Dear U10 Girls and U12 Girls,

 
You can't just beat a team,
You have to leave a lasting impression in their minds so they never want to see you again

- Mia Hamm (the US soccer player, Olympian and World Cup winner)

 

With a season's performance of :

you girls managed to achieve just that!

  

Your record speaks volumes of the commitment that you have shown at your trainings, the passion with which you have competed at every tournament and the collective hard work that you have put in as a team and as a squad.

  

With performances as enviable as these, you have firmly established HKU SB RFC as the best rugby club for girls in Hong Kong. Well done ladies !!

  

Enjoy the off-season, get fitter, stronger for 2012-13.

 
 
Dear Parents,
 
Michael Jordan once said : Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships
 
Throughout this season the Girls have stuck together, trained together, grown together and developed incredibly well as a Team. The Girls have played good, clean and highly disciplined rugby and were a treat to watch not only for us but for other teams as well.

 

The Coaches would like to sincerely thank you for your enthusiasm for rugby and the constant encouragement that you have provided the young ladies right through the season.

  

 
A VERY BIG THANK YOU to all the Coaches for their long and relentless hours of efforts at the training sessions.

 
Enjoy the off-season..... August is just round the corner

 

Best wishes and warm regards,

 

Manoj

U10 Girls:

Team 3:

Sapphires, 4 wins

 

Sapphires 7     Valley Fort 2

Sapphires 4     DPB 1

Sapphires 11   DEA1 0

Sapphires 6     SKS1 0
 

Emeralds, 1 win, 1 draw, 2 losses

 

Emeralds 0     SKS2 5

Emeralds 2     FK 3

Emeralds 4     DEA2 3

Emeralds 2    FC 2

 

Rubies, 2 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss

 

Rubies 4    DEA2 1

Rubies 4    FC 0

Rubies 2    FK 2

Rubies 0   SKS2 1

A great festival hosted by Valley Fort which allowed all HKU teams to show their strengths.

Sapphires

A very strong showing by the Sapphires team who are now beginning to look for third and fourth phase of play. The girls normally show initiative and working well as teams as they are now fairly accustomed to their positions. Tackling can always be improved and cleaning up the loose ball continues to be an issue. Positioning will also be focused on, particularly for the younger teams and more scores will follow.

Sapphires 7     Valley Fort 2

All credit to Valley Fort who opened the scoring and frightened the team into action.  Engaged rucking and fast ball to the backs allowed Anna B and Olivia to run in at least two tries each that redressed the score with strong touchdowns for Sophie and Anna C (which her Dad missed!). A bellowing call to action shut down Valley’s spirited attacks with Issy showing her standard suicidal commitment to tackling. Once HKU1 have the ball the opposition find it difficult to regain possession…however two tries were scored against HKU1 which means tackles were missed; which can be further addressed. A total of seven over the line helped lower DT’s blood pressure. Valley is getting stronger and is very well coached and we continue to enjoy playing them.

Sapphires 4     DPB 1

DBP has a far larger pack than HKU1 and their mauling is getting stronger. Good play by the forwards helped tighten the game and again Anna and Olivia fixed the mathematics. Issy worked very well to bring the ball back inside play from the left wing. Sophie took the bulk of collateral damage but nothing that lots of bandaging couldn’t fix and Sarah and Issy were both taken out hard – the concept of a hospital pass was enjoyed by Sarah at least twice. There were a few high tackles that crept into this game (on both sides) Joe also noted this in other matches so our tackle technique will be examined in more detail. Above all safe and fair play is HKU’s watchword. 

Sapphires 11   DEA1

An awkward game as DEA1 was very dispirited and put little effort into combating the continued onslaught from the Sapphires. Rebecca and Sophie both caught ball from the restart and bewildered the DEA defence by their speed. The score could have been greater but after the fourth try, HKU requested that DEA restart with a tap rather than a kick as this at least allowed some fluidity in the play. However Montana, Meghan and Rebecca were so fast onto the ball carrier that it was only going to end one way – take the player with the ball to ground; step over; drive forward flick it out to the backs and pop goes the weasel!

Sapphires 6     SKS1

Having been challenged to score, if they hadn’t done so already, the gloves came off with Natasha taking the chance to power up the right wing on the blind side and get two for the team. Olivia and Anna B also continued to ratchet up the numbers. The practice at mauling paid off with Rebecca and Meghan in particular posing a challenge for the SKS pack and feeding good ball to the scrum half. Interestingly Lucy (SKS’ Captain) played out of the pack in the hope of closing down our back line but with all four backs showing pace it was simply down to passing the ball out of her reach. Well done girls!

Emeralds

With the core squad reduced to 7 and the first match a defeat at the hands of a lively and effective SKS team, things did not bode well for Emeralds – but it turned out very differently in the end. 

A close 2:3 defeat to DEA2 was followed by a gritty 3:2 win over FK finishing with an honourable and hard fought 3:3 draw with FC.   The back line worked well together: Zoe distributed well and was not shy in making a break or two of her own when the situation merited it. She also was the standout “ripper” in the maul that day.  Eve could be relied on to run straight at the opposition whatever the density and Isabella set up a number of effective penetrating runs down the right.  Ashleigh and Grace proved their defensive worth with some truly epic tackling and were not slow in turning the game around and demonstrating their offensive capabilities with Grace running in two tremendous tries down the left wing. 

The forwards, despite numerous personnel changes and sterling support from Sapphire and Rubies worked hard and are starting to understand the need for collective action and support with Vanessa the standout player, constantly seeking to move the ball forward. 

 

Areas for improvement:  -    

Tackling:  Too many missed tackles meant we let through too many attacks.  When we did tackle, the effect was self evident as a couple of try saving performances showed (Grace, Isabella and Ashleigh).      

Going forward:  There is still a tendency to try and run round or backwards rather than forwards.  This did get better as the tournament progressed and our results reflected this.

Ball distribution: We are slowly understanding the concept of drawing your opponent and then passing but it is not automatic yet.  “Run until caught” is still the order of the day.  All in all, a very spirited and gritty performance from an understrength side – it’s enormously impressive to see such determination and commitment – very well done to the team.  With a bit more self belief we should expect a stronger tournament next time round

 

Sapphires - HKU1 - Unbeaten with 4 emphatic wins !!

 
Game 1: 4 - 1 (SKS1)
Game 2: 1 - 0 (DPB)
Game 3: 5 - 0 (VF)
Game 4: 5 - 0 (DeA1)
 
Emeralds - HKU2 - 1 draw, 3 losses
 
Game 1: 1 - 3 (FK)
Game 2: 3 - 3 (DeA2)
Game 3: 1 - 4 (SKS2)
Game 4: 1 - 4 (DPB)
 
Rubies - HKU3 - 2 draws, 2 losses
 
Game 1: 1 - 4 (DeA2)
Game 2: 0 - 0 (SKS2)
Game 3: 1 - 1 (FK)
Game 4: 0 - 3 (VF)

 

Once again, great enthusiasm shown by the girls and incredible support provided by the parents !

 

Best regards,

Manoj

 

 

General The Sandy Bay festival is always the best in the season – somehow the sun always shines and everyone has a good time! All the girls showed increased enthusiasm and commitment at every level and the Emerald and Ruby teams in particular began to show their full potential. The teams were streamed and this meant that the opposition they faced was better matched than in the previous festival. Improvements as a result of all our training regarding strong forward play, stepping over, protecting the half backs and tenacious tackling were seen. Some girls played for several other teams, to balance numbers and did so with good grace. Everyone should have come away from this event, tired, very happy and with their heads held high.

 

Team SAPPHIRE

Hannah (v.c), Priyanka, Rebecca, Sophie, Montana, Natasha (c), Anna, Olivia, Issy, Sarah, Sanvritti, Megan

 

One of the most noted compliments this team receives is there maturity and poise. Natasha in her role as captain made a point of introducing herself to the referee and opposition captain before each match. This polished initiative and the team arrayed on the pitch is good order before every start, whether kicking or receiving, gives a psychological edge that helps with confidence and sense of team identity – all other precious gems can learn from this. Having spoken to the SKS, VF and FC coaches, this HKU1 team is now the one to beat. In addition to the score, highlights were conceding only two or three penalties in five games; strong and consistent tackling; stepping-over, rucking, strong kicking and receiving.

HKU1 (5) v DeA 1(1)

The starting high kick with rapid progress up the pitch by the backs put pressure on DeA from the very start. Reasonably strong rucking and a variety of play setting by the scrum half showed the versatility of the team although there was a slight tendency to hold back and not gouge the ball out of the ruck back to the backs – this allowed for a few light-fingered DeA girls picking out the ball. The scores came from fast runs from Issy, Anna and powerful forward play with the three quarters working as a unit. The wings held the opposition in abeyance except for a powerful sprint by DeA’s captain to put a score down against. The Sapphires showed speed and manoeuvrability the very strong start prevented a determined DeA from ever gaining momentum.  

HKU1 (5) v VF1 (0)

The team came up against a new and punchy Valley Fort team who are going to be a team to be reckoned with later in the season. Our rucking, having been addressed inter-match, prevented Valley’s larger players from every really getting control. Strong tackling prevented Valley getting access to our half of the pitch. As a new opposition they were a pleasure to meet on the field and are being well trained. VF’s mauling was strong and simply re-enforced the importance of going to ground and allowing HKU forwards to drive over and allow the ball back into our control. On several occasions Sophie stood out of the ruck, giving the team even more options to improve the mathematics of scoring. Megan and Sanvritti both proved they are strong players in the forwards subbing for Sophie and Hannah for half the game. 

HKU1 (3) v SKS1 (4)

Despite the score, this was the best game of the day. We had yet to meet SKS1 this year but know their strengths of old. Both teams put their all into the match and the score could have gone either way. SKS used their determined forwards to good effect and dominated in the maul and ripping of the ball. This allowed them to set up their scores and our confusion about being kept upright in the maul meant that the tackling weakened as we failed to find their legs. The surprise of being scored against did slow the team initially but Hannah, Monty and Priyanka showed commitment to the task and worked well with Sophie and Rebecca giving muscle to the game. Missed tackles were the low point of the match and the score reflects this and the two man tackle will be drilled further. This was a game of great rugby all the same, with far more lessons learned than the relatively lighter missions before and after. The referee complimented all the girls on a great game. We will look forward to meeting SKS1 again in two weeks time… 

HKU1 (6) v FC1 (0)

 After the disappointment of losing the SKS1 the match, the meeting with FC1 allowed the forwards to power up and satisfy their Valkyrie-like domination. Youngest player Rebecca was again in the thick of it and Megan and Sanvritti had a good game. Sophie (a.k.a Brian) controlled the lineout and Natasha again played to her strengths and moved the ball back into the ruck; lobbed the ball over the attacking pack to Anna; out to Issy on the wing who went wide but also back in for second and third phase ball. Anna although frequently in a position to push up the score showed great maturity in passing the ball to both wings and using her centre to good effect. That she also switch-passed the ball to Olivia, left the crowd agog.  

HKU1 (7+) v FK1 (0)

The Sapphires had played for over 60 minutes by the start of this game and some of the Flying Kukris came straight on from a mixed game and tiredness began to show on their sides. Monty and Megan playing in red very gamely, taking over the role of locks for the FKs; and were probably the two strongest players left standing amongst the field of green. Nick Shrimpton, the SKS referee, asked after the 5th try if HKU1 would be happy to kick to give the FK’s better access to the ball. This was dully agreed and gave the Sapphires the chance to race up under the high ball at the restart and score yet again – a drill we had practised the previous night. After about the 7th try, FK tap restarted the game but were again dominated by fast moving and tackling Sapphires. Megan almost broke away for FK but was brought to ground by her normal teammates. After 75 minutes total time on the field, it was all over bar the medals… Again a big thank you our noble opposition for a great day of rugby and the even handed referees who looked after all our matches.

 

Thank you Mark, Georges, Duncan, Peter, Dave, Nick, Jonathan, and ball-boy Joe for your hard work.

A special mention to Nick and Darren for covering our HKU refereeing duties and finally and most importantly –

 

 

Minnie, Vanessa, Jade, Sula, Natalie, Maia, Eve, Erin, Zoe, Anna, Grace & Ashleigh. 

Record: Won 2, Drew 1, Lost 1 T

 

This is the second run out in competition for HKU2, Emeralds.  In the first competition at Kings Park, the team struggled against four very strong sides and suffered 4 losses.  Clearly they have learnt something in the interim because this time they secured two wins, one hard fought draw and one loss against a very well organised SK Stingrays team.  There is increased awareness of the importance of possession and all the girls were valiant in their attempts to get the early tackle in and take the initiative.  This improved defenced coupled with some stunning running efforts from Erin, Anna and Grace made the team a much more effective outfit as the results bear out. A tremendous effort for which the girls can be very proud, especially the draw against DBP where they came back from behind to level the match. A real test of character.   We see good things ahead!

1st game - HKU2 vs DEA Tigers 2 - Win Quick out of the blocks the Emerald's achieved their first win with a hatful of tries against DEA Tigers 2. With strong performances all over the pitch and good positioning they were are different side from the team that started the first tournament of the season just a few weeks ago.

2nd game - HKU2 vs HKU3 - Win Being able to field 3 girls teams all with subs at the under 10 level is a credit to the club and one of the many positive comments that I received from the other clubs' coaches. It also set us up nicely for a local derby against the Rubies. Both teams played well, with a lot of depth in talent on display, the Emerald's coming out just on top 4 to 2 with some great running tries from deep.

3rd game - HKU2 vs. SK Stingrays 2 - Loss Following a great start the heat set in for game 3 and we were caught napping against a very well organised Stingrays team. A number of missed tackles and easy turnovers cost us the game and our only loss of the day.

4th game - HKU2 vs. DB Pirates - Draw Despite drawing the 4th game against DB Pirates this was probably the best team performance of the day with all players tackling hard and supporting each other to retain the ball. Playing 8 aside with 4 rotating subs the girls showed maturity and flexibility switching between positions, including one spell with Erin at prop! The forwards scrummaged and rucked well protecting the ball and winning a couple against the head. The backs joined in with some determined running and tackling, and as a team forced a couple of turnovers in the loose to secure possession and score the vital tries late in the match to level the score.  Overall a great team performance by all of the girls in our home tournament. Well done!

 

 

Emerald Team

 

HKU2 (0) lost to SKS1 (3)

 

The girls had their first taste of the combined U9/10 teams they will grow to beat. SKS have traditionally been the strongest other club HKU have faced and so to draw their first team as the first match for the Emerald team was always going to be a difficult start to the season. Tenacity was shown by the young pack and the combination of Eve, Erin and Zoe will play dividends as their tackle commitment increases. Much like the Ruby team the girls learned that trying to run one out around the opposition was not going to work and that new skills would be needed in the tackle game including a better sense of pitch awareness; rucking and stepping over the ball and use of the full line of backs.

 

HKU2 (0) DBP1 (4)

 

Having faced this formidable Discovery Bay Pirates team at the beach tournament it was daunting to be drawn against them twice! The girls faced the stronger opposition with equanimity in this game and in it was a great learning experience. Newcomers Minnie and Vanessa held the pack together with support from Jade and the rest of the troops. The DBP pack was larger and their set piece in the lineout was better drilled than HKU at this stage of the season. Although patchy Grace, Ashleigh and the mighty three mentioned in the previous report did tackle and held the score to the modest level reported. 

 

HKU2 (0) FK1 (3)

 

The throughout the tournament faced stronger opposition as they were always going to be drawn against first teams – the Ruby team had the benefit of playing the second teams. Both backs and forwards started well having had the opposition changed from facing DBP1 for a second time. That said this game should have been more balanced and there was a level of tiredness and Italian morale that crept in by the final whistle – commitment to the tackle will be scrutinized going forward. There is no doubt that this team will build from the lessons learnt and will benefit from working more closely with the Sapphire team during training to mould into a powerful unit. The girls despite the score should be proud of their showing.
 

Ruby Team

 

HKU3 (8 or more) beat DEA2 (0) 
  
For many of the girls in HKU3 this was their first foray into the tackle game, and the first game may have given them a slightly inflated sense of their development. DEA2 had clearly not done enough tackling practice (Quade Cooper would have been considered a great defender in this side). Nevertheless, HKU3 took full advantage. Jonathan looked on proudly as Sascha tore them apart with 3 or 4 tries (I lost count) stepping off both feet, aka Jason Robinson in his prime. Our other speedster Imogen as well as Zara, Meagan and Maia were all in fine form. Jonathan and I considered retiring at that stage with a 100% record. 
  
HKU3 (0) lost to FK1 (1) 
  
The girls faced a much stronger opposition in this game and in many ways this was a great learning experience. Much like the Wallabies v Springboks RWC quarter final, FK1 had all the territory and much of the possession, but HKU3 defended tenaciously and didn't yield a try. The girls also learned that trying to run one out around the opposition was not going to work and that new skills would be needed in the tackle game. Unfortunately, despite a great team effort FK scored a try on the bell to win. Highlight for us was a copybook around the ankles tackle by Zara, our smallest player by a fair margin, dropping one of the bigger FC forwards like a stone, showing great commitment and technique. Also, the forwards - Calyn, Adelaide, Maia, Meagan and Lucille were great in the set piece - showing great scrummaging and lineout play, a new part of the game for them. 
  
HKU3 lost to SKS by about 6 
  
By the final game the girls were getting a little tired and were up against a big, strong and more experienced team in SKS. Notwithstanding a lopsided final scoreline, the girls showed great tenacity and never gave up. There was also another defensive highlight, showing that with just a few games the girls were starting to learn some of the new skills they would need to start developing. One of SKS's big forwards tore away from the pack towards the corner - put down your glasses, it was a try for all money. Out of nowhere came Imogen in cover defence. She hit her like a train - great technique, at full speed she dropped her like George Gregan on Jeff Wilson in the 94 Bledisloe Cup - absolute trysaver. 
  
  
So all-in-all a successful day for HKU3. A lot was learned, and a lot of fun was had. Lots of room for improvement, but with some great signs that they're already developing the new skills they need.