Knights 15 - 3 HKFC Scorpions

In a Torrid affair, the Valley Knights were able to hold out for a well deserved 15-3 win over Club Sorps. The game will be remembered for the bruising manor in which both teams sized each other up. The Knights had forward dominance in the early stages of the game, but heavy midfield tackling by the Scorps centers helped them achieve field position parity. Of particular note, the loose trio (Darryl, Renaud and Jeremy) were all over the park and made particularly strong hitups when given the opportunity. In fact, the whole forward pack worked as a cohesive unit.

Unfortunately for the Knights, after gaining such a strong forward platform, there were no real gaps for the backs to unleash their speed on the outside. This was due to a variety of factors: smothering Scorps defence, lack of depth and new combinations in the backline. That being said, there was no quarter given by the Valley backs when their counterparts tried to use the limited possession they had.

The Knights were unlucky not to go ahead in the first half when a scything run by Philippe from his own 22 almost ended in a try. Prav was only just bundled out in the far corner. There were nervous patches on either side of half time as the Knights with all their possession were unable to put points on the board. Both teams converted penalties to go into half time locked at 3-3.

Then 15 minutes into the second half, Charlie Brough was able to finish off a strong break to dot down under the posts. Chris Sawyer's conversion gave the Knights a 10-3 lead. The game was locked up after that with the Scorps trying to open the game up and the Knights thwarting their every move. After being reduced to 14 men, as the result of a captain's blemish, the Knights held on to keep the Scorps attack at bay.

In the closing minutes, Monty latched on to a wayward Scorps break out attempt when they were pinned behind their own line, to seal the game at 15-3.

Special thanks to Chris Sawyer who leaves Hong kong to take up a post in New York. Perhaps a Knights New york tour might be on the cards.

Train hard this week boys as the next game is a top of the table clash against the Club Dragons. We need to build on this weeks performance and prepare as a squad.