HONG KONG FOOTBALL CLUB DECEMBER 2013

In this issue: • Christmas Festivities at the Club • Mazzei Wine Dinner • Sports reports and more...

Winter Comfort Food in the Coffee Shop

Club Magazine Dec 2013 I II Dec 2013 Contents

HONG KONG FOOTBALL CLUB The Thoughts of the Chairman...... 2 MISSION STATEMENT From the Desk of Mark Pawley ...... 4

Vision: To be recognised as one of the leading sports clubs in the world. Food and Beverage...... 6 Mission: To deliver quality services on the principles of Book and Movie Library...... 15 accountability, consistency and transparency. To develop an organizational culture that recognises the importance of staff contribution and commitment. Squash...... 16 To facilitate the development and participation of recognised sporting activities. Lawn Bowls...... 18 Values: Being accountable – to communicate, consult and provide information. Hockey...... 20 Living within our means – to plan ahead within available resources. Developing a culture of service – to encourage Rugby...... 24 commitment, integrity, courtesy and responsiveness. Managing for performance – to set the direction and develop the necessary skills. Netball...... 25 Aims: To provide the services the Membership needs. Badminton...... 26 To improve the quality of Club life. To up-hold the Constitution and Bye-laws. To encourage Members to play their part in the Club. Tennis...... 28 Golf ...... 30 General Committee President : Dermot Agnew Swimming and Triathlon...... 32 Vice President : Fook Aun Chew Vice President : Nick Hunsworth Vice President : Bobby Lawson Vice President : Iain Valentine Chairman : John Shanahan Hon. Secretary : Mike Wood Hon. Treasurer : David Howell 25 Constitutional Affairs : Dave Reeves Development : Neil Roberts Discipline : James Niehorster Membership : Maurice O’Brien Sports and Recreation : Philip Woolf Hockey Officer : Niccola Russo Lawn Bowls Officer : Nick Grimshaw Rugby Officer : Damian Babis Soccer Officer : Martyn Russell Squash Officer : Adam Wilson

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 Facilities Manager : Evan Tao Membership Services Manager : Kerry Ogle Human Resources Manager : Angela Chan Executive Housekeeper : Tracy Tseung Front Office Manager : Shirley Lo 24 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. 18 Hong Kong Football Club 3 Sports Road, Happy Valley, Hong Kong Tel 2830 9500 Fax 2882 5040 • Website: www.hkfc.com.hk

Club Magazine Dec 2013 1 The Thoughts of the Chairman

Dear Members, As with last year, the major projects for the General Committee for 2014 will be to secure the lease renewal The Annual General Meeting of the Club was held from the Government and to take forward the Masterplan on the 7th November 2013. I would like to thank all Redevelopment of the Club’s facilities. Members that attended and who, together with their Spouses and Partners, stayed on after the meeting to We are now rapidly approaching Christmas and the New enjoy the Member’s Cocktail Reception. Year, so please don’t forget all the great activities that the Club will be putting on for this festive season. The Annual Many congratulations to John Molloy and Philip Christmas Fête will be held on the Main Pitch on Nunn for being elected Life Members in recognition Saturday 14th December and you will need to book your of their outstanding contributions to Club life over tickets in advance. The good news here is that the booking the years. I welcome back to the General Committee deadline has now been extended to Sunday 8th December our previous Chairman Fook Aun Chew, who was (see adjacent page). We also welcome back the Welsh Male elected as a Vice-President, as well as welcoming three Voice Choir on the Main Pitch at 7.00pm on Monday new Members to the committee, James Niehorster, 16th December. Damian Babis and Adam Wilson. Members might also like to note that in the spirit of The chairmanships of the five Standing Sub- giving and in line with our policy of supporting charitable Committees have been confirmed by the General causes, the Club has donated $100,000 to the Hong Kong Committee as follows:- Red Cross to support their work in helping the survivors of Super Typhoon Haiyan that caused such widespread Chairman of the Constitutional Affairs Dave Reeves destruction in the Philippines in November. Sub-committee Chairman of the Discipline Sub- James Niehorster Finally, may I, on behalf of the General Committee and committee myself, wish you all a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year! And, I hope you like the 2014 Club calendar Chairman of the Development Sub- Neil Roberts that is enclosed with this magazine! committee Chairman of the Membership Sub- Maurice O’Brien committee JOHN J SHANAHAN Chairman of the Sports & Recreation Philip Woolf Chairman Sub-committee

Obituaries We were saddened to hear the news of the recent passing away of our long time Member, Mr John Picken. Our thoughts and prayers go to his family and friends. May he rest in peace.

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

ou should have received a copy of the Club’s On the food and beverage front we have a packed promotional Festive Events schedule late October, which I calendar which includes the Christmas Fête on Saturday hope has been/will be a useful aid for planning 14th December and obviously the Festive and New Year’s all your Christmas and New Year activities at the Eve/ New Year’s Day events. Don’t forget too, that if you YClub with family and friends. Please note too that the shop have got a little behind in organising any of your festive events on the G/Fl, selling food and beverage items, has recently then please contact our Catering and Event Department on gone through a transformation, or two, and is now called [email protected] to see if we can help you out. the Christmas Goodies Counter and is kitted out with a Aside the festive events that will be on at the Club, we also number of festive goodies whilst retaining a number of day host the Mazzei Wine Dinner (great wines from Tuscany) on to day food and beverage items. The Shop is well worth a Friday 13th December and the Restaurant promotion this visit! You will see our Food and Beverage Outlet Opening month will be “A Truffle Story”. The Coffee Shop will be Hours over the Festive period which is set out for your putting on the Winter Comfort Food promotion for lunch information on page 11. Please also see the notice about and dinner throughout the month, and for Cheese lovers, a the increase in monthly subscription from January 2014 Traditional Swiss Cheese Fondue will be available every onwards, which is set out on this page. day throughout December. And, in the Sportsman’s Bar try The now traditional Family Christmas Carols evening at out the Nourishing Stews promotion, again available every the Main Pitch is on Monday, 16th December at 7pm. We day of the month. welcome back the very popular and in-demand Hong Kong Last, and by no means least, on behalf of the Management Welsh Male Voice Choir who will be singing many of your and Staff of the Club, may I wish you all a Very Merry favourite carols. Just to note the Choir will be located on the Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year. Pitch and facing the South Stand as opposed to the Forsgate. As ever, Members are urged to come down early for this I look forward to seeing you all at the Club! event. Per tradition, mulled wine, minced pies and soft drinks MARK PAWLEY will be made available at the finish of the carol singing to all General Manager those in attendance.

Notice to Members: Increase in Monthly Subscription in 2014

At the Annual General Meeting held on the 7th November 2013 an increase in monthly subscription was approved which will come into effect on 1st January 2014. 1. Monthly Subscription for Full Members, Corporate Members (including Corporate Nominees) and Associate Members (Sports Preferred Associates, Lady Associates, Family Member Associates and Consular Associates) will be increased from HK$1,375 to HK$1,400. 2. Monthly Subscription for Sports Debenture Associates and Junior Associates (between the age of 21-26) will be increased from HK$540 to HK$560. Please note that the new monthly subscription rate will be reflected in the December 2013 statement.

4 Dec 2013 Club Magazine Dec 2013 5 Christmas Highlights at a Glance Christmas Carols Turkey and Festive Takeaway Performance Available from 1st – 30th December by the HONG KONG WELSH Sit back, relax and let the professionals take care of the MALE VOICE CHOIR hard work. A variety of delicious dishes including U.S. Tom Turkey and Glazed Bone Ham can be ordered for takeaway for At the Sportsman’s Bar the perfect party at home or at the office. Monday 16th December from 7pm until 7.45pm Seating will be arranged at the South Stand (facing the Main Pitch) on a ‘first come first served basis’. A light early Dinner Buffet will be available at the Sportsman’s Bar and Coffee Shop from 5.30pm. Mulled Wine, Minced Pies and soft drinks will be made available at the end of the Carol Singing at the Sportsman’s Bar to all those in attendance. ** A la Carte menu in both the Sportsman’s Bar and the Coffee Shop will be strictly limited on that day from 4.30pm to 7.30pm

Special Christmas Hampers Share the joy of the festive season by sending hampers to your loved ones, relatives, friends or business partners. Hampers can either be picked up at the Club or arranged for delivery to the lucky recipients! Order forms are available at Reception and can also be downloaded from our website. Christmas and New Year Programmes

The F&B Department has lined up a number of Christmas Goodies Counter exciting Christmas and The Kiosk will be offering a selection of festive New Year activities. Please food and beverage goodies. Stop by the Christmas refer to the Christmas Counter for gift ideas for your family, friends, Brochure available on our colleagues and clients! website.

6 Dec 2013 Special Events on Festive Days

Club Magazine Dec 2013 7 FOOD & BEVERAGE

8 Dec 2013 FOOD & BEVERAGE

RESTAURANT COFFEE SHOP

A TRUFFLE STORY in the Restaurant every evening (except Sundays) from 6.30pm to 10.30pm

Truffles are rare, expensive and have been called the pearls or diamonds of the culinary world. They used to only appear on the tables of the great nobles of the past. Chef Ricky is pleased to showcase this seasonal delicacy in a variety of new dishes, which will leave you satisfied and wanting more. Please contact the Restaurant at 2830 9562 for reservation or email: [email protected] Photo for reference only Photo for reference only

TRADITIONAL SWISS RESTAURANT AND CHEESE FONDUE COFFEE SHOP CHAIRMAN’S BAR available all day during the month of December SUNDAY BRUNCH FAMILY DINNER BUFFET from 11am to 2.30pm WITH HOT POT CORNER A traditional Swiss Cheese Fondue Friday and Saturday welcomes the cool winter at the Coffee Please contact the Restaurant at (except 27th and 28th December) shop this month. 2830 9562 for a reservation or email: from 6.30pm to 9.30pm [email protected] For more information please call the Winters are not the same without Coffee Shop at 2830 9569. the Hot Pot Favourites in the Coffee Shop. COFFEE SHOP DRESS CODE: Club Casual. The Hot Pot Buffet counter includes No Collarless T-shirts, no Flip Flops or a variety of seafood, meats and AFTERNOON sandals with socks, no short Casual Shorts vegetables in an alfresco setting. MACAROON PARADE (Knee length – no beach wear). Ladies are Come along with your family and from 3pm to 5.30pm required to dress to a comparable standard. friends for a leisurely, warm meal Please call the Coffee Shop at under the stars. 2830 9569 for more details. For more information please call the Coffee Shop at 2830 9569. RESTAURANT COFFEE SHOP WINTER COMFORT WINTER SOLSTICE FOOD FEAST for Lunch and Dinner A specially designed Festive Set throughout the month of Dinner Menu will be available December every evening at the Restaurant, except Sundays and Festive days. As the weather gets cooler, stop by the Coffee Shop for some hearty Set Menu available from $450 per comfort dishes made from seasonal person. produce and warming spices.

Club Magazine Dec 2013 9 FOOD & BEVERAGE

NOURISHING MULLED STEWS WINE AND in the MINCE PIES Sportsman’s Bar in the Sportsman’s Bar Our delicious and hearty stews are Our home made Mulled prepared using Wine as well as Mulled natural and nutritious Cider will be on offer ingredients. Come and with a choice of Mince try them all this month! Pies alongside for those cool evening during the Festive month. Photo for reference only Photo for reference only

CAPTAIN’S BAR SPORTSMAN’S BAR

QUICK BREAKFAST CHRISTMAS CAROLS daily from 9am to 11.30am PERFORMANCE BY THE WELSH MALE Pressed for time? Grab a quick VOICE CHOIR breakfast at the Captain’s Bar, and choose from our healthy selection Monday 16th December of smoothies, fruit salad, oatmeal from 7pm until 7.45pm squares, egg white omelettes and Please refer to details on page 6. more!

SPORTSMAN’S BAR CHAIRMAN’S BAR NEW YEAR’S DAY YOUTH RUGBY FRESH OYSTERS FESTIVAL every day from noon to 10.30pm Wednesday 1st January - 6 oysters and 2 glasses of Sparkling Don’t forget the New Year’s Day for $160 Youth Rugby Festival on Tuesday 1st January, the first event of the - or 12 oysters and 2 glasses of year where the crowd is always Sparkling for $265 large. There will be a Bar and a Food Outlet set up around the CHAIRMAN’S BAR pitch, please come down with WINE CAROUSEL family and friends to support Hong Kong and the overseas every day from 6.30pm to 10.30pm rugby players! Games will start From 6.30pm till 10.30pm daily, from mid-day, so let’s kick off the you can enjoy 2 hours of free-flowing New Year Day with a Bang! wines specially selected to match the season at a set price of $178 per person. Alternatively you can select any two glasses of wine for only $88. All these wines can be purchased from our takeaway list. Forms are available on our website or at Reception.

10 Dec 2013 FOOD & BEVERAGE

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR’S NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY 2013 EVE OPENING ARRANGEMENTS

CHRISTMAS OPENING ARRANGEMENTS

Christmas Eve, 24th December The Coffee Shop will be closed from 5.00pm to 6.00pm in order to help with the set-up for the evening meal. Please be reminded that there is no A la Carte Menu available after 6.00pm.

Christmas Day, 25th December The Coffee Shop will be open from 12.00 noon and will be closed from 5.00pm to 6.00pm as with the above to help with the set- up for the evening meal. There will be no A la Carte Menu available all day because of the Christmas Day Lunch and Dinner Buffets.

The Sportsman’s Bar will be open at 12.00 noon on 25th & 26th December with full A la Carte menu available. The Captain’s Bar will closed all day on 25th and 26th December.

NEW YEAR’S EVE OPENING HOURS

As in past years the opening hours for our Food and Beverage Outlets will be changed for New Year’s Eve as per the following schedule:

Coffee Shop – closed from 5.00pm (last orders will be taken at 4.15pm) Restaurant – closed from 3.00pm Chairman’s Bar – open as usual from midday Captain’s Bar – closed from 5.00pm Sportsman’s Bar – closed Family Lounge Bar – closed from 5.00pm

A little behind in your festive planning? The Sportsman’s Bar is available for private functions from 11am until 4pm, Monday to Friday. For more information on packages and bookings please email our Catering and Event Department on: [email protected]

Club Magazine Dec 2013 11 JANUARY PREVIEW

12 Dec 2013 JANUARY PREVIEW

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14 Dec 2013 Book and Movie Library at the Club

New DVDs

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Merantau Almost Perfect Mr. Go Ambushed (II) Much Ado About Nothing American Dreams In China My Little Pony - Friendship Is Magic And While We Were Here New Tricks- Series 10 - Disc 1 & 2 Angelina Ballerina - Twirling Tales Zone 1 Outrage Beyond Anger Management - Volume 2 - Disc 1 & 2 Parenthood - Season 4 - Disc 3 Anger Management - Volume 2 - Disc 3 Parkland As I Lay Dying Planes Barbie & Her Sisters In A Pony Tale Platinum Data - DNA Barney - Perfectly Purple Primeval New World - Season 1 Disc 3 Ben 10 Omniverse - Aliens At War Prometheus Trap C.O.G. R.I.P.D. - Rest In Peace Department Classic Christmas Favourites (4 Disc) Rise Of The Continents Clear History Scandal - Season 1 - Disc 1 & 2 Despicable Me 2 Secretly Greatly Dexter - The Final Season - Disc 1 & 2 Siberian Education Exploding Sun Simon Killer Fast and Furious 6 Spike Island Girl Most Likely Supernatural - Season 5 Disc 3 Gravity Falls- Six Strange Tales The - Rooftop Grown Ups 2 The Colony Hannah Arendt The Garfield Show - A Purr-Fect Life! Hannibal - Season 1 - Disc 1 & 2 The Internship Hardcore Comedy The Midad Touch Hello Herman The To Do List Law & Order (UK) - Series 7- Disc 1 & 2 Turbo Legend Of Kung Fu Rabbit We’re The Millers Line Of Duty - Season 1 - Disc 1 & 2 What Remains - Season 1 Disc 1 & 2 Lovelace White House Down Mad Men Season 6 Wiggles - Sing A Song Of Wiggles Man of Steel Winnie The Pooh - A Very Merry Pooh Year

Club Magazine Dec 2013 15

Squash News

Sarah Fitz-Gerald receives Honorary Club Membership

n the 13th October, Mike Wood (Honorary Secretary) and Adam Wilson (Squash Section OChairman) awarded Sarah Fitz- Gerald an Honorary Membership to From L to R: Dave Reeves, Mike Wood, Adam Wilson, Geoff Hunt, Sarah Fitz-Gerald, the Club. Sarah is just one of fourteen Heather Deayton, Maurice O’Brien and Neil Roberts Honorary Members in the Club’s 127- year history and, it should be noted, the first woman. So the award is a reflection Hong Kong Cricket Club vs of her status not just as a fantastic squash player, but as one of the greatest Hong Kong Football Club female athletes in any sport. he annual and, of course, over Hugh Dyus (not a happy For the record, Sarah’s many highly competitive match Hugh!) against our friends at achievements include: five World By the end of the day and the last HKCC was held at their Open titles between 1996 and 2002, match, HKFC was one match Tclub this year. Previously our team and three separate spells as the official ahead of HKCC. So it was in the has proven to be strongest amongst women’s World No.1 for a total of 40 balance as the final players started the top players so we were off to a months. By the time of her retirement their game Dick Lau (HKCC) v great start when we won 7 out of in 2003, Sarah had won almost 60 Ho Fai (HKFC). Dick is the new the first 10 games to be played at the official ranking tournaments. She coach at HKCC and did appear to lower end of the rankings. also represented Australia 75 times, be the favourite to win but that did including a gold medal-winning Of course self confidence is great to not stop the enthusiastic crowd from performance at the Commonwealth have but sometimes this can happen supporting Ho Fai. Games in 2002. a little too early in the day. And that’s There were times in the game when what happened on that day! In addition, Sarah has been a tireless Dick looked as if he was taking it worker for the game and a long-serving Gradually the Cricket Club started easy but then he realised his mistake executive of the Women’s International to claw their way back in games. as Ho Fai turned on some pressure. Squash Players Association. In 2004, There were some epic matches There was some excellent squash that she was honoured by her country as a such as between Andrew Wood we should all aspire to achieve – or Member of the Order of Australia, and (HKFC) and Stephen Dare which as close as some of us will ever get! in 2010 she was inducted into the Sport went to the wire in 5 games and a The end result was a 3-1 win to Dick Australia Hall of Fame. win to Andrew. Then there was Phil which meant the teams were neck The occasion was marked by the Neilson (HKCC) v our very own and neck at 16 games all. Mark Rittmyer, a loss here 3-1 but attendance of Geoff Hunt, four-time Did we have a final game to choose some great squash (a few new rules Men’s Squash World Champion, who is the winner or just toss a coin? No we were made for lets and strokes being also an Honorary Member of the decided on an honourable draw and awarded but this is just a friendly, Football Club, and Heather Deayton, all retired to celebrate over an ha!!) Then HKFC last year’s squash Vice-President of the World Squash excellent dinner hosted by HKCC. Federation, who is also a longstanding captain Malcolm Kerr came Member of the Football Club. crashing home with a 3 – 0 victory Paul Errington

16 Dec 2013 SQUASH

Results from the HKCC vs HKFC Friendly Match

HKCC Score HKFC Dick Lau 3 - 1 Ho Fai Patrick Choi 0 - 3 Lincoln Chan Hugh Dyus 0 - 3 Malcolm Kerr Michiel Van Voorst 2 - 3 James Zhang Rod Andrews 1 - 3 Jon Pipe Stuart Wilson 3 - 0 Ajay Hazari Liam Stevenson 3 - 1 Dallas Reid Marco Hoogendijk 3 - 0 Eli Bitan David Winfield 3 - 2 Nick Stearn Brian Lau 3 - 2 William Fan Phil Neilson 3 - 1 Mark Rittmayer John Li 3 - 1 George Chan David Hewitt 0 - 3 Guy Norman Peter Chan 3 - 0 Martin Huxley Errol Elson 2 - 3 David Cross Stephen Dare 2 - 3 Andrew Wood Ellie Sackett 3 - 2 Channi Matharu Anna Chapman 0 - 3 Steve Gollop Angela Moss 2 - 3 Damien Laracy Tiffany 3 - 2 Lam Wai Ming Harriet Ho 3 - 0 Lita Fan Anna Chapman 3 - 1 Vicky Koo Sunesh 3 - 0 Fred Teng Steve Ellis 2 - 3 Nathan Chan Hans Sundstrom 3 - 1 Rob F Jones Authur Koeman 1 - 3 Simon Ng Thomas Koeman 3 - 0 Jason Gooch Richard Collins 1 - 3 Paul Errington Simon Davies 0 - 3 Rob P Jones Robert Smith 0 - 3 Colin Owen Chris Vale 1 - 3 David Murray Mike Openshaw 2 - 3 Mark Sutclffe

Final score 16 - 16 draw

New Winter Shirts New Squash Members

From L to R: Tom Chamberlain, Mike Shilton, Andrea Walsh, Nick Organ, Philip Ting, Michael Yang Front of shirt Back of shirt

Club Magazine Dec 2013 17

SQUASH Lawn Bowls News

Coaches Corner:

Player of the Month: Nick Stearn

Junior of the Month: JJ Tullis Chairman’s

Congratulations to this year’s Report Junior Squash Handicap winners Grade 1 he Men’s and Ladies Premier League campaigns Champion: have now drawn to a close with the highlight being Isaiah Jones our Ladies A team winning the First Division Runner Up: championship. This is the seventh time in a row that Oliver Edmonds Tour Ladies have won which is a National record which is going to take some beating. Wanis Sze and Emmie Wong were Plate Winner: joint second leading skips and their rinks provided the backbone Harrison Niehorster of the teams results. The last two rounds of games were Plate Runner Up: particularly nerve wracking. In the penultimate round the A’s Andrew DeLuca were playing at home but could only get 2 points. If their main challengers STSA A could get a result that could have spelt the end of their hopes but a miracle happened over at Cox’s Road Grade 2 Champion: where they failed to garner any points at all playing against Jaden Head KCC A. So down to the final round with just a three point advantage. Again the A’s were playing at home but they started Runner Up: really nervously and two of the rinks fell behind and needed to Leandra Sze claw their way back into the game. Emmie’s rink was behind Plate Winner: right up to the final end and were three down on the board. The Lily Walsh girls held their nerve and Emmie’s last wood drew a fourth shot to give a 21-20 win. Camilla Leung’s rink got back on even Plate Runner Up: Rachel Walsh terms by the 17th end only to lose the last end by a single shot so it was down to Wanis and her rink to hold their collective nerve and see the team home which they did running out 21-12 Grade 3 winners. Congratulations to Captain Camilla and very well Champion: done to the whole team for another outstanding performance Thana Fearn and record breaking achievement. Runner Up: Kit Studholme-Wilson The Ladies B team, also playing in the First Division, finished a very creditable 4th in the rankings but sadly the C team, after Plate Winner: promotion last season, could not retain their position in Division 2 Felix Studholme-Wilson so will drop back down to Division 3. However they finished with Player Runner Up: a flourish winning their last game 8-0 convincingly beating the Dimitri Kwok fourth ranked team! I am sure they will be looking for promotion again next season. The strength of our ladies is again reflected in the results in other National competitions with Phyllis Wong and Camilla Leung through to the finals of National Women’s Pairs and Hannah Ha leading her rink of Rita Tsui, Grace Chu and Priscilla Lam through to the final of the National Fours. On the Men’s side we had some very solid performances particularly from the B’s who finished third in the First Division and the D’s who came fourth in Division 5. The A’s

18 Dec 2013 scrambled to the relative safety of 7th in Division 1 and the C’s did likewise in Division 3. The E’s were less fortunate being relegated to Division 7 by virtue of an inferior shot difference. Looking at the Skip Table credit to SK Ng, playing for the A’s, for finishing 6th and Warren Cheung of the B’s coming 8th. These are very creditable performances in a tough league. Alan Wright, playing for the E’s, was ranked 6th in his Division but even his heroics could not save the team! In the Men’s National Fours we still have two rinks in the competition at the QF stage after a couple of excellent wins on tricky away greens. So good luck to SK Ng and Thomas Tam’s rinks in the next round. Roger Nissim

Club Magazine Dec 2013 19 Hockey News

Chairman’s Comments

Dear all, the Ladies Premiership would be an continue to play this well. amazing feat. Similarly the Ladies The end of the One of the highlights of the season 1st Division is being led by the D’s year and the end of thus far has been the Asian Masters and the C’s, with both teams playing the first half of the competition, where a number of extraordinarily good hockey. With the season are upon us. HKFC players were representing way the C’s are playing, we are going to As you all know by the Senior Masters and the Grand run out of excuses for keeping them out now, this season is Masters. I enjoyed the closely fought of the premiership next season! somewhat different battle between the Hong Kong Seniors Nick Studholme- Wilson, Hockey to previous years, in The Men’s premiership is going to be and Malaysia, which ended in a 2-2 Section Chairman that each division’s very tight this season, with Club A, draw, but I wished I had watched the leaders and laggards Punjab, Khalsa and Shaheen all in the 11-1 demolition of South Korea that are to hive off. As per usual we have running. The Men’s A’s are looking very resulted in Hong Kong winning the a good number of teams at the top strong this year with the addition of competition. Well done to all the Asian of their respective tables and one or Gus and Ronald definitely bringing Seniors and Grand Masters who turned two teams that find themselves close something new to the party. The up to play, we all have immense respect to the bottom, as a result of unwanted reduction in the number of games this for you. promotion from last year. For those season means that there is little margin In one of his many roles to ensure that finishing in the top groups we need to for error and teams with ambitions the Section is not just pitch action, keep pushing throughout the season to for the top spots cannot afford to drop Neil Norman has organized a super ensure that all your hard work pays off, points. I am pleased to say that the glam Xmas party for you. I hope to see whilst those in the bottom halves need B’s are now starting to compete in the plenty of fro’s and flairs on the dance to keep fighting, whilst ensuring that Premiership. Stu Walker has done floor. they continue to enjoy the game. a great job pulling the team together and a mid-table position is theirs for Big thanks to all the coaches, captains As I write, the ladies sides are the taking if they continue to play and committee members who have dominating their divisions. Ladies B as well as they have been. Men’s C’s made the first half of the season are sitting second place just behind have started to perform the way they happen. Have a great Xmas and refuel Valley in the premiership, while the A’s should - considering the talent that they for the next half! will be looking to take back their top have in the side - and should be up for spot once they get a few more games Nick promotion to the Premiership if they under their belt. A top two finish in

Hong Kong International Hockey 6s 2014 24th - 26th January

The 2014 Hong Kong Hockey 6s will be held from 24-26 January HKFC will host an entertaining party for players and supporters 2014. The feature event will be the Cup which will feature the alike on the Saturday evening, with live music. Held under top 6 teams in Men’s and Ladies’ Premier Divisions at the mid the canopy on the training triangle, tickets will be available in season break. Prize money of HK$20,000 per winner should advance and on the day. make this a highly competitive and entertaining tournament. Please watch out for further announcements and we look forward There will also be a Ladies’ and Men’s Open Competition to welcoming you to the 2014 Hong Kong Hockey 6s. featuring sides from Hong Kong and beyond. The opening night of the weekend will feature a Hong Kong Hockey 6s Youth Tournament and also a Veterans competition.

20 Dec 2013 HOCKEY

Masters Hockey Asian Cup 2013

The Hong Kong Football Club was proud to host this event, which took place from 29th October to 3rd November 2013. There were in fact three competitions going on in parallel: Men’s Grand Masters (over 60’s) with teams from Japan, Korea, Malaysia and Hong Kong; Men’s Senior Masters (over 50’s) with teams from Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong and two Ladies’ Veterans matches played between Korea and Hong Kong. In the Grand Masters event, Japan put out an excellent team that were definitely the best in this group and they duly won their three round robin matches comfortably to on a classy display of top quality hockey for us to win the 2nd Asian Cup. appreciate. The Senior Masters was a much closer affair with Hong The Club was very well represented in all three Kong pipping Malaysia on goal difference to record Hong competitions by players past and present who also Kong’s first win at this event. helped with the administration of the event. The Korean ladies, with 8 of their 1998 Olympic team There are many excellent pictures, news and views present, were much too strong for our ladies and put on the tournament website at www.mhachk2013. com, so if you are interested please take a look. The Hong Kong Hockey Association, who formally hosted this event, are most appreciative of all the support they get from HKFC, without which the competition could not run smoothly. Roger Nissim

Club Magazine Dec 2013 21

Match Report

Ladies’ Dinos v F’s by Katherine Colquhoun

One hot Saturday the foxes went Down to the pitch with much intent,

To reek some havoc and show some skill, Determination and team work was the name of the drill.

And so the whistle blew and out we ran, Passing and charging (whilst working on our tan).

Julie, Lottie and Ros running rings around, The Dinos were speechless; they didn’t make a sound.

Alex, Jess and Emily were firing the ball across the pitch, And suddenly it was in the Dinos’ D without so much as a hitch.

And then a short corner was awarded, the crowd cried with delight. Emma passing to Vanessa and then ... Goal!!! There wasn’t a dry eye in sight.

Back we ran to the half way line with a hop and a skip, No intimidation was Greg and Christine’s match tip.

May and Aiko running as fast as the wind, Was another reason for our all dominating win.

And just before the whistle blew for half time, from the Dino’s 16 the ball was passed For only May to intercept it and whistle past

Finding Ros there who, hit it in and.... Ping! Another goal! It really was the greatest thing!!

Dino’s now were angry and came back from half time with fight, Swearing and cursing they managed a sneaking goal (giving Kath a bit of a fright)

But they couldn’t continue this way for the rest of the match, No sneaky goals did they manage to hatch.

Our fabulous backs of Rhona , Christine and Annabel, Made sure that our defence line never fell.

And so the final whistle blew and much rejoicing was done, Well done the fiesty Foxes, the Dino’s were out won!!!

Well done again to everyone! Congratulations to Alex for MVP....and for finding the fox!

22 Dec 2013 Club Magazine Dec 2013 23 Rugby News

Andrew Eagle, Club Captain Captain’s Message

his month, an update from Above: HKFC U16 FC2 vs Valley Fort

the young ‘uns – HKFC Right: HKFC U16 FC1 vs DeA Colts. TThe Under 19 season has been good in parts, our HKFC2 are undefeated and our younger players with HKU1 while FC2 went down to team tackled consistently well against are developing well, we should be SKS2. The Colts teams have gelled some strong opponents. challenging for the top spot by the end well with both teams adapting to new of the season. The season for HKFC1 So, a decent start from the kids, in no line-ups as traditionally many ex-team- has been very frustrating having played small part to the legions of patient mates disappear to boarding schools at only one game which resulted in a loss coaches. Thanks for your efforts. the start of the season. but hopefully the position will improve Onto the seniors, and Club have finally as more matches are played. Had a FC3 a predominantly Under 13 team started to roll. An outstanding effort record 15 players nominated for the has had two games to date registering put away an undefeated Valley side Under 18 age group which indicates a strong win against Kowloon Lions 17-13, with new front-row sensation the strength of the squad this year. and a loss to DBP2. The team has Daniel Browne scoring Club’s only played well to date against much The Under 16 season started off well try. Gavin Hadley added the points bigger opponents and is enjoying the with all three sides recording wins in with the boot and Rob McDermott opportunity to play regular 15-a-side their first games. Unfortunately FC2 (Snr) added a late drop-goal to seal the rugby on full sized pitches. The and FC3 lost their following games but deal. A great day all round in fact with players are all learning much quicker played well and we are hoping to have strong wins for Select, Bulls and Ice. with more frequent rugby and are all three sides around the top of the Special mention to Flo Servan who optimistic for coming matches. league tables by the end of the season. capped his last game at the Football 13 players were nominated for the The Under 13 competition kicked off Club (for now) for Drags in a 55-0 national trials of which three players after a long wait on 3rd November. pasting of Valley Knights. were from the younger age group FC1 (U13 Blue) produced a good So with Club building momentum, and which is great to see. team effort for a tight 10-5 win over every other side at or near the top of Valley Fort 1 with two tries to James The Under 14 have three teams FC1, their leagues it looks like being another Orchard in a strong performance. FC2 and FC3 (Under 13 team playing season to remember. Keep it up. FC2 (U13 White) lost narrowly 10- up an age group) across Div 1, 2 and 3 19 (2 tries to 3) to VF2. All players Happy Christmas! respectively. The FC1 and FC2 have contributed well with Lucca Leinster had impressive starts to the season Eagle Holt producing some great aggressive both having played three games with running for the teams two tries. The two wins; FC1 drew the third game

24 Dec 2013 Netball News

Chairwoman’s Comments

Karin Looram, Netball DSA Chairwoman

HKFC Club fter what seemed like forever for the start of the season, I must say that the first half has gone very quickly! The teams have been celebrating some massive wins recently including HKFC Club’s massive win over Valley Panthers by over 20 Agoals! Great job everyone. Check out the teams for the 2013/14 season opposite. As well as our seniors doing a great job, our juniors are also out there and playing hard every Saturday in The Junior Netball League. Some HKFC Typhoons junior teams are undefeated at this stage and if this keeps up we are sure to have many teams in the finals series of the JNL. Check out the photos of some of our junior players in action. As always there is the constant coming of players, which we love and then there is also the going of players, which we don’t like at all. This month we said goodbye to Roz and Di from Typhoons, who are headed back to Aussie to start the next chapter of their lives. We also have coach Pam Ryan coming in to help out with some of the teams, so we are lucky to have her when we can. Watch out for the training and game dates over Xmas and New Year HKFC Whirlwinds as they change every year. The last game in December will be the 9th and the first game of the New year will be January 6th 2014. See you all at the Xmas Social!

HKFC Tornadoes We will miss Roz and Di who will return to Aussie this month

HKFC Cyclones

Club Magazine Dec 2013 25 Badminton News

Inter-club Badminton Challenge Cup Tournament a 4-1 win over KCC. Emily Chow had kicked off with an emphatic win in the Ladies Singles followed by a win by Boon and David MacDonald in the Men’s Senior Doubles. The mood became much better in the HKFC camp after rolling out the win with HKFC still in the hunt for the overall title. However, it would need a win over SCAA and a count back on number of ties won to see us pull the rabbit out of the hat. SCAA prepared a very strong lineup for this match concentrating their strength in the Men’s Singles and all the Doubles ties. In a tough mixed match, Amy Chan and Edwin Ma out he 2nd of November saw Michelle Cheung pulled back a tie fought the SCAA pair in 3 sets. Amy’s the Badminton Society in the Ladies Singles. It was a cat and control and domination at the forecourt host the Challenge Cup in mouse game for KL Chan in the provided the crucial edge in controlling a four team play off. The singles missing out 18-21, 18-21. The the SCAA pair, complemented with Tother teams in the clash were Kowloon Men’s Doubles pairs of Patrick Leung the clever play of Edwin. Their win Cricket Club (KCC), South China and Ivan Ho had taken the first set evened up the match 2-2 in ties as we Athletic Association (SCAA) and Hou ambushing the over confident Hou had lost both Men’s Doubles ties but Kong Sports Club of Macau. Each Kong pairing. The 2nd set went to Hou won the ladies singles. That meant the team played each other with 5 ties per Kong who pulled their act together. In Men’s Singles result would decide the match consisting of Men’s Doubles, the third set, both pairs were at their match. Playing for HKFC was club Ladies Singles, Men’s Senior Doubles very best playing at a frentic pace and coach and ex-Welsh national champion and Mixed Doubles and Men’s Singles. diving around with some incredible John Leung against SCAA’s Ling saves with Hou Kong finally edging out HKFC were pitted against Hou Kong Chun. This was no pushover match as HKFC 21-17 in the third set. Thus, in the first match of the morning. This the SCAA player had demonstrated HKFC had lost to Hou Kong 1-4 in a proved to be a tough match with Hou quality and skill in winning his earlier match that could have gone either way. Kong straight off the starting blocks games. In the next 55 minutes, we saw taking the men’s senior doubles and HKFC had to bounce back for their badminton of the highest standard mixed doubles tie. The ever dependable next match and this time we did it with being played out. In the 1st set, the

26 Dec 2013 SCAA player used a power and speed game banking on a presumed physical advantage. John gave a masterful display of counterattacking strokeplay and took the first set 21-11. A change of tactics to extended rallies by the SCAA player proved successful in forcing the tie into a 3rd set. Again, in the 3rd set, the rallies continued with John content to grind out the opponent forcing a lot of court coverage. The psychological pressure of the punishing rallies took their toll on SCAA player with John taking the 3rd set 21-15 resulting in HKFC beating SCAA 3-2. HKFC, SCAA and Hou Kong were all equal with number of matches won. Final placings were decided on countback of ties for and ties against. Ultimately, the marginal losses of HKFC to Hou Kong proved to be the deciding factors in the final rank order as follows: 1st were SCAA, 2nd Hou Kong, 3rd HKFC and 4th KCC. For the second time in two consecutive years, SCAA claimed the Championship of the tournament. Players of the four clubs attended a tournament dinner after the prize presentation. S. C. Yu

Club Magazine Dec 2013 27 Tennis News Wolf Blass, proud to be the official sponsor of the Tennis Society

Clearwater Bay Invitational Tennis Challenge 26th October 2013

On a beautiful Saturday afternoon on 26th October, a team of five ladies and six men captained by Celina Leung went to Clearwater Bay (“CWB”), to take part in the Clearwater Bay Invitational Tennis Challenge 2013. This was the first time the Tennis Society (TS) had been invited to this annual event. TS was also joined by the Kowloon Cricket Club (KCC) tennis team, so there were three tennis clubs competing for the trophy.

It was perfect weather for a full afternoon of tennis: windless, cool and dry. The competition consisted of an afternoon of men’s, women’s and mixed doubles against the opposing clubs, with team pairings consisting of players from different tennis divisions i.e. A and B players, B and C and C and D players combining together. This was a great way to mix with other players from your home club who play in different divisions. A special mention to TS ladies, who played six sets of tennis each that afternoon for five hours, and it turned out they were all super fit!

Before the last round was played, we were told by the organizer that we had already won the tournament. We did not want to celebrate prematurely and kept the news to ourselves until the final result was announced, after the close of the matches. Then it was official: TS came first with 19 points; KCC was second with 15 points; the hosting club, CWB, came in third with 11 points. A great achievement for the team, with some very competitive and tough matches fought throughout the afternoon.

The evening finished with a sumptuous BBQ dinner where all the clubs had the chance to mingle with each other and the winners trophies were given out. TS players who represented the club were: Celina Leung, Agnes Baylete, Jenny Chu, Helen Ormerod and Katy Tang for the ladies and Chanont Vassontara, Eric Tsea, Eric Desgouttes, Daniel Martin, Fred Horsey and Job Tang for the men.

28 Dec 2013

Taiwan Trip 28th September - 1st October

Following the success of our trip to Bangkok last year, the Tennis Society organized a trip to Taiwan for the National Day weekend from 28th September - 1st October. The group of 32 included several non-playing friends and partners who came along to enjoy the golf, shopping and dining. Our first match was against the National Chung Cheng University in Chiayi. We hosted visitors from the university last year so we were delighted to make the return visit. It was also a rare opportunity to play on three different surfaces in one day – artificial grass, hardcourt and clay. Special thanks to Tony Shield and his wife Suyen who did a fantastic job with the arrangements, including a superb dinner attended by the local mayor and other dignitaries. Our next stop took us to the Tainan Tennis Training Centre, one of the best tennis facilities in Taiwan boasting 16 clay courts. Our hosts were incredibly gracious and generous, but sadly we were somewhat outclassed on the tennis front losing both matches despite some close games. Once again Helen Ormerod was the star of the show organizing the entire weekend with military precision – we are deeply indebted for all her hard work. Look out for news on our next overseas trips in 2014!

Club Magazine Dec 2013 29 Golf News

19th Hole www.hkfcgolf.com

Annual General Match against Will Glover, Gilles Bonnier, JP Cuvelier and Duncan brought home Meeting Hills Club a comfortable win of 6-1/2 to 1-1/2. 22nd October 28th October During the post-match celebrations the prospect of a return fixture was About fifty members attended the AGM The Hills Club in Queenstown is one discussed – watch this space. A on 22nd October 2013 during which a of New Zealand’s most prestigious detailed report on the match is on the new committee was elected: courses, host to this year’s NZ PGA website. Championship and from 2014 home Honorary President - Andy Ho to the NZ Open. A group of 8 from Chairman - Ian Petersen The Hills Club passed through Hong Secretary - Chris Meecham Kong as part of their Asian tour and Treasurer - Ivan Ho. were looking for a competitive fixture. Other elected members are: Captain Duncan Spooner seized Tentative Duncan Spooner, Dallas Reid, the opportunity to organize a singles Desiree Wong and Amy Cheng. match with the visitors at Macau Golf & Country Club on Monday Upcoming The Chairman thanked Richard 28th October 2013. The wonderful Neish, retiring Honorary President, for performance of our team comprising his guidance and advice to the Society Events young prodigy , throughout the years. He also thanked Leon D’Souza Dallas , , , the three outgoing committee members, Reid Jonny Brock Tom Hayman MATCHES David Connolly, Dorothy Lam and 16 – 17 Nov 2013 – Margaret Tsai for their contributions Reunification Cup, Lotus Hill and advice over the years. 17 Jan 2014 - HKFC GS v. FCC At the meeting a resolution was passed GS, Kau Sai Chau (North) to adopt the Society’s updated Bye-laws. 24 Feb 2014 – HKFC GS v. These included some changes to the RHKYC GS, Macau Golf & conditions under which eligible Absent Country Club Members may enjoy the benefits of the 5 – 6 April 2014 – HKFC GS v. Society on a temporary basis. Members HK Cricket Club, Lotus Hill can refer to the Bye-laws for full details. Post Match Celebrations OUTINGS 30 Nov/1 Dec 2013 – Christmas Cup, Lotus Hill 19 Dec 2013 – Christmas Gathering, Deep Water Bay 10 Jan 2014 – Mission Hills, Shenzhen 20 Jan 2014 – Kau Sai Chau (South) 22-23 Feb 2014 – Chinese New Year Gathering, Nan Sha

At the Annual General Meeting

30 Dec 2013 GOLF

Monthly Outings Two outings to Kau Sai Chau (South) were organized in October 2013. The first one held on 7th October was attended by 8 members. The stableford winner was Will Glover (28 points) who also took Best Gross (91). Owen Davis (27 points) and Steven Lee (26 points) came second and third. The second outing was the Walmsley Cup on 22nd October. Twelve high spirited members enjoyed a cool, sunny day. Jonathan Li successfully defended his title in 37 stableford points. Don Roberts came second with 34 points. The third position was hotly contested: David Fargus, Andy Ho and Mike Belbin tied at 33 points. David prevailed on count back. Rebecca Wong (31 points) won the Ladies’ category. Dallas Reid shot a good round of 78 to claim the Best Gross. Quentin Burrows took the men’s longest drive. Nick Grimshaw, David Fargus and Jonathan Li shared the near pin prizes. Prizes were TOP: Walmsley Cup presented to winners at AGM held – Flight no. 1 Quentin Burrows, Dallas Reid, that evening. David Fargus, Jonny Brock ABOVE LEFT: Walmsley Cup – Flight no. 2 Jonathan Li, Submission of Scorecards Don Roberts, Nick Grimshaw, Andy Ho for Handicapping ABOVE RIGHT: Chairman Ian Petersen In October, a notice was issued setting out the presenting prizes to Walmsley Cup winners. required information that has to be provided when From L to R: Margaret members submit their scorecards through the Society Tsai, Ian Petersen, Jonathan Li, Rebecca to HKGA for handicapping. In future, scorecards Wong, Dallas Reid, Quentin Burrows and lacking the required information will not be David Fargus processed. Lastly, the Committee wishes all members and their families a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous 2014. Outing to Kau Sai Chau on 7th October Margaret Tsai

Club Magazine Dec 2013 31 Swimming and Triathlon

t’s been a race packed month for the clean conditions with minimal garbage attended by Club Members. Hard work Swim and Triathlon team with events sightings -an added incentive for in the pool, on land and on the bike, happening every weekend. everyone to take part next year. resulted in solid performances from everyone who took part. A day earlier The Clean Half, which took place on The third and final race of the Summer I saw Club juniors Tatum and Erin take 12th October, had a stellar turnout from Ocean Swim Series Revolution Asia part in the kids triathlon – a challenging Club Members with a total of 5 teams held on 20th October was another great 195m swim, 5 km bike and 1.3km run. participating. There was great swimming event for Club swimmers. Those racing Well done to both girls! from everyone who took part in the 15 included Simon Brewster, Craig Nortje kilometre challenge, which started in and Anna Olsen who did fantastic Special mention must go to Richard Stanley and finished in Deep Water times for the 1.4km race, which started Hall who completed the Ironman Bay. Even Swim coach Lloyd took the at Middle Island and finished at Deep World Championships in Hawaii plunge, getting back into the water after Water Bay beach. earlier this month. It’s an outstanding a long break. accomplishment as this is the biggest Also held on 20th October was the triathlon event in the world and a great single-handedly swam the epic Open Water event dubbed ‘The Craig Nortje feat to even qualify for it. whole 15 km route, finishing in a rapid Five’. The race involves a testing 5 km time just shy of the Club’s fastest 5 swim from Stanley to Repulse Bay. As we go into the cooler months, person relay team. Congratulations to swimmers Henry watch out for exciting upcoming events Wright, Stuart Tait and Sally Gentle including the Taiwan Ironman, Laguna Earlier in the month, some of the Club’s who not only took part but finished Phuket Triathlon and HK Triathlon top athletes, , Sally Gentle Simon among the top in their age groups. Association’s Aquathon Series. Brewster and Craig Nortje, took part in the 1.5km New World Hong Kong The Hong Kong ITU triathlon, held 27th Farah Master Harbour Race. Swimmers reported October at Disneyland, was widely

New World Hong Kong Harbour Race - 6th October

Name Distance Time Category Ranking Craig Nortje 1.5km 19:41 M35 - 49 1st in age group Simon Brewster 1.5km 23:27 M35 - 49 9th in age group Sally Gentle 1.5km 24:58 F17 - 34 16th in age group

The Clean Half – 12th October

Team Swimmers Distance Time Category Ranking Overall HKFC Team A Arthur Li, Sean Whipkey, Stuart Tait, Farah Master, 15km 3:28:47 Mixed 5th 11th Sally Gentle Craig Nortje Craig Nortje 15km 3:41:47 Solo 2nd 16th HKFC Team C Hendrik Rosenthal, Nicolas Gontard, Millie, Olivia 15km 4:26:03 Mixed 17th 37th Wong, Julia Bennett HKFC Team D Lloyd McBean, Marcus Chu, Cath Hopkins, Karen, 15km 4:29:02 Mixed 19th 39th Mafalda Oliveira HKFC Team B Dave Howell, Rob Stephenson, David Gething, 15km 4:41:38 Mixed 23rd 46th Anna, Anne-Marie Balfe

32 Dec 2013 SWIMMING & TRIATHLON

3rd Summer Ocean Swim Series – Revolution Asia A Family Affair Deep Water Bay (1.4km) on 20th October As a relative latecomer to swimming and Name Finish Category Category Time Position triathlons I’m delighted that my Craig Nortje 0:17:58 M35-39 1st eldest son Alex agreed Simon Brewster 0:20:12 M35-39 2nd to join me for his first Anna Olsen 0:27:09 F30-39 11th tri at Plover Cove on 13th October (1k swim, 30k ride, 8k run). It’s a pretty challenging course by any standards, especially for newcomers. In addition to having youth Open Water ‘The Five’ on his side (17) he’s already very athletic and a strong 5km Swim from Stanley Blake Pier to swimmer so he breezed through the swim way ahead Repulse Bay – 20th October of me. He’s only been cycling for the past few months but had a solid ride, however he began to cramp up 2k Name Finish Category Category into the 8k run. Nonetheless I’m proud of the way he Time Position stuck with it and finished the event in about 3 hours 20 Henry Wright 1:08:10 M20-29 3rd (just 10 minutes behind me). I’m hoping he sticks with it Stuart Tait 1:15:16 M30-39 4th and enjoys it as much as I do - won’t be long before he’s Sally Gentle 1:22:20 F30-39 2nd leaving his old man in his dust! Greg Brutus

Hong Kong ITU Triathlon – 27th October

Female Olympic Distance Male Olympic Distance Name Time Age Category Name Time Age Category Group Position Group Position Claire Chapman 02.43.58 30-34 1st David Gething 2.23.17 35-39 2nd Debbie Hanley 2.54.59 35-39 3rd Hendrik Rosenthal 2.49.19 35-39 24th Anne-Marie Balfe 3.00.10 35-39 8th Richard Hall 2.15.17 40-44 1st Cordelia Dyer 2.55.55 40-44 2nd David Watts 2.44.10 40-44 29th Caitrin Shirley 3.15.24 45-49 3rd Phil Shirley 2.41.25 45-49 11th Cathryn Hopkins 3.34.27 45-49 4th Michael Sadler 3.05.42 45-49 34th

Club Magazine Dec 2013 33 SWIMMING & TRIATHLON

Swimming the 15km Clean Half Solo

Luckily I was going along with someone at a comfortable pace and in a direction that I was fairly happy with. What started to bother me was that my support kayaker was nowhere to be seen, meaning that my nutrition strategy of juice every 20-30 minutes was out the window. Not a big issue yet but a very big problem that I normally face when doing endurance events is drinking too late. So my mind was occupied with thinking of alternate drinking strategies until I found another hole in my strategy. The format for the relay race has each swimmer swim a 20 minute leg, then 10 minute legs thereafter. This means that I had no control over the pace or direction of the next swimmer for the team that I was happily drafting alongside of. As it turned out the next swimmer didn’t go in a direction that I was comfortable with so we split up. It wasn’t long though before my spirits were n the morning of 12 October, Open Water Asia lifted by the sight of my kayaker patiently waiting for hosted the Clean Half ocean swim from Stanley to me at the Tai Tam turning point. What a legend! A few Deep Water Bay. The 15 km route started off at the sips of juice and I was off to the Satellites. beach next to the Stanley Sea School, before heading The section to the Satellites was uneventful but fun. Oto a turning buoy in Tai Tam, around the Satellites (the satellite There seemed to be more teams around and even dishes on the end of the Stanley peninsula), Round Island, though they were all passing me it was good to be in Middle Island and into the beach at Deep Water Bay. The course amongst it. can be raced as a 5 swimmer relay team or solo. For the latter, I use the term ‘raced’ very loosely. By the time I got to the Satellites I realized I had cut it too fine and was too close to the rocks. The water It was very difficult to mentally prepare for this race as the is much choppier there and it felt like there was more furthest I had ever swum before was 5km which isn’t really head current. I verified this against the relative ease with comparable and it makes 15km seem like just a number. which the swimmers taking a deeper line were going. My main focus was not to get excited at the start and caught up in Usually when paddling a kayak around that section of the relay team’s race but rather just to go off and find my groove. rocks I will go close to the rocks and surf the waves that bounce off. No choice but to put my head down and This strategy was quite foreign to me as just about all the other push on through. swimming races I go like a bat out of hell at the start and try to get some “clean” water to swim in, as well as draft off the faster After getting around the point I definitely felt a bit flat swimmers for as long as possible. but excited by the sight of one of the HKFC teams. They were getting ready for a changeover and I knew At the starting gun it was a bit messy in the shallows but from their order that they had completed their first everyone split up fairly quickly into little groups as we picked rotation of 20 min each and we were 1 hour 40 minutes our lines and pace. into the race. Comforting to know such a large portion It was then that I realized a hole in my strategy. Similar to cycling, of the race is over, but disheartening to know that I’m swimmers can draft off each other and save energy by being not yet halfway. They quickly sped off and left me on swept along in another swimmer’s slipstream. Unlike cycling my own to plod along. The stretch was a particularly however, ocean swimmers aren’t confined to a road of any kind boring section of the race but thankfully I was well and can wander off course quite easily. This means that if you prepared after Stuart gave some advice from his Cold accept a ride with someone, you have little control where they Half (the winter version of this race) solo experience. take you! Some highlights from this section that made it

34 Dec 2013 SWIMMING & TRIATHLON

2013 Ironman Solo World Championships

interesting were the occasional stings from sea lice or jellyfish tentacles that jolt you and break the monotony of swimming. The other interesting thing was my school boy mistake of trying new supplements for the first time on race day. The energy sweets when mixed with sports drink frothed up so much I had to spit them out. It felt like I had a mouthful of Mentos and was drinking Coke. Worryingly Richard’s kids at Ironman I found that very amusing and I was possibly losing my mind from drinking too much salt water. f it’s October, and it’s long course triathlon, then it’s all about the Ironman World Championships Not to worry, next landmark Round in Kona, Hawaii. This year was the 35th Island and from there it is Middle anniversary of the legendary 3.8 km swim, 180 Richard Hall Island then the finish… um… no… Ikm bike ride and 42.2 km marathon run through if only it was that simple. Again I the lava fields of the Big Island. Having earned mistakenly took my reference from my qualifying slot at Ironman South Africa in April, I was able to try to make up paddling where it only takes about for the long hours of training and accompanying grumpy afternoons that had 18 minutes to get from Round Island followed by taking the family for a well earned break in Hawaii. to the beach. After I did the mental My and the girls’ first job was to cheer on Elaine as she competed in the PATH 10 arithmetic I realized that I was at km road race, which took place on the Sunday of the weekend before the Ironman. least an hour of good swimming Having finished second in her age group (to the 1997 Ironman world champion, away from the beach. All I could Heather Fuhr) the last time she entered this race in 2010, Elaine continued this fall back on now were the words of tradition, this time finishing second in her age group to the 2006 Ironman ladies a motivational speaker I listened to champion (and 2000 Olympic silver medal winner), Michellie Jones. some time ago “Don’t cry to give up. Tuesday was all about the kids, with both Charlie and Sophie entering the kids You’re already in pain, so don’t cry to splash n dash race, giving them the opportunity to swim the beginning of the quit, cry and get a reward from it.” Ironamn swim course, then run down the finish chute on the famous Ali’i Drive. Strikes two and three to the ladies in the family! From then on in the breaks became more frequent and a bit longer and Race day itself was a mixed bag. The hours in the pool under Lloyd’s watchful I’d take my goggles off my eyes to eye paid off with a solid swim, which given the literally bruising nature of the relieve the pressure a bit and give swim, was a great result. The Hawaiin winds blew all day on the bike, seemingly me better clarity to take in the in our faces whichever way we were headed, so to be on the run after a total of 6 hrs 15 mins was a result. Unfortunately, aggravated by the effort on the bike, surroundings and remind myself how my back decided that enough was enough, which resulted in a fairly ugly middle lucky I am to be doing this. section of the marathon through the Energy Lab (motto : where dreams are 3 hours 41 minutes and 47 seconds. made (or in my case, crushed)). Hooking up with an old friend and running the Job done! last 10 km home together, which was something we’d promised each other we would do since we first started in the sport, made the day one to remember for all Craig Nortje the right reasons.

A final surge for the line saw us home in just under ten and a half hours : not my best, not my worst, but always a very special moment to cross the finish line, the culmination of all the hard work that’s gone into the day.

Richard Hall

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