Photo credit: Eagles Rugby Club
Hong Kong’s men’s squad finished as runners-up at the Borneo Sevens after coming up just short to hosts Borneo Eagles in a 19-14 thriller.
Head coach Paul John can look back on a series of battling team performances, which saw to a 19-12 opening win over Coloundra, a 42-7 rout of RIMAU 7s and a 43-0 whitewashing of Wipers Tsunami.
John was highly impressed as he reflected on a result that marks a substantial improvement from last year.
"It’s been the most positive tournament we have had here, for sure, and the most competitive we have ever been here. There was hardly anything in that final and we won the earlier games really well against two good sides with a lot of internationals," he said.
The Women had to settle for fourth after falling to Japan Pearls 39-0 in the bronze medal final,
but can draw confidence from an quickfire start at the expense of the Lady Volcanoes (34-0) and Singapore HPD (57-0).
A sentiment echoed by Women's coach Iain Monaghan, who recognised the level of talent on display.
"We came up against two very good Japanese clubs with a lot of internationals, and the intensity in those games was a good lesson for us," he remarked.
“That is the level we are aspiring to play at, and the intensity in those games stretched and exposed us a wee bit, but it also showed us areas we have improved on. We can take a lot from that into next month."
The Borneo Sevens also provided crucial match experience to newcomers such as Jessica Eden (Valley) and Amy Pyle (Tigers), with their quality and grit noted by Monaghan.
"They were outstanding in their attitude and effort throughout the weekend and at times really showed their potential. They can only be better for this experience."
"The girls coming back from injury also got a good workout as well, and I’m sure there will be some sore bodies tomorrow.” he added.