HONG KONG FOOTBALL CLUB JANUARY 2013
Winter Warmers SHABU-SHABU Other F&B highlights: Veuve Clicquot Champagne Wine Dinner Cloudy Bay and Cape Mentelle Wine Dinner and more...!
Inside pages include: - Sporting events in support of charities - Tour reports and more!
January 2013 HONG KONG FOOTBALL CLUB MISSION STATEMENT
Vision: To be recognised as one of the leading sports clubs in the world. The Thoughts of the Chairman...... 2 Mission: To deliver quality services on the principles of accountability, consistency and transparency. The General Committee 2012-13...... 3 To develop an organizational culture that recognises the importance of staff contribution and commitment. From the Desk of Mark Pawley ...... 4 To facilitate the development and participation of recognised sporting activities. Food and Beverage...... 5 Values: Being accountable – to communicate, consult Squash...... 14 and provide information. Living within our means – to plan ahead within available Hockey...... 18 resources. Developing a culture of service – to encourage commitment, integrity, courtesy and responsiveness. Rugby...... 22 Managing for performance – to set the direction and develop the necessary skills. Mini Rugby...... 24 Aims: To provide the services the Membership needs. To improve the quality of Club life. Soccer...... 25 To up-hold the Constitution and Bye-laws. To encourage Members to play their part in the Club. Junior Soccer...... 30 Lawn Bowls...... 32 General Committee Netball...... 34 President : Dermot Agnew Vice President : James Collins-Taylor Badminton...... 35 Vice President : Nick Hunsworth Vice President : Bobby Lawson Tennis...... 36 Vice President : Iain Valentine Chairman : John Shanahan Golf ...... 39 Hon. Secretary : Mike Wood Hon. Treasurer : David Howell Swimming and Triathlon ...... 40 Sports and Recreation : Philip Woolf Development : Mark Clift Ten Pin Bowling...... 44 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 18 Facilities Manager : Evan Tao HOCKEY Membership Services Manager : Kerry Ogle 14 Human Resources Manager : Angela Chan SQUASH 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 22 40 Club reserves the right to edit and clarify all content. RUGBY SWIMMING & TRIATHLON The copyright of all materials is held by the Hong Kong Football Club.
Hong Kong Football Club 3 Sports Road, Happy Valley, Hong Kong Tel 2830 9500 Fax 2882 5040 • Website: www.hkfc.com.hk
Club Magazine January 2013 1 The Thoughts of the Chairman
Dear Members,
May I wish you all a Happy New Year! be placing more speed bumps in various locations but please be aware that the speed limit is 5km/hr and anyone caught You will note on the opposite page photographs of the speeding may be subject to disciplinary action being taken current General Committee along with their portfolios. The against them. Chairmen of the five Standing Sub-committees are also shown along with their areas of responsibility. At the time of writing, the New Year’s Eve Party is yet to take place but I am sure that it will be the usual outstanding Part of our Mission Statement as a club is to deliver quality event that it invariably is. As always, I will be at the New services on the principles of accountability, consistency Year’s Day Youth Rugby Tournament on 1st January and and transparency. These aspirations are also reflected in I look forward to seeing as many of you there as can make our Values, that is, to be accountable and communicate, it to support our up and coming junior players for a great consult and provide information to our membership. This is day’s rugby. achieved in a number of ways through various committees, regular informal exchanges with Members and staff and of On another sporting matter, many congratulations are in course, this magazine. As an experiment I also intend to order to Absent Member, Richard Valentine, who won the start holding a ‘Chairman’s Walk-in’ session on a regular World Hickory Open Golf Championship which was recently basis. The first ‘Walk-in’ will be between 11am – 1pm held in Scotland. on Saturday 26th January 2013 in Meeting Room 1 on the first floor of the Clubhouse. I will make myself available In conclusion, I would ask you all to note below the closing to any Member wishing to talk about “Club business” and of the Club for both the Chinese New Year celebrations I trust that I will not end up sitting there as the complaints that fall between Monday 11th February to Wednesday department! So if you have anything that you wish to discuss 13th February 2013, and the evening of the Annual Staff about the Club, then just pop in and we can talk. Party on Sunday 24th February.
Recently concerns have been raised about the number of cars JOHN J SHANAHAN that are deemed to be “speeding” in the Car Parks and on Chairman the driveway at the Main Entrance. Management will shortly
CLUB CLOSURE DURING CHINESE NEW YEAR CLUB CLOSURE FOR ANNUAL STAFF PARTY
The Club will close on the eve of Chinese The Annual Staff Party will be held on New Year, Saturday 9th February at 5pm, Sunday 24th February which will mean the and will be closed all day on Chinese New Club will close its facilities (including the Car Year Sunday 10th February and re-open the Park) at 5pm on Sunday 24th February. day after, on Monday 11th February at 9am. The Club will re-open at 9am on Monday 25th February.
2 January 2013 THE CLUB GENERAL COMMITTEE 2012-2013
James Collins-Taylor Nick Hunsworth Bobby Lawson Iain Valentine Vice President Vice President Vice President Vice President Dermot Agnew President
Philip Woolf Mark Clift Dave Reeves Roger Finnie Maurice O’Brien Sports & Recreation Development Discipline Constitutional Affairs Membership
John Shanahan Chairman
Niccola Russo Nick Grimshaw John Molloy Martyn Russell Neil Roberts Hockey Lawn Bowls Rugby Soccer Squash
PORTFOLIO DETAILS OF STANDING SUB-COMMITTEES
The following portfolio functions have been summarised to show terms of reference previously approved by the General Committee (GC).
POLICY WORKING GROUP – John Shanahan DISCIPLINE – Dave Reeves Function: to process complaints and breaches of the Function: to formulate policies for the approval of GC, Bye-laws in accordance with standard procedures to to ensure the effective and proper implementation of Mike Wood be advised (and to ensure Club Staff are briefed on the Club’s published Mission Statement. Honorary Secretary these matters) and to apply appropriate sanctions to FINANCE – David Howell those Members found in breach. Finally, to provide Function: to take into account financial considerations information to assist GC in evaluating Membership emanating from proposals and policies considered acceptance/adherence to current Bye-laws etc. by the GC, and to advise and, if appropriate, give MEMBERSHIP – Maurice O’Brien recommendations to GC for approval. Function: to be responsible for admission of new CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS – Roger Finnie Members and also to monitor existing policies Function: to consider ongoing review of Articles and and to advise on issues involving membership, Club Bye-laws either by initiative or upon instruction including procedural matters (including Sections) and from GC, and to make appropriate recommendations. enforcement of these policies.
DEVELOPMENT – Mark Clift SPORTS & RECREATION – Philip Woolf Function: to raise and consider appropriate ongoing Function: to facilitate the development of, and and new development initiatives in the short, Members’ participation in, recognised sporting activities David Howell medium, and long-term for Club facilities with a and competitive recreational activities, and to work with Honorary Treasurer view to recommending selected proposals to GC for Management towards the optimum use of the Club’s consideration and implementation. sports facilities.
Club Magazine January 2013 3 From the Desk of Mark Pawley
s the month of December draws to a close Sportsman’s Bar, we have an Indian Feast along with a big “Thank You” is in order to all the a number of Winter Warmer Casseroles. Watch Management and Staff of the Club not just English Premier League football matches or with Rugby, for their tremendous efforts throughout the the Heineken Cup and Aviva Premiership. Don’t forget Aextremely busy festive period but also for all their hard too, that the NFL Superbowl will be shown, along with work throughout the whole of 2012. breakfast on the morning of Monday 4th February (the match is shown live from 7am with the Sportsman’s Bar By now you should all have received a letter as regards actually open from 5:30am). making a Lai See contribution to Staff members. Please be reminded that donations to the “Lai See” fund are entirely By the way, the Chairman’s Bar’s Express Lunches, voluntary and that the amount is discretionary for each which are very popular, are available Monday to Friday Member. I would also remind all Members of the Club rules from noon through to 2:30pm. And, of course, we still on Lai See which prohibits the giving of Lai See directly to have the Wine Carousel promotion in the Chairman’s a Staff member. To help you in this respect we will have Lai Bar which is available seven days a week from 6:30pm to See collection boxes at various locations around the Club 10:30pm — great value at $140 per person for 2 hours during the Chinese New Year period. of specially selected free-flowing wines! I know that many of you will be “counting the calories” a I can also advise that from January onwards, the Coffee bit more in January but I note, from upcoming Food and Shop will open for Breakfast from 7:30am (as Beverage pages, that there are a few things not to be missed opposed to 8am) and that all our Food and Beverage during the month. The first of these, for sure, is the Veuve Outlets are now offering Soya Milk for those who are Clicquot Champagne Wine Dinner on Friday 18th lactose intolerant. January (as shown on the opposite page), and then we have I look forward to seeing you all at the Club! the Cloudy Bay and Cape Mentelle Wine Dinner to be held on Thursday 31st January. No doubt, many of you MARK PAWLEY will recognise the “Cloudy Bay” brand so this is a must-go General Manager wine dinner. Remember, book early to avoid disappointment. The Restaurant promotion for the month of January is Vintage French Classics where you can order some of the more traditional dishes like Beef Bourguignon and Dover Sole Beurre Meuniere – sounds good to me! In the Coffee Shop, for those cooler winter days we have the Traditional Swiss Cheese Fondue promotion along with the popular Shabu Shabu promotion. And, not to be outdone, in the
4 January 2013 FOOD & BEVERAGE
THE TESSERON EXTREME, GRAND CHAMPAGNE, COGNAC PREMIER CRU throughout the month of January
This month, the Club is offering Members an exceptionally rare cognac – The Tesseron Extreme, Grand Champagne, Cognac Premier Cru. Made from a blend of 10 of the company’s finest cognacs some of which are up to 150 years old, this is the ultimate blend from Tesseron, the family who also owns the prestigious Château Pontet-Canet. This is only the second year that these ancient treasures, sheltered in the peace and privacy of the Tesseron “Paradis” cellars, have been offered for sale. Nestling in a lacquered box, this unique creation is presented in a 1.75 litre, “dame- Jeanne” demijohn, like the famous 25 litres “dame-Jeanne” from which Tesseron has selected its oldest and finest eau-de-vie. It is so rare that even specialists only speak of it as a memory of flavours long sought and never found. The Tesseron Extreme rare cognac makes an ideal and impressive gift or a unique addition to any brandy-lover’s collection. The Club is offering this exclusive cognac to Members at the price of $52,888 each.
Club Magazine January 2013 5 FOOD & BEVERAGE
RESTAURANT SUNDAY BRUNCH in the Restaurant and Chairman’s Bar from 11am to 2.30pm throughout the month of January
$245 per Adult (with unlimited flow of sparkling wine) $138 per Child (with soft drinks and chilled juice) Please contact the Restaurant at 2830 9562 for a reservation or email: [email protected]
Photos for reference only 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 VINTAGE FRENCH CLASSICS comparable standard. in the Restaurant every evening (except Sundays) from 6.30pm to 10.30pm ALL YOU CAN EAT SUNDAY throughout the month of January DINNER BUFFET: CELEBRATION The Restaurant is introducing a “Vintage French Classics” OF ASIAN SEAFOOD menu during dinner hours throughout January. in the Restaurant Whilst contemporary French cuisine is becoming every Sunday evening increasingly fashionable, true traditional fare never goes from 6.30pm to 9.30pm out of style. In understanding this, our Executive Chef throughout the month of January Patrick has created some classic and nostalgic traditional French dishes including Gratin of Escargot with Garlic and Fine Herb Butter, Beef Bourguignon, Dover Sole Beurre Meuniere, and more! Please contact the Restaurant at 2830 9562 for a reservation or email: [email protected]
NEW SET DINNER MENU
available in the Restaurant Photos for reference only every evening Enjoy the delicious flavours of our Sunday Dinner Buffet, (except Sundays) featuring a variety of seafood from Asia. Dishes include throughout the month of January Chili Crab, Tom Yum Kung, Black Bean Clams, BBQ Teriyaki Eel, Indonesian Fish Curry, Seafood Hot Pot
and Sambal Sotong Squid. A specially designed seasonal 4-course Set Dinner Menu for $398 will $250 per Adult be available every evening at the $138 per Child under 12 years of age Restaurant, except Sundays and Please contact the Restaurant at 2830 9562 for a festive days. reservation or email: [email protected] Enjoy an unlimited consumption of chilled juice, soft drinks, beer and house wine for just $55 per person.
6 January 2013 Club Magazine January 2013 7 FOOD & BEVERAGE
COFFEE SHOP
TRADITIONAL SWISS AFTERNOON CHEESE FONDUE MACAROON PARADE in the Coffee Shop in the Coffee Shop from 6.30pm to 9.30pm from 3.00pm to 5.30pm throughout the month of January throughout the month of January Gruyere and Emmental cheese simmered with white wine, kirsch and garlic served with Please call the Coffee Shop wholemeal bread and white Farmhouse bread, at 2830 9569 for more details. new potatoes and gherkins. Photo for reference only
SHABU-SHABU WINTER WARMERS in the Coffee Shop Every Friday and Saturday night from 6.30pm to 9.30pm throughout the month of January Besides our international weekend buffet, a special shabu-shabu corner will be available. Shabu-shabu is traditionally served with tofu and vegetables, but we will Photo for reference only be offering a greater variety including beef, pork, leafy vegetables, mushrooms, noodles, dumplings, prawns, fish, squid to name a few. So be sure to show up and try it out! Photo for reference only
CHAIRMAN’S BAR
FRESH OYSTERS WINE CAROUSEL in the Chairman’s Bar in the Chairman’s Bar every day from noon to 10.30pm every day from 6.30pm to 10.30pm From 6.30pm until 10.30pm daily, you can - 6 oysters and 2 glasses of Sparkling for $150 enjoy 2 hours of free-flowing wines specially - or 12 oysters and 2 glasses of Sparkling for $250 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 of wine for only $75. All these wines can be purchased from our takeaway list. Forms are available on our website or at Reception.
8 January 2013 FOOD & BEVERAGE
SPORTSMAN’S BAR
Photo for reference only
On the Food and Beverage front Casseroles - Winter Warmers Winter is the time of the year to enjoy hearty casseroles. This month we have prepared a variety of casserole dishes, including a Seafood Stew in a Herb Cream Sauce with Fettuccini, a Moroccan Stewed Lemon Chicken served with Steamed Rice and a Hungarian Beef Goulash with Paprika served with Penne. All these selections are great winter warmers! On the Screen Indian Feast The English Premier League takes on the spotlight with Chef Aryal Bla Krishnad has created some of his plenty of important games this month. Be sure to check the favourite Indian dishes at the Sportsman’s this month. notice boards for updated schedules. Bring your friends along to try them! In Rugby, the Heineken Cup, Aviva Premiership and RaboDirect Pro12 leagues continues throughout January. For American Football lovers, the NFL Superbowl 2013 Photo for reference only will be shown in the early hours of 4th February HK time, so mark your calendars! Join us for the traditional Superbowl Early Breakfast including all the Mary mixes and full Breakfast Buffet selection. The Sportsman’s will open from 5:30am for the complete build up to what some say is the most watched final in the world. Not just a game but a party! Please book early to avoid disappointment. Please call the Sportsman’s Bar at 2830 9531 for more information.
Club Magazine January 2013 9 FOOD & BEVERAGE
GENERAL PROMOTIONS
Let’s do Great Value for Money LUNCH AT THE CLUB “Take-away Wine” Life is too short to drink supermarket wine, so check out the The Restaurant very competitively priced selection this month. Great value for money… Monday to Friday from Noon to 2.30pm Set Lunch with Starter Buffet Offer valid until 31st January 2013 2 Courses: $158 Add $20 and enjoy a third course How to order? 3 Courses: $178 • Please fill out the enclosed order form or pick up the form at the G/F Lobby or download it from our website www.hkfc.com.hk The Coffee Shop • Fax it to: 2576 7598 or e-mail to: [email protected] Monday to Thursday from Noon to 2.30pm • Please allow 5 working days for the processing of your order Light Lunch Buffet ** Allocation is limited until stocks last ( on a first come first $128 (Adult); $70 (Child) served basis) 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
FEBRUARY PREVIEW
10 January 2013 FOOD & BEVERAGE
Club Magazine January 2013 11 Looking for the Perfect Private Dining Experience for your valentine? From Monday 11th February to Thursday 14th February
Private dining room with only 2 tables of 2 pax for each night, a 6-course menu, 2 glasses of Kir Royale, deluxe canapes, a bottle of Champagne, gifts, flowers and more! $2,999 per couple Happy Valley Private Room Please contact the Restaurant at 2830 9562 for reservation or email: [email protected]
12 January 2013 Book and Movie Library
New Books New DVDs
The Insiders Ultimatum Downton Abbey - Series 2 War Horse Whispers from the Ashes If the Dead Rise Not Midnight in Paris Man on a Ledge The Accidental Movie Star Vienna Secrets The Ides of March In Time To the Fair Land The Berlin Connection Trespass The Double Purgatory : A Prison Diary (Vol 2) Songs of the Humpback Whale Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy Seeking Justice Geronimo Stilton Saves the Olympics The Pact Moneyball The Smurfs The Devil’s Casino Baby Touch - Noisy Book Contagion Hidden - Season 1 Wealth, War & Wisdom Ten Little Fingers and Ten Lltile Toes Downton Abbey - Series 1 The Iron Lady The End of Wall Street Baby Touch - Bedtime Book One Day New Year’s Eve Tokyo Vice The Patriots Club Cowboys and Aliens Larry Crowne Goldie Hawn Killer Instinct The Debt Dragons: Gift of the Night Fury John Adams Wings of Fire The Descendants Boardwalk Empire - Season 1 Oprah Farewell Performance Barbie - A Fashion Fairytale Safe House Human Headlines (My 50 Years in Act of Valor The Help The Hangover Part II the Media) The Age of Turbulence: Adventures in Barbie in a Mermaid Tale 2 The Guard Jack 1939 a New World The Great Magician Margin Call Last Snow Broken Jewel One Day Cleanskin Michael Crichton ...and more! Birdsong ...and more!
Club Magazine January 2013 13 Squash News
Wing Ding 2012 Saturday 24th November
nother great day is over and even a few days afterwards the body is still trying to recover (that’s from the squash and not just the celebrating afterwards) No matter what your level of fitness, 13 Agames of 3 minutes non stop squash and a 30 second sprint between courts between each game will leave all of us pale faced! From a squash players perspective this is really a globally unique event, that not only raises funds for a great charity but is a fun day. Even if you were not playing, all the spectators that came along had a great laugh as they watched the antics of players dressed in PLA Uniforms, full pig outfits, belly dancers and scarecrows. Each year we all agree it seems to get tougher to play and putting aside getting one year older each event, the standard of squash this year had increased considerably. No matter what your team ranking (1 to 10) there were hard matches all around and there were 14 teams which makes for a lot of running around between courts. Although the day was a team effort the individual scores were also important. The top 10 players were:
Player Name Team Points No 1 Tim Fan HKFC 254 2 Steve Coppinger American Club 219 3 Terry Lo Pro Star 191 4 Eric Ho Pro Star 185 5 Mark Squires Team Wing 183 6 Coni Choi Pro Star 182 7 Peter Tsang Pro Star 177 8 Steve Gollop Spankers 173 9 Fung Ji Tang USRC 169 10 Lee Robinson Team Wing 167
14 January 2013 SQUASH
With the inevitable last minute player drop outs always comes an opportunity for high level replacements and this year was no exception. The Cathay Pacific Squash Open is currently being played in Hong Kong and we therefore have some top world players in town. We were very pleased to have the world Professional Squash Association (PSA) ranked number 17 Cameron Pilley join one of the teams as well as Line Hansen ranked 25th in the world and Steve Coppinger ranked 24th in the world playing for the American Club. All three players got into the spirit of Wing Ding with their turquoise belly dancers outfits. Luckily belly waxing was not obligatory for the men otherwise Cameron may have had second thoughts! Best outfit was awarded this year to Team HKFC who all wore hand made Scarecrow outfits. Team rankings were:
Position Team Total Points 1 Pro Star 1,717 2 Team Wing 1,511 3 HKFC 1,497 4 USRC 1,477 5 ISRC 1,377 6 LRC 1,365 7 RHKYC 1,360 8 American Club 1,353 9 CWB All Sports 1,282 10 Revolution 1,260 11 Spankers 1,255 12 HKCC 1,245 13 Variety for Kids 1,216 14 KCC 1,191
By Paul Errington
Club Magazine January 2013 15 SQUASH
Wing Ding and the Hong Kong Football Club
There is a longstanding bond between the Wing Ding Squash Tournament and the Hong Kong Football Club and an immense amount of support for the tournament from the Club, the Squash Section and its members. The very existence of Wing Ding can be traced back to 1998 when it was founded by Club Members Phil Head and Nick Rickett. Phil and Nick started the tournament to celebrate the life of their friend Yuen Kam Wing or “Wing” as he was known. Wing Ding was held at the Club for the first time in 2006 and it has been the venue ever since. This has only been possible because of the continued support of the Club and the Squash Section and the Club’s willingness to make There are significant but less visible the courts available for such a worthy cause. Perhaps the contributions made by the Club most visible manifestation of the support is the number of and its Staff. A big thank you Club Members who play on the day. This year 60 of the 140 must go to the Club’s Food and players were Club Members. While too numerous to mention Beverage, Engineering, Sports and individually, their collective support and participation are Housekeeping Departments, who greatly appreciated by the organisers and are vital to the set up, maintain and clear away the sustainability of Wing Ding and its support of the SCMP/RTHK on-site facilities in the most efficient Operation Santa Claus charity appeal. and exemplary manner to which we have all However, the involvement of Club Members goes beyond become accustomed. simply turning up on the day and playing. On the squash side of Finally, mention must be made of the organisers Tim Everest things a number of people are vital to the smooth running of the and his wife Rovana Lai. Their passion for the cause, energy event. Jennifer Tang has for many years been the Wing Ding and unrelenting efforts have been a major factor in the growth timekeeper, a key responsibility in running team tournaments. and success of Wing Ding in recent years. They have been Each year Jennifer enters into the fun and spirit of Wing Ding greatly assisted by Susanna Chan and Chin and Richard by producing her own fancy dress costume. David Murray Macnamara, who are all longstanding supporters of Wing Ding. has been the Wing Ding statistician for as long as anyone can remember. This includes the court scheduling, (so if you find Many other Club Members have supported and continue to yourself frequently having to go from Court 4 to Court 5 you support Wing Ding in many different ways. Unfortunately know who to blame!) and keeps the team and individual scores the constraints of space do not permit their contributions to up to date throughout the day. Simon Ng ensures that we have be mentioned individually. However, that they have not been markers on each of the courts at all times, again this is a vital to mentioned in this article in no way diminishes the gratitude of running team tournaments. the organisers for their continued support for Wing Ding.
HKFC vs HKCC
The recent annual HKFC v HKCC was played with the usual full on enthusiasm. Unfortunately, being a good squash player does not mean you are either fit to play football or a good footballer. The end result appeared to be inevitable with a 2-0 win to HKCC. But the celebrations afterwards would have made a casual observer think that HKFC had won the World Cup ! Better luck next year!
16 January 2013 SQUASH
Autumn Junk Cruise
This is one of the best times of the dock before we even set off! That’s year to be on Victoria Harbour so always a good sign of enthusiastic our flotilla set sail on Saturday 10th celebrations to come. November. Well, the junk we hired What were we celebrating? Who set sail, with a full complement of needs an excuse to celebrate! Squash Section members and friends, some of whom were partying on the
Junior Squash Tournament
Grade 1 Winner: Plate Winner: Neil Sadarangani Soham Patil Runner Up Plate Runner Up: Tom Gibb Neil Pendry Grade 2 Winner: Plate Winner: Tyler Weisberg James McPherson Runner Up: Plate Runner Up: Jaden Li Head Callum Murray Grade 3 Winner: Plate Winner: James Barton Olivia Barton Runner Up: Plate Runner Up: Jaz Li Head Gene Chu Junior Player of the Month: Alex Bater Player of the Month: Josh Attwell HKFC vs RBSC The Royal Bangkok Sports Club (RBSC) arrived with their team of 12 Junior Coaching players for a match during the HK Open weekend. As usual, we enjoyed a good match against the RBSC who had trouble getting some of their Ages Day Time players to focus after a night out in Hong Kong before the match. 4 years old to Wednesdays 4.30pm Consequently, HKFC took the match 10-2, with our losses 6 years old in two games: RBSC’s Win versus HKFC’s and Tim Fan 6 years old to Wednesdays 5.30pm RBSC’s Joey versus HKFC’s Simon Ng. 8 years old In all, we won 33 games versus their 10, so a good result 8 years old to Fridays 4.30pm for HKFC against a friendly team. A super match by our 12 years old new youngster, Josh Atwell, against their number two, an experienced player, which he won 3-2 which 12 years old to Fridays 5.30pm bodes well for his future. 16 years old Super 6’s Fridays 6.30pm Watch out Saturdays TBA for further information
Club Magazine January 2013 17 Hockey News
Chairman’s Comments
Dear All, to a new level. A number of international players have shown great interest in attending the festival, but for this Happy New Year! I hope everyone has had a fantastic year we are going to limit the international games to four Xmas, and have built up sufficient energy stores to take teams, who will play on Friday and Saturday evening. them through the next part of the season. The first part of the season was pretty good, characterized by impressive The aim is for Jamie Dwyer to bring over an Australian Nick Studholme- performances from the Ladies and Men, excellence from team for the sixes and to put together a team for an Wilson, the Juniors, a successful family day, and coaching clinics international 11-a-side to be played on Thursday Hockey Section Chairman from our guest coach Crista Cullen. evening to open the festival. In addition to Jamie we are going to try and bring over some of the members Exceeding the success of the first half of the season of Team GB. The players are interested in coming, but should be the target for the Section. Maintaining our we are still trying to sort out a sponsorship deal for the excellent attendance at training, during the cold, team, so if anybody is interested in sponsoring them dark evenings of January and February will be a please let me know. good start to maintaining performance. A lot of other clubs find it difficult to get numbers out at training There will hopefully be a number of high profile players during the miserable months, therefore we need to around and plenty of international hockey over the try twice as hard to get ourselves onto the pitch, to festival, so a “staycation” in Hong Kong for Easter maintain our edge. should be worthwhile. As always we will need volunteers to help with festival, so please let me know if you fancy An event for everyone’s diary is the HKFC Hockey lending a hand. 6’s Festival at the Club from the 28th to 30th March. This is looking like the year that we are getting the Good luck for the rest of the season and have a happy, pay back from the hard work of the last three years. healthy and prosperous 2013. The reputation of HKFC hockey amongst international players has started to build, which is taking the festival
New Year’s Greetings from the Ladies Captain
Hello and Happy 2013! to have won all of their games and are sitting 6 points clear of their nearest rival. That photo on I can’t believe how quickly this year has gone - we’re the wall is becoming more of a reality each week! already half way through our hockey season! • Division 4: The G’s are sitting mid table, but At the halfway mark, our ladies teams are all in good continue to improve each week - I can see them stead leading into the New Year: taking over the top spot in no time! Joanna Fargus, • Premier Division: The A’s are currently sitting 2nd With one round of fixtures to go, every game counts Ladies’ Captain without having played a single game since October! - wouldn’t it be great to have HKFC at the top of Once they get into the swing of things in January, every Division table? expect them to be sitting at the top once more. In the same division, the B’s are sitting 5th out of 7 - a There’s also been a lot going on in and around the solid effort. Club in the past month: • 1st Division: The C’s are in 2nd behind the flying • 7 HKFC A team girls were chosen to represent Dutch (wo)men. Once they get into the groove with Hong Kong in the 3rd Women’s AHF Cup in their new team, expect great things from them. Singapore later in December. Congratulations and The D’s started off a bit shaky, but held it together good luck to Claire Archer, Nic Sawyer, Babs to claim their first win - thrashing Aquila 4-0. Mountain, Katy Mountain, Hannah Wright, Onwards and upwards girls! Sam Hill and Veronica Morlotti. • Division 2: The Dinos (E’s) are holding strong with • 9 of our girls travelled to Thailand at the beginning some great efforts, and a full team sheet each week! of December for the infamous Bangkok Tour. After roping in some last minute additions, the girls went • Division 3: The F’s are the only team in the Section
18 January 2013 HOCKEY
Keio University Girls Hockey Club returns to Hong Kong
The girls from Keio University once again Hockey programme, having started as part returned on their annual tour, having last of the Harrow School connection recently been to the Club four years ago. Keio were established with the Junior Hockey Section. more recently in HK last year, competing The final goal before the half — an emphatic
Jojo Gwynne-Jones about to in the HKHA Women’s Quadrangular finish from captain Sam Hill. make one of her trademark Tournament. raking steals The second half saw just the one additional With so few Premier Division league games goal scored, and fittingly by Jojo Gwynne- being played this season due to national team Jones in her final match for the Club. Sadly preparations for the women’s AHF Cup (for the A team) our lovely ‘Legs Eleven’ is (about to get underway in Singapore), the heading back to the UK, and will be sorely on to come 2nd overall - a opportunity to play the visiting teams was missed. She has added so much to this team fantastic achievement, and greatly appreciated. (HKFC National Team over the previous year’s whilst in HK, and definitely one worthy of the Representatives: Samantha Hill, Barbara will be difficult to replace, not just as a skillful epic fine session afterwards. Mountain, Katy Mountain, Nicola player, but for her inspiring commitment and • The junior section had a Sawyer, Hannah Wright, Veronica positivity. Jojo has brought great delight to the great tournament on the 1st Morlotti, Claire Archer.) pitch, always certain to make you laugh and to appreciate more than just the game. of December, with HKFC As expected the Keio side played with intent, claiming cups in all the age and were looking to play a high tempo, Our thanks to the Keio University and to the groups. positive game. However, the Club girls were HKHA for inviting the HKFC team to play, • As I write, we are all gearing well up for the challenge and were able to and to the HKFC staff for providing the up for the annual Hockey lift the game to an even quicker pace and it after-match dining at the Sportsman’s Bar Section Christmas Party, wasn’t long before their dominance in the back patio. We welcome back Keio University the theme this year being midfield created chances up front. Making any time they wish to visit. “Hollywood”. I expect use of the full bench, players rotated through some dodgy photos will be a number of positions, but pleasingly were Sam Hill (HKFC A Team Captain) challenges appearing in the next issue of able to keep the shape and maintained Minami Mogi (Keio University) for the ball with Helen Philp (HKFC) in support. the magazine. the dominance throughout the game. By half time, the A Team had scored three, I hope you all had/have a through a Barbara Mountain short corner healthy and happy Christmas strike, an open goal finish from in front by and New Year - here’s to 2013. debutant, Rachael Owers. Rachael has Cheers, Jo joined the ladies section through our Youth
Club Magazine January 2013 19 HOCKEY
HKFC demonstrates its class in Hong Kong Junior Hockey
The last few weeks have been a hectic time for HKFC Junior Hockey. After our recent training sessions with Crista Cullen we moved into the start of the tournament season to see how our minis would fair against the best Hong Kong could throw at them.
SSSC Tournament
An inaugural tournament hosted by SSSC at King’s Park on 24 November was the first event of the season. With a large number of new players to HKFC this season and no knowledge of a number of the teams, who are new entries on the hockey landscape, we went into this event confident but without any benchmark as to how competitive our teams might be. We need not have worried, as HKFC put up the strongest Successful day at the office: Under 12 Div 1 Champions and Runner’s Up, U10 Div 1 Champions ever start we have had to a mini hockey season. 5 of our 6 teams made the semi-finals in each HKFC Mini Hockey Festival, 2012 of the U8, U10 and U12 age group. Our 6th team (U10B) was HKFC played host to our own Mini time. Without such support, events such as 3rd place in their pool, narrowly missing their semi-final slot in Hockey Festival on Saturday 1st December, this simply cannot happen. with hopes running high across all three a tight final game. In the U12 So it was under threatening skies that the semi-final our U12A team was up age groups (U8, U10 and U12) for HKFC Festival organisers gathered, chilly but against our U12B team, meaning teams to pick up more silverware, following mercifully dry, to launch the first round of that we were assured a final the dominating displays witnessed the spot, but also frustrating what the 116-match tournament, with the start previous weekend at the Singh Sabah might otherwise have been an of the U10s group games. Fielding four event for A Teams at King’s Park. Now on all-HKFC final. teams, HKFC managed to progress to the home “turf ”, and keen for every member The final outcome was that our Division 1 final, where the HKFC A team of the Junior Hockey programme to U8A team came Runner-Up in managed a convincing 2-0 win over now get experience of ‘tournament hockey’, the U8 competition with Joshua regular rivals GSIS A. In a repeat of last Marcon winning Best U8 Player, HKFC managed to field no less than 15 of week’s final, the HKFC side looked very our U10A team won the U10 the 55 teams that entered, close to a third strong and this week did not need the extra competition and our U12A team of the entire Festival! Over 130 HKFC won the U12 competition with time Golden Goal or penalties to secure players took part in their respective teams. Izzy Carey winning Best U12 the result. A commanding performance Player. A very high bar to start Competing for attention with the Senior was put in by all with birthday boy Dillon the season. Section’s Tour to Bangkok and having Hughes sure to enjoy that winning feeling The coaches could not to find around 40 coaches and umpires even more. have hoped for a better first for the Festival, a call was made on the tournament and although Club HKFC U10 A Team: Maya Maloney, Senior Section for umpires. Our thanks managed to paint a target on its Brianne Laot, Chloe Sik, David Evans, are due to the 35 members of the Section back given the overall results, Jesse van Maanen, Luke Marcon, we head confidently into our own and their spouses for answering this call, Boet ven den Heuvel, Dylan Hughes, tournament on 1st December. and ensuring the event was managed in Kit Studholme-Wilson, Owen Hughes a highly professional manner, and kept to (Coach)
20 January 2013 HOCKEY
The winning goal: HKFC U12 B Team Oli Bater Conrad Szymanski – Div 1 Champion (HKFC and Friso Kolff celebrate what was to be the HKFC U10 A Team – Div 1 Champions U12B Team) winning goal against the A team Overall Fairest Player of the U10, In the U12 Tournament, the depth of solid with Alexandra Barker and Yik Division 2 went to Alexa Mukherjee quality hockey players in the HKFC Kei Leung working well in the centre (HKFC C Team). This was a wonderful Junior hockey programme was very and Harry Woodrow, Emily Mantle achievement as the U10 C Team did not evident. The semi-finals line-up read and Alana Sargent looking after the make it through to the final. like a Friday night training programme, flanks. The midfield of Richard Chao, with the U12 A’s playing the B’s in the Allessio Kenda and James started to The 3rd place Division 1 play-off saw Division 1 Final and the U12 C’s lining control the game creating more chances a nail-biting conclusion to the match up against the D’s in the Division 2 for Henry Luise to score 3 goals, Seb between Discovery Bay A and Valley A. Final. A complete shut-out by CLUB. to add another and for Joe Reed, Amy When ending full time play as a draw, But it was not plain-sailing, nor did the Hopkins and Megan Daly to help to the sides then competed on a golden results go to form. The previous week’s put the pressure on the Valley defence. goal basis with two players from each winning A Team came up against a Kohji Komiya also contributed with team being removed every two minutes. HKFC B team determined to show some good tackles in the centre and When down to three players per side, that they were not second best. Fielding with James and Alessio Kenda also the match moved to sudden death a goalkeeper for the first time, the B’s both scoring twice in the second half, penalties - with Discovery Bay prevailing kept out everything the A’s could throw the HKFC U14’s ran out worthy 10-5 over the Valley team 2-1 on sudden at them, saving at least 9 clear goal- winners in a most entertaining game. death penalty pushes. scoring chances. Meanwhile at the other The U8s Tournament was launched on end, accurate shooting on goal resulted the Club’s Main Pitch, under the care in a 2-1 win for the B’s, a memorable With our U8, U10 and U12 teams of Rhona Barr. Smaller pitches and upset that will be re-visited no doubt in taking silverware at the HKFC Mini a bumpy, sticky surface meant the ball training chat for many weeks to come. Hockey Festival and the U14s beating didn’t travel so quickly, the result being Valley, it was a clean sweep for HKFC HKFC U12 B Team: Friso Kolff, that sometimes the games appeared at every age group on 1st December and Matthew Ma, Conrad Szymanski, more appropriate to the rugby pitch has very clearly set out our hockey stall Archie Wilkinson, Victoria Barker, surface that they were being played on, for the rest of the year as the club to Robyn Collins, Victor Chao, Oliver rather than the silky smooth hockey beat in Junior Hockey in Hong Kong. Bater, Christel Kolff (Coach) being witnessed on the hockey surface Our thanks are due to head of Hockey next door. However, committed play Development, Simon Chapman, who from the HKFC U8 A team saw them worked so hard to get the Festival set up through to the finals for the second HKFC U14 vs Valley U14 so effectively, the Festival administrators week in a row, and with two birthdays to At the other end of Happy Valley, the Rhona Barr, Fiona McGregor and celebrate (Felix Studholme-Wilson U14’s finally had their eagerly awaited Rob Barker, all umpires, team coaches, and Amelia Van Maanen) they were first full game of the season against and to the HKFC Staff who help to in a winning mood, securing a 4-2 Valley U14’s. Early nerves and getting make such events run so smoothly, in victory over favourite rivals GSIS A. used to each other caused a quick 3 addition to Simon “Shep” Felix was also named Fairest Player of goals against HKFC, but then the team Shepherdson for coaching the U14s to the Festival and was clearly enjoying settled down to play more organised victory against the old foe. Lastly to playing with his new birthday present… hockey and were able to reduce the Neil Galloway, Chairman of the his new hockey stick a timely arrival! deficit through 2 goals from James Junior Hockey section, for his tireless HKFC U8 A Team : Hannah May, Shepherdson and Seb Ball, going leadership and support, mixing multiple Josh Marcon, Issac Ang, Mendel into the half time break at 4-2 down, business trips to Europe and London Szymanski, Emma Carey, Felix with good goalkeeping from Alec with his pre- Festival organization and Studholme-Wilson, Amelia Van Drew-Prior helping to keep the score ensuring the rest of the team had an Maanen, Jojo Spooner, Katy line respectable. easier day because of it. Spooner (Coach) In the second half the defence was more
Club Magazine January 2013 21 Rugby News
Captain’s Call
Mark Liversidge, Club Captain
Happy New Year! 2012 was a great year for rugby, winning the Hong Kong Grand Championship treble, a wave of players gaining international honours, tours to (Back row, L to R): Stephen Nolan, Charles French, Tom Bolland, Dan Watson, interesting spots like Mongolia and a few decent Mike Glancy; (Front row): Guy Payn, Ian Ridgeway, Hone Patrick, Seb Alfonsi, Stewart Megaw nights out.
2013 promises to be as good and possibly even better, with the run to the league title and Grand Strong Newedge Club Championships early in the year, followed by the massive Hong Kong Ten’s and Sevens week, a presence in Hong Kong team few tours in April and on to the British and Irish Lions in Hong Kong and Australia. Newedge Club was proud to have ten players in the Hong Kong We start the New Year with all our teams in strong national team for the Emirates Cup of Nations in Dubai in December. positions to win their respective leagues and build Seb Alfonsi, Stewart Megaw and Hone Patrick debut for momentum into the Finals. Club are in second the national outfit, and join members of 2012’s Asia 5 Nations place by a point to HKCC, but with a game in campaign - Guy Payn, Tom Bolland, Stephen Nolan, Michael hand while the Dragons also place second, but with improving form and a fit squad after the month Glancy, Charles French, Dan Watson, and Ian Ridgway, in long break are sure to feature in the battle for the 28-man squad. the Premier A league title. Scorpions and Select “The inclusion of ten Club players is testament to the hard work that are top of Community 1 and 2 respectively, both these boys have put in over the pre-season and in the first part of unbeaten so far this season. Sequins and Bulls the season. They deserve it and I am over the moon for them,” said continue to run toward the top of the table and will Newedge Club Head Coach Rob Naylor. be in the mix come the Finals.
2012 was a remarkable year for the Scorpions Hong Kong are the reigning Cup of Nations champions and play who were undefeated in the calendar year and Europe’s tier two champions Belgium, African champions Zimbabwe, are in a really strong position to defend their and the United Arab Emirates. Hong Kong are currently 28th on the League and Grand Championship double title and IRB world rankings and will encounter tough competition against become the “invincible invincibles” come March. Belgium, ranked 23rd, and Zimbabwe who are just below Hong A huge amount of respect has to be given to Kong at 30th. Super Coaches Dave Egerton and Jon Moore for improving the individual ability and team play of a bunch of thirty-something bankers, teachers and recruitment consultants… HKRFU Premiership I hope to see you all down at the Club through January to give as much support as possible to the teams as they push for league titles, especially on Saturday 5th January the 5th against DeA and the 19th against SCAA NEWEDGE CLUB v DeA Tigers - 6pm @ HKFC Causeway Bay, plus we plan to send an army Saturday 12th January of supporters over to the “dark-side” on the 12th Kowloon v NEWEDGE CLUB – 6pm @ King’s Park, January when we play the men in maroon from Kowloon Kowloon. Saturday 19th January Cheers, Livo NEWEDGE CLUB v SCAA Causeway Bay – 6pm @ HKFC
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Movember The HKFC Rugby Section drove the 2012 HKRFU Interclub Movember Campaign and celebrated with a wrap up party under the We collect and deliver your car stars at the Club on Saturday 1st December. FREE OF CHARGE (Subject to Distance) The Section put on a buffet dinner to thank the rugby We provide good quick repair service at reasonable prices. community for their efforts, and one of the global founders of the initiative, Greg Rafferty, flew in to attend the function. It was great to see attendance from all of the Hong Kong Our Competitive Labour Charges:- rugby clubs, and they were rewarded with some great FROM prizes, the soothing voice of Hayley Rabbits, and an England victory over the All Blacks on the big screen under Lubrication Service $ 110.00 the stars. Tune Up Engine $ 220.00 Kem, from Gentlemen’s Tonic, was also on hand to ‘de-Mo’ Engine Decoke and Grind Valves $ 1,500.00 the men, proving very popular with the wives and girlfriends. Engine Overhaul $ 4,000.00 The HKFC Rugby Section raised the most money by any Brake System Overhaul $ 900.00 club, accounting for $147,000 of the $433,000 total. Big Clutch Mechanically Overhaul $ 1,000.00 Clint Borle picked up best dressed as Hulk Hogan, while a tolerant Sarah Bolland won most supportive WAG for her Air Condition Freon Recharge $ 400.00 understanding of husband Tom Bolland, who was an official Alternator Overhaul $ 400.00 ‘MoBro’ of the Hong Kong campaign. Starter Motor Overhaul $ 400.00 A big thank you to the HKRFU and the wider rugby community for making it all a success. ALL REPAIRS WITH THREE MONTHS GUARANTEE Our Business Hours: 8am-6pm, Mon-Sat and Public Holiday Our 24 hrs. Emergency Towing Agent “Firstone Towing” Tel 8203 3411 Please call us at 2565 6166 Fax 2856 1047 E-mail: [email protected]
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Club Magazine January 2013 23 Mini Rugby News
MINI RUGBY SANDY BAY TOURNAMENT
This year’s Sandy Bay Rugby Festival involved about 270 teams and almost 3,000 players in over 550 matches throughout the day. The HKFC Mini Rugby had a strong presence at the tournament with all participants having a great time and winning their fair share of games.
Under 12’s The Under 12 girls made their first outing in the Cup competition having gone undefeated in the Plate at the last tournament and started with a 3-0 win over the Flying Kukris, with Natasha, Lara, Libby, Jasman and Chloe standing out in particular for their strong tackling and rucking. Unfortunately, they went down battling to previous Cup winners Sandy Bay in the final.
Under 10’s The Under 10 boys continued their Mini HKFC U10 & U9 Girls Mini Rugby Practice fine start to the season with six HKFC teams in the age combining to win at least half of their games in the Sandy of what Coach Ian O’Donoghue Under 7’s Bay tournament. They adapted to the described as “a lacklustre performance”, new rules that allow a faster, more open but Freddy Skrine, Jimmy O The Under 7’s fielded 8 teams in the style of play and played so well that the Donoghue and Harry Berwick’s tournament, two from each of the coaches didn’t want to single anyone out efforts were praised. Cheetahs, Leopards, Lions and Tiger for praise. squads. The Leopards showed signs they could The Under 10 girls entered two become a force to be reckoned with The Cheetahs began with a 5-1 teams and fought hard in the in the coming months with two wins, win and remained unbeaten for the tournament with some mixed results. a draw, and two losses. There was following three matches, aided by tight excellent ball running from Caellum defence and some fine running from Max Angove. The second team grew Under 8’s Cummings, Ashton Cheung, Taisei Kawamura, Toby Manifold, and stronger in every match and although The Under 8 Dragons had three wins Antoine Thiedot. results did not go their way, their and one loss with Oliver Nicolle and passing out of the tackle was excellent Genzo Puff bagging tries. Dhruv An unfortunate shortage of players and Daniel Johnson produced some Kapoor came back to form with a meant the Lions, Rhinos and Crocs determined individual runs. bang, and Tomos Lewis, Christian combined for the morning, playing a total of nine games. The boys ended the The Leopards went from strength to Ko and Damon Shultz all showed strength after an early setback in the good speed with ball in hand. day with five wins, one draw and three losses, with noteworthy performances cool morning, culminating in a display The Scorpions didn’t fare so well with from Jyoji Schloss, Tristan and against Tai Hang Tung where the whole three losses and a draw - a fair reflection squad played their part in a fantastic Ethan Tsang.
24 January 2013 Soccer News
win. Highlights of the day were the running of Daniel Farrugia, the tackling of Zain Ayoub, and the try Captain’s Corner scoring instincts of Jack Sparrow and Leila Pimlott. The Lions 1 lost their first three games, which frightened the Hello, hello and a As we reach the turn of the year all opposition for the fourth game Happy Hogmanay teams now enter the second half into a no-show, notwithstanding Hangover / Happy of their respective leagues and I’m good performances from William New Year to one delighted to say we have teams in Boswell, Seb Gyngell and and all! each competition within striking Lucas Hayman. Lions 2 started distance of silverware, so all are As ever December promisingly coming from behind to well placed as long as they all keep was a very busy draw their first game and win their their focus, train hard, steer clear of month in the Soccer second (with Caleb Lee scoring two Scott Semple, injuries and maybe also get that little Soccer Section Section as a number good tries), before being beaten by a bit of luck that is required every now Captain of significant good Valley side in the third game. and again. matches and events took place over the The Tigers 1 were led by wings festive period. You can read all about the first half Daniel Bennie and Luca Clowes of the Lucky Mile season thanks to On the pitch there were Cup fixtures who scored some quality long range Niall Cox. tries, while Tigers 2 showed their for all competitive teams. HKFC Club potential and never gave up in what and Lucky Mile are taking part in the Ladies Soccer is coming on great proved to be four very tight matches. Canbo Junior Shield and I’m sure both guns as they have officially entered Leo Solbes, Adrian Ho and teams will be hoping to have extended the HKFA Ladies league. I know Aaron Li all ran strongly in attack, cup runs with the target of the final on it’s been a steep learning curve for while Jeremy Chan and Joshua the 27th January. everyone involved so I’d like to wish Kelly Clark, Genevieve Burke and Cheung played strong defence. Albion, Wanderers and Colts are also all the Ladies the best of luck in their taking part in the Yau Yee League Cup inaugural league campaign this month. as the Club strives once again to have representation in the final come the Off the pitch we had a very enjoyable 5th May. Christmas Party and praise must go Coaching Session yet again to Michael Campion with ex-All Black for a most enjoyable evening – Terry Wright and excellent food, good people and great Dan Falvey entertainment manifested itself in a fun night for all. (contines next page) For players who want to develop rapidly for the next tournament, ex-All Black Terry Wright and Dan Falvey, the former coach at Stowe school are among the world-class coaches leading the Club’s Monday and Thursday training sessions from 4.30pm to 6pm. This is the best coaching you will get for the children not only in Hong Kong but probably globally, so don’t miss out.
Club Magazine January 2013 25 SOCCER Lucky Mile 2012-13 Mid Season Report
The Section also had the privilege The reintroduction of the Division 4 to the HKFA Football of a very special guest by way of Leagues meant that Lucky Mile’s 8th place finish in the 2011-12 former Soccer Section Captain Mr. season guarantees a place within the ‘new’ Division 3 for Lucky Tom Tomlinson (Grandfather to Lucky Mile regular Seb Page). You Mile to continue competing and pursuing the ambition of playing can read some more about Tom on Division 2 football. the next page. There was also the co-sanctioned Feeney Jug/McRyder Cup which eason 2012-2013 sees Lucky Mile fell to a poor start conceding was won by Brett Davis and the Mile add a number of new early through a quick counter attack Rest of the World respectively. Joint members to the squad. The on the 15th minute and then fell runners-up in the Jug were Tony addition of Adrian Sung further behind on the stroke of half S(RB), Jordan Rhodes (AMR), Josh time conceding a weak header from Hamilton-Bram and Paul Ewing. Fitzgerald (S), Sasha Palatinkov a throw-in. Lucky Mile managed to (CB) and returning goalkeepers draw a goal back on the hour mark, Blake Harding and Simon Lo, after Matthew Paterson finished significantly strengthens the team’s neatly tucking the ball away in the attacking prowess and defensive cover, bottom corner. However Lucky Mile and subsequently its challenge for the concede one more goal 16 minutes summit of Division 3. from full time resulting in a 3-1 defeat. Pre-season sessions for Lucky Mile Match Day 2’s fixture against Eastern began in mid July, and were generally District was postponed due to the well attended. Lead by Coach Richard unfortunate passing of the President of Ewart, the Milers braved the infamous Eastern District. Focus was now placed Bowen Road Fitness Trail in sweltering on the following fixture against mid- o Paul Fitzgerald, Tony Hamilton-Bram, Phil 30 C heat and drenching typhoon- table outfits Fukien. After the damaging Dowding and Danny Beattie stricken conditions. Occasionally defeat to New Fair, Lucky Mile went joined by several HKFC First Team about to set the record straight against There was also the Club’s members, fitness sessions consisted of Fukien away on Happy Valley Pitch participation in the annual long distance endurance running, uphill 6. Fukien sat back and played 11 men Operation Santa Claus Charity interval sprinting, uphill step climbs behind the ball without much ambition. Soccer Tournament, as well as the and occasionally the Cooper Test However it was Fukien who took a traditional Scotland vs England (HKFC Hockey Pitch) as a measuring shock lead against the run of play Boxing Day fixture (more on that in benchmark for overall endurance capitalising on a defensive error as their next month’s article!) fitness. Pre-season friendlies produced a striker raced through to finish one-on- mixed bag of results that weren’t always one after just 12 minutes. Rallying from Finally I’d just like to wish you all flattering, each game produced mistakes the deficit, Lucky Mile dominated best wishes for 2013. and lessons to be learnt from. The team possession and laid siege on Fukien’s Cheers, began to understand the system and goal but could not break through until the way each others play, and started the 90th minute. Substitute Thomas Scott Semple to gel as well as getting match fit for Wu managed to win 2 penalties in the start of the season that was rapidly quick succession. Sebastian Page approaching. took the first penalty; unfortunately his penalty struck the foot of the Match Day 1 saw promotion post. The second penalty was then contenders New Fair Kuitan dispatched by Ronnie Chow in host Lucky Mile at Ma On Shan injury time to draw Lucky Mile level Recreation Ground at 1:30pm on a just before the final whistle. scorching Sunday afternoon. Lucky
26 January 2013 SOCCER
Ahead of Match Day 4, Lucky to hold out for a hard fought victory. Mile handed KSDRSC a 5-0 drubbing Mile was placed near the bottom of Lucky Mile continued with a victory away at Tsing Yi NE Park on Match the Division 3 table far from their against Fire Services, as Niall Cox Day 9. Goals from Sebastian Page, aspirations. These circumstances opened the scoring with a clinical Niall Cox, Mark Vrijmoed and provoked a response, as Lucky Mile finish and Ronnie Chow bagging a two clinical free kicks from Michael ran out comfortable winners with brace through a penalty and neat finish Hampshire completed the scoring a 3-1 victory over Kowloon City at high beyond the keeper. The match and a superb win away from home. home. Spectacular goals all round with could have gone differently at 2-1 Title Contenders Wong Tai Sin visited Eddie Chambers bagging a brace; had it not been for Mark Vrijmoed HKFC for Match Day 10’s fixture one curled in directly from a corner producing an excellent goal-line sliding against Lucky Mile. With 15 points and an audacious chip from outside clearance to prevent a certain goal from 5 games, complacency seemed to the box, and a well-placed free kick which held Lucky Mile’s lead intact have crept into Lucky Mile’s game as from Ronnie Chow. This marked a before the decisive third goal. Wong Tai Sin ran out a comfortable crucial turning point in the season thus The next two games were against 4-0 victory over Lucky Mile. Two far as Lucky Mile went on a promising the two relegated Division 2 teams; goals either side of half time allowed run of form, notching 5 wins out of Lucky Mile had to focus during these Wong Tai Sin to leapfrog Lucky Mile 5 with victories against two Division two games against quality opposition to sit at the top of the Division 3 2 relegation teams in Kwai Tsing and and ultimately came away with two Table. Lucky Mile looked forward to Kwun Tong. It was, however, at the excellent victories. Ronnie Chow end of September that Lucky Mile had and new signing Sasha Palatnikov to bid goodbye to regular goalkeeper were on the score sheet away to Kwai Lee Paul Brown as he had been Tsing at Tsing Yi North East (NE) promoted to the HKFC First Team for Lead by Coach Park. Both goals resulting from set his outstanding shot-stopping form. Richard Ewart, pieces which was gradually becoming Lucky Mile took on Tsuen Wan at an advantage for Lucky Mile. Next the Milers braved home on Match Day 5 and raced to was a 3-0 home victory against Kwun the infamous Bowen a blinding start inside 20 minute with Tong, with goals from Sebastian Road Fitness Trail in Ronnie Chow scoring yet another Page, Niall Cox and Michael o curling free kick, and Niall Cox Hampshire who was returning from sweltering 30 C heat finishing beyond the keeper to lead injury. All goals were scored in the first and drenching typhoon- 2-0. Tsuen Wan pulled a goal back just half, but Lucky Mile stuck to the game stricken conditions... before the half hour mark through plan, defended the lead and ran out a penalty but Lucky Mile managed comfortable winners in the end. Lucky Division 3 League Standings after Game Week 13
Position Team Game W D L GF GA GD Pts. 1 Wong Tai Sin 13 8 3 2 26 16 10 27
2 Kwun Tong 12 7 2 3 20 10 10 23
3 Lucky Mile 11 7 1 3 27 16 11 22 4 New Fair Kuitan 12 6 3 3 24 12 12 21
5 Kwai Tsing 12 5 4 3 23 14 9 19
6 Tsuen Wan 11 6 1 4 12 12 0 19
7 Telecom 12 5 1 6 12 19 -7 16
8 Fu Moon 11 4 4 3 11 9 2 16
9 Fukien 13 4 3 6 19 17 2 15
10 Fire Services 12 3 4 5 18 18 0 13
11 Eastern District 11 3 2 6 13 19 -6 11
12 KCDRSC 11 3 2 6 10 24 14 11
13 Kwok Keung 13 2 4 7 12 32 20 10
14 Kowloon City 12 1 4 7 14 23 -9 7
Club Magazine January 2013 27 SOCCER
Match Day 12’s fixture against Telecom score sheet all over the park. However it has not been a walk in to return to winning ways, as fixture 11 the park for Lucky Mile so far, there One of Lucky Mile’s preseason against Fu Moon was postponed. The have been times where it has been objectives cites that: After game week conditions were poor on the day as Lucky hard work to grind out results. Lucky thirteen, the league programme’s Mile faced Telecom away at Tsing Yi Mile will have to reproduce the same mid-point, the team’s league standing NE Park. Heavy rain made it difficult for determination and work ethic to should be seventh, the division’s Lucky Mile to play to their game plan, realise their ambition of Division 2 mid-point, or better. Lucky Mile has and chances were few and far between as football next season. carried out precisely what was asked Telecom took a 2-0 lead before half time. of the team, and stand in good stead By Niall Cox Lucky Mile turned the game around with for the second half of the season. 30 minutes on the clock; Donny Tse’s strike on the 74th minute sparked frenzy with Lucky Mile pressing relentlessly for an equaliser that just did not come. Chances came and went as Lucky Mile Operation Santa Claus stumbled to another defeat. After two back-to-back defeats, Lucky The annual 5-a-side tournament, in aid of Operation Santa Claus, took place Mile looked to avoid slipping further at Sandy Bay on 2nd December with the Football Club hoping to reclaim the down the table with a victory at home trophy they lost in the 2011 final. Players arrived the morning after the Section against Kwok Keung and duly obliged Christmas Party to find the team drawn in a group with the holders Manulife with a 6-3 win. Complacency played and a keen-looking CBRE side. Things didn’t improve when Simon Page’s its part as Kwok Keung rushed to a 1-0 groin failed after 3 minutes of the opening game, an honourable goalless draw lead in under 20 seconds. Lucky Mile against Manulife. Club were bolstered by the arrival of Tom Halder for the responded accordingly with 6 goals second game against CBRE but, despite having the majority of possession, in return against the young side. New again failed to find the net and slumped to a 1-0 defeat. That loss consigned signings Jordan Rhodes and Josh Club to the Bowl tournament, which was duly won 8-0 against UBS in the final. Fitzgerald both opened their accounts. The main tournament was comfortably won once more by Manulife, with whom Michael Hampshire bagged a hat we had drawn earlier in the day. trick and Thomas Wu finished clinically just after the hour to cap a somewhat Despite the disappointment, it was again a fun day and a worthwhile cause, unsettled match for Lucky Mile on the to which the Club contributed approximately $75,000. Thanks go to Andy night of the Section’s Christmas Party. Hunter, Tony Hamilton-Bram, Paul Wilson and Freddie Toomer for playing in all of the games, and to Einar Straume, Paul Foster, Graeme Lane, Greg Lucky Mile currently lies in 3rd place Medhurst, Tom and Pagey for also featuring. The last men standing are with 22 points in the Division 3 table, pictured below: 5 points adrift from top spot with 2 games in hand. Lucky Mile will look to consolidate their league position with an upcoming fixture against Eastern District before the turn of the year. Lucky Mile will also be competing in the HKFA Junior Shield with a Round 1 fixture against Division 2 promotion hopefuls Tai Chung the following week. It is definitely worth mentioning that Lucky Mile have barely put a foot out of place in terms of discipline, picking up only 15 yellow cards and no sending offs this season. Much improved in comparison to last season where Lucky Mile finished only two of their first five league matches with a full compliment of players. Discipline aside, goal scoring is becoming more natural with team members contributing to the
28 January 2013 SOCCER
Soccer Section Club Captain (1958/59 and 1960/61), Tom Tomlison, takes a walk down the memory lane as he revisits the Club.
Below: Soccer Team Season 1960-61. Tom in back row (5th from left)
Below: Tom on the pitch; pictured with previous Club Captains Tom Tomlinson revisits the Club during his recent visit to the Club
As mentioned earlier, the Section had a very special guest last month when former Soccer Section Captain Tom Tomlinson came to visit. Tom served as Soccer Section Captain on two separate occasions, firstly in season 58/59 and then in season 60/61, so over half a century ago!
Section Chairman Neil Jensen and I had been alerted to Tom’s visit by his grandson, Lucky Mile’s very own Seb Page and it was Growler’s feeling that it would be great to try and get as many of the previous Club Captain’s along to the Club one night to meet Tom and that’s exactly what happened as you can see from the photos on these pages.
To give you a brief history of Tom, he first arrived in Hong Kong on the 10th January 1955 to join the civil service Waterworks and rose to be the director, responsible for the building of reservoirs and negotiating the pipeline to bring in water from China and initiating desalination
He was a dedicated public servant for whom he was given an OBE but his great passion was always football.
I was told that it was once written after one important win, that the sports writer for the SCMP described his speed on the wing as like a bullet from a gun (Seb, are you sure you are related?)
He left Hong Kong to retire back to Cardiff in 1988, but to this date still remains a Member of our fine club that he helped to shape. And with that there is no doubt in my mind that Tom played an important contribution not only in the betterment of Hong Kong through his professional life, but also to the HKFC and to our very own Soccer Section.
Club Magazine January 2013 29 Junior Soccer News
Sponsors of HKFC Sponsors of HKFC Youth Charity Partner of Junior Soccer 2012 – 2013 Pathway 2012 – 2013 HKFC Junior Soccer
JUNIOR SOCCER and OPERATION SANTA CLAUS 2012 Once again, HKFC Junior Soccer took on the role of both organizer and participants in the annual football event in support of the Operation Santa Claus charities. As in previous years a full day of Junior Soccer was arranged in support of the Seniors playing a 5-a-side competition, with 12 and 16 teams competing at the Under 8 and Under 9 levels, plus, for the first time, a 3 team round robin tournament featuring the HKFC Prudential Crusaders. Here are the reports for the day:
Two trophies for a match and not get sick! goals) meaning the team and eventually a penalty needed to win the third shoot-out triumph. HKFC P4s Club teams played extremely group match by a hefty well and brought home HKFC 2 started the day Club entered three teams margin; a 6-0 result against two trophies and were with hopes of advancing into into the P4 (born 2004) Kellett School was enough unfortunate not to have had the Cup/Shield knockout Junior Soccer Tournament to get us through to a testing the opportunity to play for stages but fell just short after competing with teams drawn Cup quarterfinal against a third. Club teams were one loss in the group stages. mainly from the strongest Chelsea Soccer Schools, entered as Teams 1, 2 and 3, However, the team recovered youth football clubs in the winner of their group. but the numbers were not a quickly to rally back to take Hong Kong. The play was HKFC 1 played brilliantly reflection of team rank. the Plate, with a 1-0 win over entertaining, with matches and came out on top with HKFA 2 in the quarterfinals, being played end-to-end and HKFC 1 won the Shield in a 2-0 victory, setting up a a 3-2 penalty shoot-out win in many cases no more than a penalty kick shootout (3-1) semifinal showdown with (after a 0-0 draw) versus Sai one goal (or one penalty kick) versus a very strong Tai Tam Asia Pacific Soccer School Kung Sharks in the semi- separating teams in the end. Tigers team, after finishing (APSS) for a place in the Cup finals and a 2-0 victory over It is truly amazing what these 0-0. But to get that far the final. Unfortunately, the team Carmel School 1 in the Final. 8-year old kids can do with a team had an interesting bowed out in a very close football – almost as amazing and tough journey with two match 0-2 to a talented APSS HKFC 3 had an extremely as their ability to eat a hot 1-1 draws in the first group squad, putting the team into tough draw with HK dog and popcorn right before games (including two own the Shield against Tai Tam Dragons 1, Tai Tam Tigers
Shield Winners. Coach: Paul Foskey. P4 Plate Winners. Coach: Steve Tsang. P4 Team 3 Squad. Coach: AJ Van De Laak. Players (L to R): William Broomhead, Players (L to R): Hugh Clements, Tristan Players (L to R): Timothy Ho, Senan Measures, Aaron Keller, Mitchell Foskey, Caellum Tsang, Luka Le Touze, Pablo Le Touze, Ethan Tsang, Marco Chung, Benjamin Green, Bryan Wong, Cummings, Fergus Tong, Scott Norman, Benjamin Campbell, Yi Hin Fong, Julius Freya Van De Laak Rayan Grainger Yang (Not pictured: Thomas Gardner)
30 January 2013 and HKFA 2 all in the same group. The day started off very brightly with HKFC 3 beating HKFA 2 1-0. However, Tai Tam’s and HK Dragons’ top teams proved too much, and despite a 0-0 draw against Carmel in the quarters went out on penalties. That said the team left the tournament with its head up high as it played well and represented the Club well…and no doubt getting ready to spend more time practicing penalty kicks in 2013! Nam Nguyen, Head Coach HKFC Junior Soccer P4
P3 cup finalists and great competitors HKFC Crusaders – The Under 8’s tournament saw 12 teams competing for the proudly sponsored by Prudential Cup, Plate and Bowl. With two HKFC teams fielded, HKFC 1 comfortably won their group to go into the Cup competition. Things were a little more fraught with HKFC 2 who, showing Crusaders vs Dragons, some grit, came back from a loss to Chelsea Soccer Schools, another enthralling showpiece to work their way to the Plate competition with a 2-1 win over Once again, HKFC Prudential Crusaders were the stars HK Dragons 2. of the show at Operation Santa Claus with the usual Into the semis and HKFC 1 found themselves against APSS, who fiercely contested games that we have come to expect from the previous day had seen them out of a Junior Football League exhibition matches between Crusaders and the Hong Kong tournament, also in the semis. Was history about to repeat itself ? Down’s Syndrome Association Dragons. No! Honour restored as our boys dominated in a 1-0 victory, End to end play, tough tackles, sprints to be first to the though not without one or two scares as APSS came through on loose ball and lone runs from one end of the pitch the counter. Through to the Cup final then, against either Tai to the other, typified these much anticipated crunch Tam 1 or Chelsea who’d drawn 0-0 and were about to start the matches. From a face painted HKFC Crusader Goalie, to penalty shootout. The crowds pressed closer as the usual moments celebrations worthy of the English Premier League, we of heartbreak and elation followed each penalty, but having had had it all. Plenty of goals, raw emotions, and gasps of will the best of the game Chelsea were the deserved winners. So a two it, won’t it, as the ball hit the cross bar - more than once – match break for HKFC 1 whilst the other rounds were completed. to keep the spectators highly entertained and cheering for HKFC 2 were next up in the Plate semis, but went down to more. In fact the biggest winners of the day were those eventual runners-up Carmel and were straight into the next fortunate enough to be on the sidelines to experience the match for 3rd and 4th place positions against Football Academy. spectacle that is Crusaders v Dragons! Playing their best football of the tournament the guys kept a Crusaders Head Coach, Nigel R Merritt, commented after 1-0 lead to secure 3rd place in the Plate. the games, that getting the players on the pitch was easy... Now to the Cup Final: HKFC 1 vs. Chelsea Soccer Schools. A getting them off was a much harder proposition! He further rather messy first few minutes ensued, and it was clear from the commented that “if you thought there were dramatics in the start our boys had gone off the boil during their half hour rest. English Premier League, bring those players here as we hold Chelsea certainly looked more lively, and after the ball went masterclasses in oscar-winning celebrations!!” into the Club net following some prolonged bobbling about in With trophies and medals sponsored by the Prudential the goal area, we were battling into a head wind. The work- Insurance Company awarded, the players went home to rate seen in previous matches dropped off, and despite some re-live the games and share their silverware (and memories) moments where we pressed forward dangerously, Chelsea were with their families. able to close off the match with a couple of well taken goals to run-out Cup winners. HKFC 1 had to be content with the Cup Look out for the Soccer Sevens in May where the battle Runners-Up medals begins again! whilst HK Dragons 1 Nigel R. Merritt, Head Coach HKFC Crusaders and 2 won the Plate and Bowl respectively, in another enjoyable And so another Operation Santa Claus Junior Soccer edition of the annual tournament was over having added worthwhile additional U8s Operation Santa entry fees of HK$43,000 to the Operation Santa Claus Claus tournament. fund-raising efforts. Thanks to all those involved and here’s George Tullis, Head to next year! Coach HKFC Junior Chris Plowman, Chairman, HKFC Junior Soccer Soccer P3
Club Magazine January 2013 31 Lawn Bowls News
Message from Chairman
The Club is going to be well represented in the forthcoming National Competition Finals with Connie Wong, Dorothy Yu, Daisy McNie and Iris Cheung having recently qualified for the Women’s National Fours beating KBGC in the Quarter Finals and TMSA in the Semi-Finals in back-to-back games - they will be playing KCC on 24th February 2013. In the National Mixed Triples Winnie Au, Camilla Leung and Danny Ho will once again Pig Cutting Ceremony represent us in the finals in March 2013. on Saturday 24th November 2012
On the domestic front we have a We give thanks to the lovely weather the Triples League. The pig cutting new leader on our Indoor Ladder on Saturday 24th November. Both ceremony started at 1:30pm, and around with Anne Gately having finally Bernard and I were worried as it had 50 bowlers joined in the celebration. dethroned Wong Yee Ming - ladies been raining the few days before the Games were arranged at the Indoor and still occupy the top four places so the event. While we were worrying about Outdoor Greens after the ceremony and guys need to pull their socks up! the line up and weather conditions, a great afternoon was enjoyed by all. Nick Grimshaw only had his mind The Winter League has only just On behalf of the committee, we started so more news on this front on the pig and the chicken ... (as per his wish everyone a successful and joyful next month. opening speech!) league season. Even though the sky was a bit gloomy, By Roger Nissim Good game, good luck and good fun! it was comfortable enough for an impulsive game before the start of By Lita Lee
32 January 2013 LAWN BOWLS
Club Women Fours Team in the Final
Congratulations to our fours team skipped by Connie Wong with Iris Cheung, Daisy McNie and Dorothy Yu for making their way into the Final of the National Women Fours. The team played away at KBGC for their Quarter-final game in the morning on Sunday 18th November. The green was a bit heavy and wet resulting from drizzles before daybreak. After using the first two ends to read the green, HKFC team picked up quickly to build up a comfortable margin at 17:4 after the first nine ends. Though the home team tried to vary the length after taking the jack, they failed to get much advantage. KBGC team managed to take the last three ends, but it was a bit too late. HKFC team signed off their card with a win at 23:14. Having restored their energy after a hearty lunch, the team proceeded to Club de Recreio to play their Semi-final game against TMSA. They had a slow start losing the first four ends by one shot each. However, winning five shots at the fifth end put HKFC team back into business. From there onwards, the girls sailed on to take six out of the following eight ends. Upon completing 13th end, HKFC team was leading 15:10. The girls then employed a strategy to put in a first shot and safeguard it with blockers and placed their woods to match their opponents, hence putting tremendous pressure on the TMSA skip. TMSA managed to turn the head and took one shot each on the 14th and the 15th end. However, HKFC took 3 shots on the 16th end, which gave them a lead by 6 shots with only two remaining ends to play. The match concluded with HKFC team winning 18:15. HKFC team (Iris, Daisy, Dorothy and Connie) will play on Sunday 24th February against KCC team. By Rita Tsui
Pictures from Saturday 24th November
Club Magazine January 2013 33 Netball News
Message from the Chairman Special Coaching Session with Happy 2013 everyone! It was especially nice to see many Victoria Smith players from our social teams and old I trust that everyone friends that we don’t usually get to stayed healthy and safe Last month, we were lucky enough to see on court. But the night wouldn’t over the holidays and have a coaching session with the very have been the same if it wasn’t for our is now ready to enter talented and experienced player from “Special Guest” that we kept quiet the second half of the Wellington Central Pulse, Victoria right up until the night and that was the season. Teams kick off Smith. Victoria was passing through magician! Carlos Vaquera is a world on the 14th January, Hong Kong and we are so fortunate Karin Looram, renowned illusionist who has worked Netball DSA so training will start on that, not only is she a good friend of our internationally for many years and has Chairperson the 9th January, 2013. Jess, but also because she managed performed for many famous people to squeeze us into her busy schedule We head into the second half of the including European Royal Family. He while in Hong Kong. season with almost all the teams in the performed some mind-blowing tricks top 5, including HKFC Club on top using rings, watches and cards. It was In fact, Victoria was passing through of the Division 1 ladder due to a very truly amazing and had us all wondering Hong Kong after playing in Glasgow, gusty game against Valley Panthers and how he did it! Scotland in the World Premier Club an exciting overtime penalty shot taken Challenge where Central Pulse placed Of course, it goes without saying by the very cool and calm Cat! runner’s up. that a huge thanks goes to Natacha There are several wet weather games Cuvelier for all her work and planning Victoria was born in NZ, but grew up in to make up so keep in contact with she put into the fun night. She went Australia, then returned to Wellington. your team and captain if that affects all out and we are wondering how she She brings a wealth of knowledge you, as some games may be played in is going to top this for the next social, from both playing at such a high level the new year. watch out! for most of her life and also from the expert coaching she has received from As you can see from the interesting Lastly, for a bit of an extra laugh check playing in teams such as, Australia U19, photos, we had our Christmas party out the New Zealand netball team doing Queensland Firebirds, Canterbury Tactix in December. The theme was ‘Moulin the Gangnam Style dance during their and now Wellington Central Pulse. Rouge’ and as usual everyone went entrance to their game against England all out in the costume stakes. Check recently. I am sure you can Youtube it Victoria put us through our paces with out the photos below, we had dancers, but I thought they did quite a good job, some great agility/ball drills followed by mimers, and ringmasters to name a few. wonder what Psy would think? several tactical sets for us to use. The competition for best costume was After the session we rehydrated at very tough and in the end the decision the Sportsman’s Bar and had a great was handed over to the waiters for the opportunity to quiz Victoria about final announcement and Whirlies took netball and what she has learned top prize as Mimers. over the years as well as some interesting stories.
HKFC Club
The Ringmasters
HKFC Whirlies - hear no, see no, speak no... HKFC Tornadoes HKFC Typhoons and Evey
34 January 2013 Badminton News
Pipped at the Post
hat a fantastic finish And yet... the games in the final Doubles game 31-29 and, as noted to the year! In the against SCAA were so close that the above, HKFC won the semi-final 5-0. 4th annual Inter- team was bitterly disappointed not to The Club is entering a Men’s and a Club Tournament be holding the trophy at the end of Mixed team in the HKBA Doubles Won Sunday 2nd December, HKFC’s the tournament. In the Open Men’s League in the new year. On the back badminton team made it to the final Doubles, Leo Ng and Matthew of the performance in this tournament, for the first time. After finishing 7th, Wong took their match to 31-27, there is a great sense of optimism 7th and 5th in the previous three while in the 80’s Doubles, Jaff Lo and about this event. We will be reporting annual tournaments, a new-look Cheung Yu got even closer: 31-29. In back on the teams’ progress in future HKFC badminton team surprised the 70’s Doubles, David McDonald articles. their opponents with some incredible and Boo Boon Khoo lost 31-23 and performances to force their way in the Ladies Doubles (not traditionally The final standings in the tournament into the final. Despite losing a very HKFC’s strength), Michelle Cheung on 2nd December were as follows: tight final to South China Athletic and Amy Chan lost for the only time Winners: Association, the Club can be very that day, 31-27. John Leung easily South China Athletic Association pleased with the progress the won his Singles game 31-11. In fact, badminton team has made this year. John’s only disappointment was in the Runners-Up: A 5-0 thrashing of the winners of semi-final, because, after some pre- Hong Kong Football Club the previous two tournaments, CPA, tournament banter, he was looking Second Runners-Up: in the semi-final shows just how far forward to meeting CPA’s much- Certified Public Accountants this team has come in twelve short vaunted top player, only for CPA to Kowloon Cricket Club months, and with exciting younger divert him to the Open Doubles and players waiting in the wings, we will put up a lesser player, which gave John 5th/6th: go into the new year with a great an easy victory. The diversion didn’t Ladies Recreation Club sense of optimism. help – Matthew and Leo took the Hong Kong Electric
Club Magazine January 2013 35 Tennis News
Wolf Blass, proud to be the official sponsor of the Tennis Society
League Wrap-up
nother winter league is drawing to a close with “We won the first round of matches 3-0 but this sounds some of the best results for the Club’s four evening deceptively easy. In fact, the whole evening turned on Kevin league teams since we started playing league tennis and Tony’s remarkable comeback. From 40-15 down at 2-5, around five years ago. The men’s A+ team has they somehow resurrected their game and eventually won it Aonce again secured their berth for next season with five wins 7-5. From 3 sets to nil up, it should never have been in doubt out of eleven matches finishing sixth out of twelve teams – but despite progressing under pressure to 4-0, we then slipped their best achievement so far at the highest level of tennis in to 4-1, and in the other rubber we failed to convert a match Hong Kong. point and were now locked in a very tense and drawn-out tie- break. So there was every chance that we would go into the In a dramatic rain-delayed final match of the season, the final round only 4-2 up still needing the final point. But Kevin men’s B team fought a nail-biting match against SRC2 in and Tony, not content with their first round heroics, then took what may prove to be a decisive relegation battle. With the on a very strong pair in their final set and they managed to match poised at 4-4, Captain Clint Hutchison and his pip them to the finishing line by winning their 3rd set 6-4. partner Charlie Bennett were up against it as they trailed With the match already won at 5-1 the opposition capitulated 2-4 in the final match of the evening. Swirling winds and and we retired to the bar.” occasional showers threatened to disrupt the match, but with the crowd behind them they battled back to even the score The ladies B team is on top of the world, having won 5-5. With everything to play for Clint and Charlie managed seven out of eight matches. They still have four matches to break their opponents for a 6-5 lead and then Clint kept remaining and are hoping to end up league champions – his nerve to serve out the match for a 7-5 win and 5-4 team best of luck ladies! victory. SRC2 is the only other team with a single win to their name. However, with a head-to-head victory in our favour we’re hoping it will be enough to maintain our spot in the B division. Watch this space. Meanwhile the men’s D team continued its stellar unbeaten run all the way to the playoffs. The lousy November weather caused the semi-final match to be delayed twice, but they finally notched-up a hard fought victory over Hong Kong Country Club to reach their first Final. Captain Duncan Spooner’s match report sums up the team’s determination throughout the season:
Above: Ladies B
Team Left: Men’s D Team continued its unbeaten run all the way to the playoffs.
36 January 2013 TENNIS
Christmas Junk Trip To get into the holiday spirit the Tennis Society arranged a junk trip to Po Toi Island on December 9. Despite the chilly conditions more than 35 people enjoyed a fantastic day out with a picturesque stroll around the island followed by a superb seafood lunch. Thanks to Helen for organizing and thanks to our sponsors Treasury Wine Estates for the delicious wines!
Upcoming Events Gearing up for the Saturday 19th January 2013 – Aussie Open Social Next Season February/March 2013 – It’s never too early to start Club Championships preparing for the next league, which starts in April 2013, and as Sunday Social Tennis the Tennis Society continues to A reminder that Sunday Social Tennis takes place every Sunday morning from grow in size and strength we are eager to recruit additional players 9am -12 noon. This social event is open to all Tennis Society members. to strengthen our league teams – Just come along with your racquet and you are set to go. both adults and juniors. Please contact the Tennis Society at [email protected] if you are interested in being part of one Be sure to check out the Tennis Society website which is updated regularly with of our teams. We will also have our lots more photos from all of the recent events. www.hkfctennis.com brand new team kits available from the end of this year with our new If you have any questions, comments or suggestions for the Tennis Society, please sponsor’s logos. email the following address: [email protected]
Club Magazine January 2013 37 australasiatennisaces
ATA Junior Tennis Program recommencing Monday 7th January 2013.... NEW SIGN UPS WELCOME!
Australasia Tennis Aces is proud to provide enthusiastic & experienced HKFC/ATA Tennis Professionals at the Hong Kong Football Club. Our team will ensure your child has the best experience possible on the tennis court. TENNIS PRESENTS...
Tiny Tots 3 years - 4.5 years old THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN TENNIS SOCIAL. Junior Tennis Program 4.5 years - 17 years old Come along and play some ‘fair dinkum’ tennis..... Elite Squad Celebrating the players’ favorite Grand Slam!
BEGINNER, INTERMEDIATE, ADVANCED Saturday 19th January, 2pm - 6pm Weekdays from 2pm - 7pm DRESS UP IN YOUR BEST AUSSIE OUTFIT! Saturdays also available
ATA also runs regular Junior Social Tennis events for your enjoyment.
Members : $160 per player.....Includes Drinks, Food & Tennis Sign up at 1st Floor Sports Desk orEmail - [email protected] This event will be opened to non members on Wednesday 16th January. Non members - $200 Application forms available at 1st Floor Sports Desk & 3rd Floor Tennis Desk. All levels welcome! E-mail: [email protected] or call Toby Clark (m) 96463760
Singapore Airlines Qatar Airways (SQ) (QR)
Singapore $1780up Europe $2570up Taipei (HX) $850 up Virgin Atlantic Air Canada (VS) (AC) Bangkok (KQ) $980 up
Canada City Sydney $4950 (DL) Tokyo $1550 up up
London $5650 (Include all taxes and fuel surchargeup ) Seoul (TG) $1750 up up $10600
38 January 2013 Golf News
A Bridge Too Far
t has been a rather rough spell for American golf recently. In September of course, they suffered the “Miracle in Medinah”, losing the Ryder Cup from what seemed an unassailable position on Sunday Imorning. In October, tragedy struck again when they lost the Reunification Cup to the HKFC. So come 10th November they were staring into the abyss as they lined up again against the HKFC in the annual Ryder Bowl fixture. Was it going to be a horror story trilogy? On their side, HKFC had various stalwarts not available for the team, partly due to the proximity of the recent Reunification Cup. This meant a couple of less frequent, and higher handicap players were brought in to complete our team. On the other hand, the Americans had a last minute An extraordinarily smug looking Henry drop out for family reasons, and so Kenneth their support staff was drafted in, meaning he was to be support staff, match photographer, and player combined, a tall order. Following the usual crack of dawn start from China Ferry So it would not be the triumphant crossing of the Rhine terminal, the match commenced around noon on Saturday ending the war in a few short months. It looks like we are and at the end of play, the scores were 2 ½ each. Rather back to the steady grind of an attritional battle for a long nicely balanced. time to come. Henry Hon, the American Club Captain, had somehow Was it the weather? Was it the single ferry to Lotus Hill? Was managed to hoist his handicap up from 4 a couple of matches it the unexpectedly strong opposition which we discovered ago, to 13 and so his opponent was clearly going to have a when we landed? The reasons can be discussed by historians tough day. I did. As I failed to complete the round in 2 under of the game in years to come. par, I therefore lost my match! Either way, thanks to all the Football Club team for making Most of the other matches were quite close (although there the match, to the American Club for being excellent was a 5 and 4 loss), but as each group came in the situation opponents, and to Kenneth whose organizational and started looking grimmer and grimmer for HKFC. In the end, photographic skills were only matched by his golf! we only managed to take 2 of the 10 Sunday matches, and so By Dallas Reid went down 10 ½ to 4 ½, a pretty comprehensive hammering.
Whoooooosh! Beautiful swing – not so sure about the shorts A cosy dinner (the score was 2 ½ each at the time!)
Club Magazine January 2013 39 Swimming and Triathlon
Catherine Sen
Captain’s Report
One of the many attractions of triathlon is competing in beautiful exotic destinations like Phuket. Twelve members represented the Club at the 19th Laguna Phuket Triathlon on Sunday the 25th November. Amongst our many stellar performances Debs Hanley came first in her age group, a tremendous achievement! Even more remarkable is Phil Shirley who fractured his collar bone whilst out riding his TT bike 7 weeks ago. Most (normal?) people would have decided to take it easy and recover, however Phil was back training 1 week post surgery and completed the course with one of the quickest times on the bike course! As well as in triathlon, the Club has had great success in the last open water swimming races of the season. Craig Nortje took first place in the Aquawiz 2.2km on 11th November with a stunning time of 28 minutes 48 seconds and Simon Brewster came 2nd in his age group. Well done guys! All those early morning swim training sessions coached by Lloyd McBean are clearly paying off! The elite youth swimmers have also been busy, holding their first Gala on 2nd November. Swimmers from Bradbury and Shatin schools were invited to race. Following racing there was a fun relay then all the children enjoyed a delicious BBQ around the pool. The Gala was a great success with several children asking if this event could happen every Friday! Facilities, set-up and catering were terrific. Thanks go to the organisers Arthur and Guy, parents, timekeepers and Pool Staff for making this such a memorable occasion!
Congratulations are also due to Laura Walsh for coming a very Cordelia Dyer always manages a big smile for the camera! impressive first in the Ironman 70.3 Laguna Phuket. This is a very tough race competed over a 1.9km swim, 90.1km bike and 21.1 km run course. Next up is Richard Hall competing in the Ironman Western Australia Busselton and we wish him luck and look forward to even more Club success! I look forward to seeing you in the pool, on the bike and round the track. Catherine Sen Captain, Swimming and Triathlon Society Email: [email protected] www.hkfcswimming.com David Watts making the most of the cold sponges
40 January 2013 The start of the race
Laguna Phuket Triathlon Sunday 25th November (1.8km swim, 55km bike and 12km run) 2012 The Race of Legends
Laguna Phuket triathlon t was raining in the days leading to reach the bike transition. The lagoon is known as the ‘Race up to the race but fortunately swim is completely different from the sea of Legends’. This year the morning of the race was as it is warm and murky. dry. This made the bike leg there was a strong field Once out of the swim, the bike leg Isafer and more enjoyable but the commences with a tough 5 kilometres of of professional athletes run around the golf course was still hills. We fortunately have a lot of hills in and the Swimming and very soggy and heavy going and felt Triathlon Society had their like a cross country run. Professional own legend, David Howell, triathlete Chris McCormack, who competing for his 12th year. won Kona in 2010, was doing the race for the first time and after the race he Congratulations to David tweeted… “that was pain personified!” It’s Watts for being the fastest good to see that even a seasoned pro Club competitor, to finds this race challenging! Debbie Hanley, Cordelia As always, HKFC had a great turnout at Dyer and Cat Sen for the race and all our athletes performed coming first, third and well. The race is very popular and sells fourth respectively in out quickly with around a thousand their categories and to people competing. Phil Shirley for a great The race comprises three separate waves performance having of competitors which start at three shattered his collar bone minute intervals. The first 1.2km is swum in the clear blue sea but the competitors David Howell conquers the infamous only a few weeks before. then have to run across the beach and Phuket hills at the start of the bike leg
complete a 600 metre swim in the lagoon
Club Magazine January 2013 41 SWIMMING AND TRIATHLON
Hong Kong to train on, and those crazy enough to attend Phil Shirley’s Blue Pool Road’s hill sessions typically breeze through this section of the course. The bike course is scenic and has a lot of cheering school children lining the route which makes it even more enjoyable. Once the bike leg is completed the race concludes with two loops of the run leg around the Banyan Tree golf course. Fortunately the race is very well organized with plenty of ice, cold sponges and drinks at regular intervals. Debbie Hanley
...‘that was pain personified!’ It’s good to see that even a seasoned pro [Chris McCormack] finds this race challenging!
Guy Horne has just been told he’s nearly finished
Hendrik Rosenthal shows off his cup balancing skills (L - R): Steve Boddington, David Howell, Phil Shirley, Cordelia Dyer, Guy Horne, Mike Sadler, Jonathan Perrin, Hendrik Rosthenal, Debbie Hanley and Simon Castley
David Howell and Captain Cat Sen with daughter Kate sprint an impressive sprint for the finish line finish to finish fourth in her category
(Back L-R): Debbie Hanley, Guy Horne, Chris Colahan, Cat Sen (Front): Jonathan Perrin Phil Shirley Jonathan Perrin
42 January 2013 SWIMMING AND TRIATHLON
Individual results for the Laguna Phuket Triathlon
Name Swim time Bike time (55km) Run time (12km) Overall time (1.8km) David Watts 36:35 01:35:41 01:03:40 03:18:57 Cat Sen 29:05 01:42:18 01:04:12 03:20:17 4th in category Debbie Hanley 32:16 01:46:05 01:02:09 03:24:40 1st in category Steve Willmott 38:17 01:40:03 01:03:36 03:25:03 Jonathan Perrin 33:14 01:47:18 01:06:55 03:32:21 Cordelia Dyer 36:43 01:48:53 01:02:58 03:33:02 3rd in category Guy Horne 35:09 01:49:23 01:07:47 03:36:46 Phil Shirley 34:49 01:39:10 01:23:36 03:40:57 Hendrik Rosenthal 31:42 01:47:38 01:17:11 03:42:32 Mike Sadler 42:40 01:50:42 01:11:34 03:48:39 Karen King 39:20 02:06:17 01:11:15 04:01:40 David Howell 40:43 2:03:49 01:17:17 04:07:22
Relay Team tackled the Laguna Phuket Triathlon
Team Cath Hopkins tackled the famous Laguna Phuket triathlon for the first time and here’s how they got on:
fter some solid training nothing like Thai food and alcohol to for the last three months, prepare for the race. We met Laura, Team Cath Hopkins our runner on the Saturday for (we forgot to make up a some last minute bonding and then Ateam name) headed to Phuket for watched the heavens open for most their first International race! The of the day. Needless to say we went team consisted of three teachers to bed concerned about the race and - swimmer Paula Wymond thunder/lightning. (GSIS) and HKFC Dino, biker All was good the next day though Cath Hopkins (Island School) and with some sunny spells. Paula started HKFC Dino and runner Laura off with a great swim of 35.10 Williams (KGV school). Laura was mins, Cath beat her projected time a last minute super sub and what a by 11 mins on the bike with 2:04:14 great addition she was to the team. and Laura was very happy with Paula and I prepared really well her run time of 1:09:56.The total going down to Phuket on Thurs completion time was 3:52:45 and evening. Cath joined Phil Shirley we were really chuffed to come a distinguish us from them really except for and Ironman Jurgen and his peloton creditable 4th out of 14 ladies teams, the M&S underwear! I blame the tequila for an 8am start on Friday am and only missing a podium spot by 2 and B52’s! A great weekend, here’s to next a 50km bike warm-up much to Mike minutes - I really need to go faster year and a faster time. Sadler’s surprise who thought we’d down those hills. overtrained! I was very pleased to try By Cath Hopkins out the hills and didn’t feel nearly so The after party at Xana saw the scared after the first ride. This left HKFC crowd competing with the Friday pm for sun, pool and a few body beautifuls of the Pro triathletes sundowners at the beach - there’s stripped in the pool - difficult to
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SWIMMING AND TRIATHLON Ten Pin Bowling INTERNATIONAL MOVERS Aquawiz
Open Water 2.2 km Swim Race from Repulse Bay to Deep Water Bay: 11th November 2012 Above: BIG members receiving their well deserved Craig Nortje wins the awards and trophies. Aquawiz 2.2km swim! Left: It was a wetsuit legal race but it really BIG team at the wasn’t necessary as the weather and water Hong Kong Club on Thursday temperature was still warm. The Club 29th November was represented by newcomer Craig C Nortje, Simon Brewster, Phil Shirley and Mike Sadler. Craig put in a great e finally received the long awaited trophies from the Hong M performance and was the overall winner Kong Inter Club League 2011-2012 (from October 2011 to with a very impressive time of 28 minutes. June 2012), where the HKFC BIG team won First Runner Y We are very pleased to have Craig join us Up in the Handicap League, and 1st Runner Up for both WScratch and Handicap in the Club Challenge Matches. Margaret Tsai CM and he has already shown what a strong received an award for the League’s Ladies’ highest scratch score of swimmer he is. Simon also put in a very 212 while Mark Rittmayer received an award for the Club Challenge MY good performance of 33minutes and was Match Men’s highest scratch score of 216. Well done team! Good luck 16th overall out of the 104 competitors. in the current league (which is under a more challenging format). CY Phil and Mike were further down the On 29th November, we had a game against the Hong Kong Club CMY pecking order and were clearly saving (HKC). We sent a team comprised of Henry, Marian, Emy, Raymond, and , where they played and won 18:4. themselves for the Phuket triathlon. Vincent Kenny K Congratulations to Marian who scored the highest handicapped of 673, closely followed by Kenny with 670 and Emy 640. High Scratch game was scored by Simon Westbrook from HKC 187, followed by BIG members Emy 184, Vincent 181, and Kenny 180. High Scratch series was also scored by Simon Westbrook from HKC 517, followed by Emy 487, Vincent 474, and Marian 469. Well done to the whole team for keeping us in the game! Our BIG family also had another Big Day during the month of November. Our committee Secretary Semon Cheung celebrated her wedding on 16th November. Many congratulations to Semon and Dennis! Coach Catherine’s tips for the month Many companies move boxes. We move families. By holding the ball with the index finger closer to the middle finger with your wrist parallel to your body, you will have a straight ball. While placing your index finger wider, the ball will have a The 2.2 km swim course from Repulse Bay to bigger hook/spin, with the wrist at the side of the ball and release the Deep Water Bay ball with a half twist with your wrist. Your ball will have a curve spinning ball as a result. Remember to clip your elbows next to your body at all Tel +852 2976 9969 times from swinging your ball back like a pendulum all the way through releasing the ball with one fluid movement with a follow through [email protected] making sure that you have a square shoulder as well. When releasing the ball, keep your eyes on the target pin as well as point your hand at www.writerrelocasia.com it and keep your position for a few seconds. Emy Clarke, Treasurer of BIG
January 2013 44 Hong Kong | China | Singapore | India | Dubai | Abu Dhabi | Oman | Qatar | Bahrain | Saudi Arabia ReloKids_PrintAd_ARTWORK221111.pdf 1 22/11/2011 11:00 AM
INTERNATIONAL MOVERS
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Tel +852 2976 9969 [email protected] www.writerrelocasia.com
January 2013 Hong Kong | China | Singapore | India | Dubai | Abu Dhabi | Oman | QatarClub |Magazine Bahrain | Saudi45 Arabia 46 January 2013