As I write this newsletter there is a definite buzz in the city with the Hong Kong Sevens getting underway later this afternoon. To see a return of International Rugby will be a great boost not only to Hong Kong but to the sport here as we return from such disruptive years.
With the pre-season now behind us the fixtures were well and truly underway last weekend. All sections of our club were involved in competition against the other Youth and Mini Clubs here in Hong Kong.
The premier team of Valley Fort, the U18 Youth Boys, began their season in emphatic fashion with a dominant win over HKFC to set a standard for the competition this season. The U13/14 boys, who have worked particularly hard to combine in the off season, were ecstatic with their come from behind victory over arch-rival Sandy Bay.
The girls’ competitions also began on a positive note with the combined U16 girls going undefeated in three fixtures and the U14 Girls also registering strong performances and tasting success on two occasions.
Whist these results are a great achievement to start the season it is only the beginning and all teams musty realise that our aim here at Valley Fort is to be better each time we train and play. I know all the coaches will be working at further improvements in the weeks following the break for the HK 7s.
The Minis, both contact and non – contact also began competition last week with the Tigerfest at Kings Park and the Richard Hawkes and Kim lam tournaments getting underway at HKU Sandy Bay.
The U12 boys were dominant in their efforts in the first Round of the Richard Hawkes Competition with some excellent skills and teamwork on show. I have witnessed first – hand the work these boys have been doing with the Pro Coaches and assistants and it is evident in the way their game is developing.
The Kim Lam competition for our U12 girls also began with them breing competitive in all fixtures with several great performances. This group will continue to improve and will be a strong presence in this competition.
The Minis festival was a fantastic display of fun and competition for our youngest players and the smiles on faces showed what a great day was had by all. The older age groups competed well against the other clubs in a clear display of developing rugby skill which can be attributed to the productive training sessions run by the coaches.
The full training schedule will return next week following the Sevens and we will then have an uninterrupted run into the Christmas Break.
The National Age Group Training for U19 and U16 will be established at this time to prepare for the annual New years Day fixtures. More details regarding this will be coming in the days/weeks ahead.
I hope for all of you heading to the stadium this weekend enjoys the return of International Rugby and on behalf of Valley Fort we wish the HK team all the best in what is a very difficult pool. Personally, I look forward to the last match of Friday’s program where HK take on Australia. Split allegiances!!
Yours in Rugby
JC
DOR Valley Fort RFC