Photo credit: Hong Kong Lacrosse
In a climactic conclusion to the four-day Hong Kong Lacrosse Open at the HKU Stanley Ho Sports Ground, both Hong Kong Men's and Women's Representatives fell agonisingly short of silverware.
A picture-perfect group stage saw the defending champions dispatch a good mix of local and international sides, as they stormed into the Final in hopes of securing a third consecutive title.
Finding themselves 3-0 down to Japanese outfit Fogo 1, a youthful Hong Kong dug deep to claw the scoreline back to 5-4 at half-time.
However, it wasn't to be as Scott Browning's charges eventually succumbed 7-6.
"Our only regret is that we cannot defend the title," said Browning.
"However, we played well in the game, especially against a team which is strong and very physical."
Photo credit: Hong Kong Lacrosse
Hong Kong Women, who will be vying for 2021 World Cup qualification in the Asia Pacific Cup, faced similarly testing circumstances against Keio University 1.
Despite falling 4-10 in their previous encounter during the group stages, the Final proved more of a see-saw affair as the hosts built up a 4-3 lead by the first quarter.
This pattern persisted as Keio struck back, taking a 4-5 lead at the half-time whistle and with the scores tied at 8-8, dealt Hong Kong a killer blow with one minute to go.
Fatigue perhaps had a hand in the result, with the Women playing 6 games in 4 days as head coach Jennifer Marrosu pointed out.
Hui Ka-hei, who contributed 4 goals in the Final, takes deep pride in her team's performance.
"I am happy with the result even we lost by 1 point. We gave our 100% and I am glad to see more players have scored in the tournament."