in the Soccer put in a lot of effort and are well disciplined at all their Section, but from everyone associated with the Hong Kong training sessions and this is shown by the results that they Football Club. have produced over the season. It is their performances Scott Semple MIKE WINDSOR Club Captain 1964/65 and 1968/69

On behalf of the family of Mike Windsor, I am sorry to tell of the passing of Mr. J.M. Windsor (Mike). “A passionate Soccer Section member as witnessed by his photos in the ‘rogues gallery’ in the tunnel at the Club. Mike was: 68 - 69 2nd Div. team Runner Up Captain. 67 - 68 A team Captain 66 - 67 Dynamics 64 - 65 A team Captain 63 - 64 Finalists Junior Shield. His lovely wife Mary passed away a year or two earlier but he leaves a son John, daughters Jennifer and Jacqueline, their respective partners and children. Mike was with Duty Free in Hong Kong and was a fervent supporter of the Club in all its aspects. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.” Best Regards, David Sharam (Absent Member, Surfers Paradise, Australia)

Club Magazine May 2013 31 JUNIOR SOCCER

in the tournaments which are particularly significant. and gave the opposition much to worry about with corners and counter-attacks. Finally, after a missed free kick, the On 3rd March, both the U12s and U14s had a tournament at opposing team cleared the ball, but suddenly, one of the U12 HKIS. Both teams started well, topping both of their groups defenders blasted the ball back and scored her first goal of and moving on to the cup semi-final. However, the semi-final the tournament. It was unbelievable. The supporters were was a disappointment with both teams losing their games, hysterical and jumped onto the pitch. The players ran on the including the U12s losing on penalties. Although that was it pitch screaming. The unexpected had occurred. for U12 team, the U14 team still had one more game that would decide the 3rd place team, or more importantly, the Sadly, the game ended 1-1 and the girls lost on penalties. It winner of the shield. was painful. We were so close, but it all had to end in sorrow. The Shield final was against Tai Tam, which the U14 team It was not all over yet though because they still had to start had beaten about a week before. Confidence was high in the their next game of the cup semi-final for the U12 teams. players, but the girls were not going to underestimate their The semi-final was won comfortably and the final was the opponents. The girls were already a step closer to the shield last game of the day. Tiredness and fatigue seemed to have by scoring an early goal. Relief trickled down the bodies of hit them. The U12 team were unable to continue the same the supporting parents and coaches after another goal was way they had been playing earlier and they just missed on the scored by HKFC. The clock gradually ticked away and the trophy with a 3-0 loss. What a way to end the day! game was finally put to bed when the opposing team scored In the end, the girls literally played games back-to-back for an own-goal near the end. When the final whistle sounded, hours without breaks (about 15 games in total), played against cheers and praises were heard while all the girls celebrated older and bigger players, didn’t have a natural keeper, and yet together, hugging and lifting their arms in the air, for their they went so far in the tournament. Despite the sad ending, fantastic achievement. their effort and passion towards the sport will definitely help Another tournament took place a week later at the KCC. We them succeed in not just football, but life in general. We are had a problem though in that we didn’t have enough U14 all very proud of their achievements this season. For now players after several last minute dropouts. We therefore had though, I think we should let the girls have a rest. to have all of the U12 players play both for the U12 and the Joshua Gostick U14 teams, which caused absolute chaos. The U12 players literally had no more than two minutes to rest between games. It was non-stop football for a staggering four hours! Managers Note: After a rough start, the girls improved their game with the So, as you can see, it’s been a great season!! Coaches U12’s topping their group and U14’s coming third in their Naomi Greenaway and Anto Grabo, with assistants Joshua Gostick and Andrea Fraser have seen the girls go from group and winning several knockout stage games, which strength to strength over the last 6 months. Our results in included two goals straight from the kick-off in one game. the Development League, and KCC and HKIS tournaments The next opponent in the U14 cup semi final, however, was have cemented our place in Hong Kong Girls Soccer; we are a team that they had lost 5-0 to earlier, HKFA. All the past indeed a force to be reckoned with!!. With such talent and was forgotten; the girls went into this game as if it was a commitment in our teams and coaching squad, we are really looking forward to next season. What we need now is more completely new one. players!! Please check out the Junior Soccer Section website The game was definitely closer than the previous one. Alas, to see how you can register, or contact me on ruthkelly@ the girls conceded a goal first. But they kept pushing on hkfcjuniorsoccer.com for more information.

32 May 2013 Badminton News Ten Pin Bowling News

e are approaching the end of the HKFC Teams Hong Kong Interclub Ten Pin Bowling league and at present advance in the HKFC team is leading! A match Wagainst Hong Kong Club on 21st March 2013 league was a tough one but we managed a 2 point lead, thanks team, for a job well done. Two more matches and a challenge night in June will ollowing their fantastic 9-0 win earlier in the season, HKFC’s Men’s Doubles team took on St Emy Clarke complete the season which we are most likely to BIG Treasurer Joseph’s College in the next round of the league. get the coveted trophy. Our young opponents were a lot stronger than We are inviting all Club Members to come and Ftheir tender years suggested and, with HKFC’s team re- join in the fun on Thursday nights on the lanes and get your shuffled in the absence of John Leung, the pressure was names up on the board. Please see bowling match schedules on on. David Man stepped up and teamed up with David the notice board. Hope to see you soon! McDonald, Matthew Wong resumed his old partnership with Boo Boon Khoo, and Leo Ng and Cheung Yu carried on where they left off in the previous match.

Matthew and Boon opened the proceedings with a COACH’S TIPS nail-biting 31-30 win and the two Davids followed that by To bowl strikes is to put a spin on your ball by throwing a winning 31-27, before and lost to St Joseph’s Leo Chung hook. For consistency, choose your approach spot and aim your strongest pair 31-28. This set the pattern for the round- robin format, as St Joseph’s top pair took all three of their ball at the second arrow from right and throw the ball with games, while the HKFC pairs won all the remaining games a spin and a hook on the right pocket (between pin 1 and 2 to come away with a 6-3 victory in the match. HKFC now or between pin 1 and 3) which will then bring to a maximum progress to the knock-out stage of the competition. effect. Also take note of the oil pattern of the lanes, recently oiled lanes makes your ball move faster and straighter while Meanwhile, HKFC entered a Mixed Doubles team in the dry lane is slower and usually gives a wider curve. Remember league this year for the first time. In the opening match, the team of Matthew Wong and Michelle Cheung, Leo Ng to follow the arrow. and Samantha Lam, and Sean Yu and Tiffany Yu took on To achieve a hook, the fingers should not be too tight in the the Thunder club. A convincing 31-21 win for Matthew and holes. It is important to release the ball in a timely manner. Michelle in the first game was followed by a 31-19 victory The ball should leave your thumb first and the fingers that for and , only for and to lose Leo Samantha Sean Tiffany are in the holes and it should roll off your palm. As the ball 31-15 in game 3. Leo and Sam repeated their success in the next game, winning 31-27 in a very close contest, and comes off your fingers rotate the hand towards the direction when Sean and Tiffany took the next game 31-15, the you want to hook the ball. Once you release the ball, your match was looking safe. Matthew and Michelle promptly wrist should curve upwards slightly then the arm comes took the next game to give HKFC an unassailable 5-1 lead. straight up for a follow through. Do not attempt to rotate Perhaps this lead was the reason for Sean and Tiffany’s your wrist for the hook. loss in the next game, but Matthew and Michelle and then To achieve the perfect strike is to practice, practice, Leo and Sam took the remaining games for HKFC to win its first ever Mixed Doubles league match. practice…

Just a couple of weeks later, the Mixed team was performing again, this time against the Lam Tin Badminton Club. Personnel for this match were re-shuffled as John The team at Leung teamed up with Mei Ng, Cheung Yu came in to Kowloon Tong Club partner Samantha, while Matthew and Michelle teamed up again for their second match. This was an even more one-sided affair than the first match as HKFC ran out emphatic 8-1 winners. Indeed, in five of the games our opponents failed to score 20 points in the ‘first-to-31’ contests. Confusion reigns as to how one of the nine games was lost - the absence of the Chairman among the supporters with his usual promise of a free round of drinks for 9-0 being the most quoted excuse!

As a result of these two victories, the Mixed team joins the Men’s in the knock-out stage of the competition. This is one step further than the Men recorded in their debut season last year, so congratulations are in order!

Club Magazine May 2013 33 Golf News

19th Hole Golf Insurance and Monthly Outing Recent Notices On 15th March, 13 members travelled Members would have noted in recent to Bintan via Singapore for two rounds eNotices that we have repeatedly of golf at the beautiful Bintan Lagoon stressed the importance of taking Resort. Members teed off early the out golf insurance. In this regard, next day at Ian Baker Finch Course. David Connolly, a member on Exhausted by the heat and humidity, the Committee, has researched and despite their craving for the game they provided useful information on the quickly dismissed the idea of another subject, which is now posted on round of golf in the afternoon and the website. In addition, since the opted for fatigue curing massages formation of the new committee last followed by a sumptuous seafood December, notices on ‘Membership, dinner. Golf at the Jack Nicklaus Benefits and Subscription’, ‘Golf Course started even earlier on the last Etiquette’ and ‘Golf Coaching morning in order to be in time for the Options’ have been issued. Members ferry and to catch the evening return can find the details on the website. flight. All enjoyed the trip and felt that an extra day to accommodate a third round of golf at the Ria Bintan would Dinner with Staff make this outing complete and perfect! In order to express our appreciation and gratitude to Club Management and Staff for their assistance to the Society Tentative Upcoming Events in day-to-day administrative matters, and Matches golf outings and allocation of golf Events: playing debentures, etc., it has been Bintan Outing in March a tradition that the Committee invite 10th May – Discovery Bay them to dinner once a year. The dinner 27th May – Kau Sai Chau (East) for this year was held on 13rd March Matches: at an Italian restaurant in Wanchai. 1st June – Annual Club Again, thanks to all for their assistance Championships 15th May – GS vs HK Club, and hard work. (see photo below) (Kau Sai Chau North and South) Macau Golf and Country Club 29th June to 2nd July – 16th June – President’s Team vs Tentative overseas trip Chairman’s Team At the time of writing, our Team Captain was busy forming a strong team to represent the Golf Society in Dinner the Match against Hong Kong Cricket with Club Management Club on 20th and 21st April at Lotus and Staff Hill Golf Resort. Best of luck team!

In closing, do mark your diary for the Annual Club Championships to be held at Kau Sai Chau on 1st June. Watch out for notices announcing registration details. The Committee looks forward to seeing you in action on the day. Margaret Tsai www.hkfcgolf.com

34 May 2013 Tennis News

‘Off the Court’ with VLATKA JOVANOVIC HKFC Tennis Professional

Vlatka is an ex-professional player who was WTA ranked and also a Top Ten NCAA College Division 1 ranked player. Vlatka has coached in clubs all over the world including USA, Germany, Israel and Singapore. She was also a performance coach for the Hong Kong National Squad and Head Coach for the Hong Kong Under 12 team. Vlatka is a highly energetic coach who loves teaching tennis! Vlatka is a fully qualified tennis professional under the USPTR. Below are some fun facts about her:

Three words to describe yourself: Energetic, Fun, Adventurous!

The most memorable moment in your tennis career was: Qualifying with my college team in the sweet 16 NCAA tournaments and winning my first title on the Women’s ITF professional circuit in Munich, Germany.

Your favorite tennis player is: Monika Seles, Thomas Muster If you were not working as a Tennis Professional you would be: A Rock Star!

Your life’s motto is: Enjoy every moment because it might be your last. To arrange a lesson with Vlatka at the HKFC please contact: Email: [email protected] (mobile) 68513282

Annual TennisVlatka Jovanovic Ball Saturday 2nd November 2013 7pm until late.... The Restaurant, Hong Kong Football Club

Dress Code: Black & White Evening Attire More information to follow...... BLACK W&HITE Club Magazine May 2013 35 Swimming and Triathlon ESCAPE FROM ALCATRAZ 2013 Congratulations to Phil Shirley for ‘Escaping from Alcatraz’ and here’s how he did it...... Catherine Sen, Captain, Swimming and Triathlon Society

CAPTAIN’S REPORT

arch is an important month for training as the Mmajority of triathlons and open water races are held once the weather warms up. The Swimming and

Triathlon Society ran its Coach Lloyd overseeing a morning session nspired by tales of this legendary race from first ever under water previous participants such as David Howell and filming session for stroke Richard Hall, I entered the lottery for this year’s technique on 25th and 27th March. event and was both pleased and petrified to find Swimmers had their freestyle stroke Iout that both Caitrin (wife) and I had been accepted. recorded and analysed by our coach Lloyd and youth coach Arthur The nervousness was mainly down to the fact that the providing invaluable feedback on race had been brought forward from June to March stroke form and efficiency. this year due to the Americas Cup Yacht race, meaning the sea temperature would be around 8 to 9 degrees – The HKFC Elite Youth Squad Arthur shows Richard what he believe me, seriously cold! To put that into perspective, resumed in April and 3 times looks like underwater the coldest sea temperature in Hong Kong in mid Olympian Arthur Li is looking January gets down to around 17 degrees and even forward to getting the kids back into that makes you think several times about a swim once training. This really is an amazing opportunity for children to train with such a legend! you’ve dipped your toes in. Armed with a new wetsuit, neoprene cap and boots, On 3rd March, , along with triathletes from over 40 Phil Shirley I made the lonely trip over to San Francisco (wife countries around the world, represented the Club in the gruelling Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon. He finished in the top third of all had torn her meniscus to get out of the race once she competitors in a time of 3 hours 14 minutes. In the past this event realized how cold it would be). Thankfully two school has been held in May, but was pushed forward to March this year, friends of mine, who now live in the US, had flown in meaning the sea temperature was freezing. Clearly those ice baths for the weekend as loyal supporters. paid off - hard core Phil!

Craig Nortje has had even more success in the pool, winning both Race start – 2,000 nervous wrecks… of his races (100m butterfly, 50m backstroke) in the long course HKASA masters pool swimming long course meet on Sunday 3rd March.

April was another busy month with our members racing in Ironman South Africa and the Laguna Lang triathlon in Vietnam, more updates to follow next month!

Cat

Email: [email protected] www.hkfcswimming.com

36 May 2013 SWIMMING AND TRIATHLON SOCIETY

The race starts on a ferryboat anchored just off Alcatraz Island with a jump into San Francisco Bay. There’s 2000 competitors on this boat and I have never witnessed such a tense atmosphere in my entire life (with the possible exception of the final 5 minutes of the Premiership season last year). There’s a guy with a microphone shouting stuff like “Ladies and Gentlemen, in 14 minutes YOU will be taking the most courageous leap of your life, into the ICY waters of the bay. You must be BRAVE, you must not HESITATE, this is a time for HEROES…etc.”. I’m sure there’re a few people every year that hide in the toilets and wait for the boat to go back to shore. Icy leap over, the swim went quite well. I managed to judge the current correctly and ended up finishing in the right place, 1.5 Golden Gate Bridge inspires a strong finish! miles away at Marina Green beach, unlike many who overshot and ended up struggling against the current. I didn’t notice the “Escaped!” cold too much during the swim due to the adrenaline that was pumping but my hands must have been in the early stages of Pool Road) to worry about. frostbite and it took me forever to get out of my wetsuit and get into my trainers. As I set off on my run, the winner of the race, Olympic silver medalist Javier Gomez was just Throughout the bike and finishing. As we passed each other I thought about run legs I was struck by high-fiving him but changed my mind when I the great camaraderie realized he’d almost certainly ignore me and leave me amongst all the looking a right muppet in front of a grandstand full competitors in addition, of spectators! After struggling up the famous “sand of course, to the fantastic ladder” 5 miles into the run, I got my second wind scenery cycling through and finished reasonably strongly – unheard of for the Presidio and running me as I’m normally walking or hobbling along at the on trails, roads and a end if not already in an ambulance. Cooler weather beach close to the southern triathlons are the way forward for sure. end of the Golden Gate Bridge. The bike leg is An unforgettable experience – I’d definitely naturally very hilly but recommend this race to all triathletes, preferably in its nothing for HK cyclists normal June time slot!

Phil on the streets of San Francisco (used to Broadwood/Blue By Phil Shirley

HKFC Junior Elite Swim Squad Arthur looks forward to the swim season Arthur’s swimming ahead... achievements include: • Olympic Games - 1996, 1992 “ Time flies!! and 1988 I can’t • World Swimming believe Championship - 1999 the 2nd • Asian Games - 1998 and 1994 year of the • Commonwealth Games - 1994 elite youth and 1990 programme • Hong Kong Swimmer of the is just around the Year - 1996, 1993 and 1991 corner. I’m so excited to be around the • Hong Kong Junior Sports Star pool and hang with the kids. Teaching or Award - 1990 and 1989 coaching was something new to me and • Bronze medal winner - I learned a lot in 2012 and am feeling 4x100m Freestyle relay, a lot more confident and prepared for The HKFC Junior Elite Swim Squad resumed in April. The 1988 Asian Swimming Championship 2013. I have laid out a comprehensive intention is to grow upon the hard work and experience program for the team which will be fun gained last year. The kids are very fortunate to have such and challenging. I hope everyone in the an experienced and professional coach as Arthur Li. If you team will become a better swimmer and I would like to get involved please contact; Olivia Wong at will become a better coach.” [email protected] – ­Arthur

Club Magazine May 2013 37 ReloKids_PrintAd_ARTWORK221111.pdf 1 22/11/2011 11:00 AM

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