SPORTS

09 Swimming and Triathlon Caitriona Jennings 3rd in Women's Marathon

Nicolas Gontard places 4th Men's Team

14 Mini Rugby Natixis HKFC Minis vs Valley

Kim Lam Cup and Richard Hawkes Trophy

20 Hockey Team Reports

22 Lawn Bowls Premier League 2021

24 Squash Carlos Cornes 1 Year Interview

26 Netball Match Reports

HKNA Autumn Tournaments

30 Tennis Red and Orange Ball Junior Series Event

Cup of Nations

34 Golf Golf Outing

The North South Trophy

02 Cocktail for the Members of the Club for 25 years

03 The Thoughts of the Chairman

05 From the Desk of Mark Pawley

06 Honorary Membership for Edgar Cheung and Sarah Lee

38 Badminton President Cup 2021

Ladder Competition 2021

41 Fitness Centre Exercise of the Month

42 Christmas and New Year's Operation Hours

06

09

14

FOOD & BEVERAGE

44 Highlights of the Month

47 Festive Highlights

48 Junior Master Chef Halloween Edition

49 The Club History The Dollar End

52 Library

DECEMBER 2021 1

CONTENTSDECEMBER 2021

President Nick HunsworthVice President Fook Aun Chew Bobby Lawson Iain Valentine John ShanahanChairman Mike WoodHon. Secretary Neil JensenHon. Treasurer Fredric TengConstitutional Affairs Jeff LaneMembership Neil RobertsDiscipline Don RiderSports & Recreation John ThompsonHockey Officer Chris PageLawn Bowls Officer Kenneth PangRugby Officer Jason TomsSoccer Officer Stephen TewSquash Officer David Cross

Hong Kong Football Club

3 Sports Road, Happy Valley, Hong Kong

TEL (852) 2830 9500FACSIMILE (852) 2882 5040

GENERAL COMMITTEE

MANAGEMENT

DIRECTOR OF SPORTS

General Manager Mark PawleyDeputy General Manager Randal LinhartDirector of Operations Tony SealyDirector of Finance Ricky ChanFinancial Controller May ChangExecutive Chef Yan MakFacilities Manager Evan TaoMembership Services Manager Kerry OgleHuman Resources Manager Angela ChanExecutive Housekeeper Lily HuynhDigital and Communications Manager Denise ChowInformation Technology Manager Ken Mak

Director of Rugby Cameron MclntoshDirector of Hockey Simon ChapmanDirector of Squash Carlos Cornes

CLUB MAGAZINE

Monthly journal of the Hong Kong Football Club. For information and requests for placement of advertisements in “Club” please call 2830 9503. The opinions expressed in the articles are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Hong Kong Football Club or the General Committee. The Club reserves the right to edit and clarify all content. The copyright of all materials is held by

the Hong Kong Football Club.

COCKTAIL FOR THE MEMBERS OF THE CLUB FOR 25 YEARS

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2 CLUB MAGAZINE

The recent Annual General Meeting (AGM), which was held in the Happy Valley Suites on Thursday 11th November was attended by just over 50 voting members, a similar number to last year. The two main focuses over the past 12 months have been (i) managing and living with Covid (ii) continuing improvements with overall F&B offering. Looking ahead, I spoke about the Sportsman’s Bar enhancement project which is under the management of the Development Sub-committee for physical delivery, with a Project Steering Committee to represent member interests. To remind everyone, the major work is mainly back of house which involves a new build extension to the Kitchen and M&E/AV works, with the bar itself only undergoing refreshment. We plan to commence the works in June 2022 and finish by the end of November 2022. Further communications will be coming out soon to keep Members informed of progress.

The new General Committee has been elected and I would like to welcome Kenneth Ng, Don Rider, John Thompson, Chris Page and Kenneth Pang to the Committee.

Following the AGM, the Chairmanships of the 7 Standing Sub-committees have been confirmed by the General Committee as follows:

Chairman of Policy Working Group Mike Wood

Chairman of the Finance Sub-committee Fred Teng

Chairman of the Constitutional Affairs Sub-committee Jeff Lane

Chairman of the Discipline Sub-committee Don Rider

Chairman of the Development Sub-committee Kenneth Ng

Chairman of the Membership Sub-committee Neil Roberts

Chairman of the Sports & Recreation Sub-committee John Thompson

Thanks are due to Mike Worth, Maurice O’Brien, Malcolm Kerr, Charles Poulton and Karin Looram for all their hard work in the past.

We conducted the 3rd annual Membership Satisfaction Survey and the results of this have been loaded onto the website under the login area under “Member Resources”. As in the past, we will be arranging for Focus Groups to meet, probably straight after Chinese New Year. Please take the time to have a read of the Survey.

On 21st October, we held a 25 Years Members Reception for those members that had reached 25 years (as a member) in 2020. The Reception was delayed by a year due to COVID-19 social distancing measures in place at the time.

On Saturday 30th October, we held a ceremony to confer Honorary Membership on two of our Olympic medalists Edgar Cheung (Fencing) and Sarah Lee (Track Cycling) and this included a tour of the Club’s facilities. And on Saturday 13th November we held a further ceremony to confer Honorary Membership on the three Olympic medalists in Table Tennis. Unfortunately, Lee Ho Ching was unable to attend, but we welcomed Minnie Soo Wai Yam and Doo Hoi Kem to the Club. After the brief ceremony, both were given a tour around the Club where they were warmly welcomed by those members present.

In closing I would like to thank the Management and Staff for all their hard work in 2021 and wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Michael J. Wood Chairman

DECEMBER 2021 3

Michael J. Wood Chairman

THE THOUGHTS OF THE CHAIRMAN

The Club maintains a shared Box at the Happy Valley Race Course which is available for Members to book in advance.

COST Standard buffet $630 per head Admission badge $60 per head

UPGRADE PACKAGE(S) AVAILABLE Please note that if you choose an upgrade package, this will then apply to each person under the same booking.

F&B ARRANGEMENT The Race Box is provided with a Buffet and unlimited drinks* which includes: Soft drinks, mineral water, house beer, orange juice, tea and coffee* Beverages are available from 6pm, and Dinner Buffet is available from 6.30pm to 9.30pm

BOOKING Booking Forms are available at Reception and from our website HKFC.com.

UPGRADE PACKAGE 1

Additional Beverage incl. selected red and white wines, imported beers and spirits

extra $110 per head

UPGRADE PACKAGE 2

Half Doz Oyster extra $170 per head

UPGRADE PACKAGE 3

Assorted Sashimi Platter extra $160 per head

STAR AWARD3RD QUARTER 2021

HONG KONG FOOTBALL CLUB

Wu BirongHousekeeping - Housekeeping Attendant

Leung Ka Ying, EddieCoffee Shop – Waiter

Chu Wai LinKitchen - Cook A

I hope you are all looking forward to the festive month of December. We have a lot going on at the Club during the month, and these are highlighted on page 47. Of particular note is the return of the very popular Christmas Carols at the Main Pitch where once again we have the Hong Kong Welsh Male Voice Choir to take us through the evening. This year, in order to be more environmentally friendly, we will only provide a few hard copy song sheets. In place of this, there will be a QR code with the song sheet on it that you can scan at the night onto your mobile device – the QR code is also on page 47 of the magazine.

Similarly, and in line with members’ comments from last year, you will find with this magazine a “slimline” version of the Club calendar for 2022 which we hope you will like in place of the less environmentally friendly calendar we have produced in the past.

In line with the Festive events, we have put on a number of promotions during the month in the outlets, and many of which seem to revolve around alcohol! The Chairman’s Bar has the Naughty but Nice Christmas Cocktails promotion, the Captain’s Bar has a Mulled Wine promotion and the Family Lounge has an Eggnog with Spirits promotion. Thankfully, the Coffee Shop has a Christmas Buffet Dinner promotion which will be available every evening throughout the month. And the Sportsman’s Bar will have a Turkey and Ham Carving Station available every Friday, Saturday (from lunch time onwards) and Sunday (evenings only) during December.

Don’t forget too that we have the Long Meadow Ranch Wine Dinner in the Restaurant on Friday 10th December, which is followed by the Rest of the World Wine Masterclass on Thursday 16th December. We also have the Christmas with Champagne Wine Fair in the Lockhart Room over the weekend of Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th December.

Please also note that we have some sightly revised Opening / Operating Hours for the F&B Outlets and Sports Facilities over the Festive Period, and these can be viewed on page 42 and 43 of this magazine.

I am very pleased to announce the winners of the 2021 quarter 3 Staff Star Award, who are all pictured on the opposite page. Congratulations and very well done to Birong, Eddie and Lin.

Last, and by no means least, on behalf of the Management team and all the wonderful Staff at the Club, may I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

I look forward to seeing you all at the Club.

Mark Pawley General Manager

DECEMBER 2021 5

Mark Pawley General Manager

FROM THE DESK OF MARK PAWLEY

HONORARY HONORARY MEMBERSHIP MEMBERSHIP CEREMONYCEREMONY

HONORARY MEMBERSHIP CEREMONYEDGAR CHEUNG · SARAH LEEEDGAR CHEUNG · SARAH LEEDOO HOI KEM · MINNIE SOODOO HOI KEM · MINNIE SOOEDGAR CHEUNG · SARAH LEEDOO HOI KEM · MINNIE SOO

6 CLUB MAGAZINE

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DECEMBER 2021 7

Two months after claiming the Irish National 100km title in a record time of 7:43, Caitriona had a very impressive performance at the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2021 in a time of 2:51. Caitriona came 3rd women overall, and 1st in the Elite Master’s category. The race gathered almost 16,000 participants in the Full Marathon, Half Marathon and 10km Races.

CAITRIONA JENNINGS3RD IN WOMEN’S MARATHON

STANDARD CHARTERED HONG KONG MARATHON 2021

Photo by Aaron@Run-Pic

SWIMMING AND TRIATHLON

DECEMBER 2021 9

How did you prepare for the marathon? Did you have any difficulties preparing for the event due to COVID? “My build-up to SCHKM 2021 was very different from any marathon I have run in the past. I raced in the Anglo Celtic Plate 100km in Ireland in late August where I set a new Irish record for the distance. My training for this was much more focused on longer, relatively easy runs. I returned to Hong Kong exactly 5 weeks before the marathon, so I spent 2 weeks in hotel quarantine training on a treadmill! My husband was not too impressed with my constant need to put the air conditioning down as low as possible! I finished quarantine 3 weeks before the marathon, and although I would usually taper for 3 weeks before a big event, I decided to train for one more week to get some quality sessions completed and reduced my taper to 2 weeks.”

What was your nutrition during the marathon? “I used a carbohydrate gel every 30 minutes during the marathon and tried to drink as much water as possible, although it was difficult drinking out of the paper cups. Typically, when I race a marathon, I am permitted to leave my own carbohydrate drinks with the organisers in advance, and these are then placed at each 5km marker. As I would usually use Tailwind Nutrition for these drinks, I had to change my nutrition strategy for this marathon, but I think it went OK for me.”

Do you use any special equipment like shoes or clothing when racing? “Yes, I wore the Hoka Rocket X racing shoe which is Hoka’s premier carbon plate marathon shoe. It’s very light and comfortable and the carbon plate gives good energy return. I also wore the Hoka racing top and shorts - it’s important to find clothing that’s comfortable and breathable, particularly in the Hong Kong humidity! ”

How did you feel after finishing the marathon? “I had mixed feelings when I finished. I was pleased to finish in the top 3 ladies and take a podium spot. However, I felt that I had raced uncharacteristically conservatively as I was concerned about the course and the conditions on the day. I had way too much energy left at the end of the marathon and I was a little disappointed that I hadn’t raced harder.”

What advice would you give to runners who want to prepare for a marathon? “Pick a marathon with sufficient time to train for it based on your fitness level. Get a coach or a training programme to stick to - consistency is key in marathon training so plan ahead at the start of each week to ensure you’ve set aside time to get your training in. Finally, find a group or some training partners to run with. Running is much more fun when you run with a buddy or with a group - you’re also accountable to someone else when your alarm goes off at 6am and you’re tempted to press snooze!”

What was your best time ever in the marathon? “My best time is 2:36:11 from 2012. However, I ran 2 marathons in 2019 just prior to Covid in 2:38 and 2:37 so I felt like I was getting close to my best then - it’s good to know that there’s still some speed in the legs with the correct build-up!”

Did your body have time to recover since your 100km record performance in Ireland 2 months ago, and considering you had to do a 14-day quarantine upon return? “My body had recovered from the 100km race but I was missing the speedwork and marathon specific training sessions that I would usually do before a marathon. It was really tough being in quarantine and trying to get in long runs / speed sessions on a treadmill which was why I reduced

Caitriona is all smiles on the podium after claiming 1st place in the Elite Masters.

my taper from 3 weeks to 2 weeks but realistically, it was far from an ideal build-up to a marathon!”

Caitriona Jennings is a former triathlete who represented Ireland at youth level. She also represented Ireland in the 2012 Olympics Marathon. She is a running coach and a motivational speaker. www.caitrionajennings.com

Caitriona running past HKCEC in Hong Kong Marathon

SPORTS

10 CLUB MAGAZINE

CHARLIE AND RICHARD HALL

LEANNE AND CAITRIONARACE BUFFCO GRADED 3000M TRACK RACE

Charlie was the 2nd Elite Junior and 4th overall in the 10km Standard Chartered race. The young Hall trained with kids' swim club at HKFC until she was 10 years old. Since 2017, she has been in the Hong Kong National Squad and has been training at the Hong Kong Sports Institute.

“I had a really great time at the race - it was my first time racing a 10k without a swim and bike first, so it was a great opportunity to try something a little bit new and just see what I could do… I was pretty pleased with the result and would definitely love to do this race again next year and improve on my performance.”

On the same day, proud father Richard Hall, who is recovering from

Leanne Claxton and Caitriona Jennings represented HKFC in a 3,000m graded track race in Aberdeen on 17th October. Leanne was up first and ran a perfectly paced race, storming home in a fabulous time of 12:47. Caitriona was up next, using the race as a warm-up for the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon the following week, and ran a new meet record time of 10:36. Leanne runs a perfect race at Buffco.

IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY

a shoulder surgery after a nasty fall during a triathlon, ran the Full Marathon. Richard is an accomplished triathlete who participated 5 times in the Hawaii Ironman World Championships and won the iconic Phuket Triathlon in his age groups several times. As the saying goes, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. As Richard proudly puts it: “Charlie now out swims me, out runs me, and out bikes me – other than downhill”. It must be a question of gravity. Great to see you racing again, Daddy Richard.

Caitriona and Leanne are all smiles.

DECEMBER 2021 11

SWIMMING AND TRIATHLON

The Otillo Cannes Sprint race took place on 15th October 2021 in Cannes (France) in front of the Croisette.

The course consisted of epic swims in crystal clear waters in front of the Croisette, some city runs and the now-famous “train track” straight up to the “jungle trail”. Society member Nicolas Gontard and teammate Fred Liberman came 4th Men’s team in 13km Sprint Swimrun in a time of 1h55.

Nicolas Gontard, left, and Frederic Liberman at the finishing at ÖTILLÖ Cannes Sprint Race

Photo by Otillo / Pierre MangezNICOLAS GONTARD

PLACES 4TH MEN’S TEAM

AT ÖTILLÖ CANNES, FRANCE

12 CLUB MAGAZINE

SPORTS

MINI RUGBY

NATIXISNATIXISHKFC MINISHKFC MINISVS VALLEYVS VALLEY

NATIXISHKFC MINISVS VALLEY

It’s not just international 7s players and rowdy fans from all over the world who have been missing out due to no Hong Kong 7s for the last few years. The mini rugby players of Hong Kong have been unable to take part in the time-honoured tradition of playing on the hallowed turf of HK Stadium in front of family and friends (and rowdy fans), a memory that sticks with the kids for a lifetime.

So, when the opportunity arose for a club day against Valley in the stadium, getting Mini Rugby

on the ground was a must. Of course, in the current world we live in, nothing is as easy as you hope, and there were time and number limits for the day due to current government restrictions. Undeterred HKFC Mini Rugby and Valley Fort worked together to give as many kids as possible the chance to grace the field.

They set up two fields at the North and South end of the stadium getting games of 7s on for 7 minutes at a time. All up

Hong Kong StadiumSaturday, 30th October 2021

14 CLUB MAGAZINE

SPORTS

there were 16 games played across the U10, U11 and U12s (boys and girls). This allowed over 300 kids to get the opportunity to play, and the excitement was palpable from the outset. In amongst the organised chaos was some fantastic rugby, lots of smiles and tries a plenty.

A huge thank you to all the kids, parents and coaches that took part in the day, and a special mention to Denis Brock who went above and beyond in the organising of the event in conjunction with the HKRU and Valley Fort.

Cameron McIntosh

U12

The last game of the showcase was HKFC’s A team versus Valley’s A team. The boys started off strongly and scored a couple of early tries through Andrew MacQuhae and Noa Lane. With a lead, the boys had the confidence to play some expansive, running rugby. Long pass from Xavier Cox released Ben Luvisotto to score in the corner. Then Andrew MacQuhae and James McSheaffrey had a couple of pieces of great interplay with James scoring two tries – in between these tries Leon Lane darted over to ensure he matched his twin’s scoring tally. A comprehensive 6-0 win.

The B team got off to a strong start camped in the Valley half. From a well won ruck, Sam Lawrenson passed to Michael Saunders who, with straight, strong running through the last third of the pitch, scored the opening try. 1-0 Club.

The C team came up against a Valley team with an embarrassment of substitutes, who selected two of their biggest to join the game to try to save the match. Unfortunately, their tactical substitutions worked and they managed to salvage the game with two late tries. Final score Club 1-2 Valley. Despite the loss, the Cs, as always, showed great team spirit and commitment.

Paul McSheaffrey and Mark Saunders

U11

U11s were fortunate to have four teams playing at the stadium: Won 1, Draw 2, Lost 1.

Our beginners squad, led by Coach Vinay Sirinivas, put in a passionate performance. Although losing 4-1, new players Shun Matsuda and Rihito Shinde played not only their first game at the Stadium, but it was also among their first ever games of competitive rugby. The team benefited, as ever, by probing runs from Anish Fujibayashi.

The team coached by Nick Grenham secured the most convincing win, defeating Valley 7-0. Lucian Grenham and Robbie Guy Ramsay both scored two tries each and Tomas La Fontaine, a new arrival to U11, proved a tough task for Valley to handle.

The team coached by Karl Holden were leading 2-1 into the final phase. But, an unlucky break saw Valley steal the draw 2-2. Luke Holden continues to strengthen as a feisty nine and there were charging runs up the middle by Ned Lamont and Andre Chan.

Our first team played a knife-edge game with Valley. Both teams pushed the try line throughout the game yet neither team were able to score. The team coached by Mark England featured more strong performances by twins Genraku and Taraku Kinoshita, plus the one remaining girl playing with U11s, Naomi Chan.

All our U11 players experienced a great day. Our thanks to Chairman Denis and the many volunteers who made it happen, plus our Valley friends and rivals. We love playing them, and winning some, losing others, is great for our rugby skills.

Alexander Davey and Duncan Grewcock

U10G / U9G

The 2021-22 season started off with a bang for the U10 and U9 girls with the Exhibition Matches at the Stadium. In the first contest with Valley Fort, our intrepid U10 girls proved to be more than a match for the girls from Valley. Impressive runs by Amika Potgieter with assists by Danielle Leung led to a 3-0 victory over Valley. Hard tackling by Lauren Loo and great fullback defence by Claudia Ashby Sanchez effectively shut down Valley's attack. The Club’s U10G girls were exuberant after their victory ahead of the Senior Women's and Men's matches. Great job U10G girls!

A triumphant inaugural performance by the U9 girls’ squad at the Stadium resulted in a 5-tries-to-1 win against Valley Fort. Tremendous scores by Aster Greenwood, Abbie Fulton, Chloe Fulton and Molly Morson put HKFC well ahead in a brilliantly fought match! The support from the crowd was wonderful to hear after such a long hiatus from the Stadium, and I’m sure everyone who participated and watched would agree, it was absolutely fantastic to be back! Well done U9 girls!

Allen Schoonmaker and Kate Westwood

MINI RUGBY

DECEMBER 2021 15

The Kim Lam Cup and Richard Hawkes Trophy are the pinnacle of boys and girls’ mini rugby in Hong Kong. A season long competition with a winner crowned at the season end finale at Football Club.

KIM LAM CUP ROUND 1 U12G

A brilliant morning of rugby down at Sandy Bay competing in round one of the U12G Kim Lam Cup. Four teams competing in Cup (Tier A) competition and seven in Plate (Tier B) with strong efforts by all the girls across the teams. 7s format for the competition with 4 points for Win, 2 for Draw, 1 for Loss (if scoring) and a bonus point for scoring 5 or more tries.

The day began with HKFC2 beating HKU2 convincingly 6-2, with strong runs and tries by Ella, Kaz, Megan, Jem, Ellen, Ines and Maleha. HKFC1 continued the momentum with a 5-0 victory over DB Pirates 1. The girls brought a strong ruck to the game delivering a performance showing the hard work in practice every week. Tries scorers included Mia, Louise, Jessica and Emily with an all-around dominant effort in the win.

Game 2 for FC2 was against VF2 and the girls brought the bonus point again with a 7-2 showing. Ella continued her strong runs with Filo adding true grit against a strong VF defence. Edie showed her kicking and scrumming skills on multiple occasions through the match. Ellen brought a spark to the game scoring a great try down the left side of the VF defence. Keeping the fast-flowing 7s format going, FC1 was back on the pitch taking on HKU1, and the girls picked up where they left off, bringing their second shutout of the day with a 10-0 win. Bella, Milly and Jessica scored tries as the FC team showed their muscle throughout the game. The girls showed good camaraderie and cheers to Sandy Bay for their effort in a tough match-up.

FC2 had a break before their match against a combined DB Pirates and SL Buffaloes squad, so FC1 hit the

pitch for their final match of the day against VF1. The clean sheet for tries was broken with VF scoring 2 tries but were bested by our girls with a 6-try response. Romane and Emma stole the show with some brilliant runs and bursts of speed. Completing a 6-0 clean sweep of wins for Football Club. FC2 came on the pitch and put forward a spirited effort with a 5-2 victory against DBP / SLB. The girls built a lead through the first half and into the second with the Buffaloes showing true grit in the latter half of game scoring tries to walk off the pitch with heads high.

Peter Jastreboff

KIM LAM CUP ANDRICHARD HAWKES TROPHY

MINI RUGBY

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SPORTS

RICHARD HAWKES TROPHY ROUND 1 U12

For the first round, there were three divisions – the top two divisions were for 12-a-side teams with the last division for 7-a-side. HKFC were the only club to put a team into each division. The boys travelled to EduHK near Tai Po with great anticipation of a real competition.

HKFC A TEAM First up was Sandy Bay and the boys seemed to suffer the usual HKFC malaise of starting slowly and were 0-1 down at half time. The application of the ‘hairdryer’ sent them back out for the second half with clear areas of improvement. Leon Lane and James McSheaffrey both darted over for close range tries as we dominated the second half and got a 2-1 win.

Next, Valley and an inspiring team talk from pro-coach Paul Gualino about the FC/Valley rivalry and the importance of securing a win. The boys did not disappoint with an early try from Ben Luvisotto calming any nerves before Andrew McQuhae, Leon Lane and Cameron Lane got on the score sheet. The boys let Valley in for a soft consolation, but a 4-1 victory was well deserved.

Against USRC Tigers, Leon Lane continued his run of scoring in every game so far before Anthony Wickens went over. Further tries from James McSheaffrey, returning a kick all the way, Owen Chow and a brace from new recruit Charlie Charlwood whose strong, direct running will surely get him more tries.

The last game was versus Sai Kung Stingrays, undefeated on the day and the biggest threat as they were the strongest team we played at U11 level. A tense affair, with Sai Kung getting

the early upper hand, but some stout defence and great hold-up over the line from James McSheaffrey keeping the scores level. As the game wore on, we were more dominant but were not able to breach their defence, and the game ended 0-0.

A good start and with Xavier Cox and Callum Hulme to return from injury, the future prospects are bright.

HKFC B TEAM First up was Shatin Sha Pei. This was the starting point of a try-scoring spree from scrum half Jairo Wong with four tries in this game. These were supplemented by a try apiece from Zach Chin and Efe Demiral in a 6-1 victory.

Next, Tin Shui Wai with our half-back combo of Jairo Wong and Jimmy Page scoring two tries apiece. Rory Elkins continued his impressive development of recent weeks and started to show some more aggression to go with his size and was rewarded with two tries – credit to the coaches for getting him to this stage in his first season of contact rugby.

The next game was shaping up to be a tough one versus the first team of DB

Pirates who had looked strong. The boys were more than a match. and some tough tackling from Rory Elkins and tries from Jairo Wong and Shia Sy-Savane secured the victory.

The next two games that came in quick succession were against old foes Sandy Bay and Valley. Sandy Bay were dispatched with ease – tries from Jairo, James March, Ryan McDermott and Riku Takafuku leading to a 5-0 victory. Valley, with a few of their A team subbing in, were a tougher nut to crack. This game was unusual in that Jairo Wong didn't get on the score sheet but tries from Jimmy Page and Rory Elkins saw us through.

The final game was against Flying Kukris who looked strong. Jairo Wong didn't stay quiet and scored two with Rory Elkins, second leading try scorer on the day completing the scoring in a 3-0 win.

Overall, a tremendous performance to beat all comers and lead the division undefeated.

Paul McSheaffrey

DECEMBER 2021 17

MINI RUGBY

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SPORTS

The non-contact age groups seem to have suffered the brunt of the pandemic restrictions over the last two years, with limits on training group sizes and numbers on pitch, but perhaps none more so than the 120 or so children that make up HKFC Under 7s, the Club’s largest age group by numbers.

Indeed, despite some of the kids having three (well, two and a half!) seasons of mini rugby under their belts, the cancellation of the HKRU festivals due to the pandemic meant that hardly any of our players had ever seen another U7 in a shirt colour! That all changed on 31st October 2021 when the U7 descended ‘en masse’ down to HKU Sandy Bay for their first ever friendly matches.

With eight Club teams - two each from the Eagles, Falcons, Harriers and Hawks Squads - facing off against four teams from Sandy Bay, the matches

UNDER 7FRIENDLIESAT SANDY BAY

Saturdays, 2nd and 16th October 2021

As HKFC first team had their opening home game of the season v Kowloon, the HKFC U12 Boys invited the Sai Kung Stingrays down for a curtain raiser before the big game.

This was the U12s’ first game of the season and was an important test as Sai Kung had been the strongest opposition the boys faced in the previous season.

A tough game but the HKFC boys responded and started to show some of the skills practised in training, with the pick of the tries the final one in a 6-2 victory with winger Ben Luvisotto stepping inside to score untouched after Cameron Lee and Ryan McDermott had seen the space and shifted the ball wide. Other try scorers were Xavier Cox with three, Andrew McQuhae and Cameron Lee.

UNDER 12SHOWCASE GAMES

were fast and chaotic (if anyone wonders about the meaning of the phrase “herding cats”, look no further than a mini rugby game!), but most of all they were fun.

It was brilliant to see our players finally able to put all the skills they have been learning into practice. Whether it was breakaway runs by Tess of Harriers, coordinated pincer tackle manoeuvres by twins Alex and Atticus of Falcons, the dance-like sidesteps of Billy (and) Elliott of Hawks, or even the Eagles’ Alastair’s ‘dab’ celebration after every team try, I’m sure the coaches and

the kids will take away many fond memories. I was especially proud to see some of our quieter players really come out of their shells, and the good sportsmanship shown to the Sandy Bay players.

I would like to extend my thanks to Sandy Bay Under 7s for hosting us, and to my volunteer coaches for running themselves ragged trying to get the kids to run towards the correct try lines, or to get back onside in some semblance of formation when defending.

Chris Kenyon-Edwards

Next home game against USRC, HKFC U12 Boys started well with a well worked try from a scrum for Oscar Backelandt to score. Some good continuity work after a break left scrum half Jairo Wong with a chance to score our second, and he duly converted. A 2-0 half time lead for HKFC.

USRC came back and got a try back before

opportunistic tries for Liam Reynolds and Jimmy Page made it 4-1. USRC got two more tries, 4-3, setting up a nervy finish. However, Zach Chin won the ball in midfield and sprinted clear to score in the last play to seal a 5-3 win.

Paul McSheaffrey

DECEMBER 2021 19

MINI RUGBY

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

I t feels almost strange to be approaching the halfway point in the season, given that we experienced

so much disruption over the last two years. That said, it also feels fantastic, and it has been superb to see the Section rallying together over the last three months or so – with some tremendous results and memorable fixtures! At the time of writing, with all leagues approaching the conclusion of the first round of fixtures, it is great to see so many teams contending for the top spot in their leagues! Hopefully the second round brings a little bit of extra luck for the stragglers.

A few pieces of ‘boring’ admin from me:

• Squads are light, almost without exception. I ask that you prioritise your hockey fixtures at the weekend over other social engagements. If a team is light because of people being out at brunches, junks or

hangovers, there will not be much tolerance for disrupting squads further down the ranks!

• “ICE contacts” – please ensure your “in case of emergency” contacts are in TeamSnap. We have had a few serious injuries over the last couple of weeks, and we need to be able to contact your better halves / parents / significant others if necessary.

• Get your tickets for the GDF NYE bash – it is selling out fast and it has been so long since we had a proper party! Dust off those gladrags!

As we approach the end of the year, with the festive season likely in full swing by the time you read this, it feels like a good time for reflection. As with 2020, 2021 has not been easy. Our lives continue to be universally disrupted by the impact of COVID, the associated restrictions and the

ongoing uncertainty – families continue to be separated and every day feels like Groundhog Day. As I look forward to 2022, I am hopeful that we will see some change for the better. In the meantime, let’s continue to enjoy the “normality” of being on the pitch with our teammates, friends and hockey family. Let us continue to remember that Hockey is More Than A Game. Continue to fight for each other, play for each other, encourage each other and pick up your teammates when they fall. Toast the wins and commiserate the losses. We are One Club.

I wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and best wishes for 2022, and I hope to see you all on the Smurf and in the Sportsman’s over the coming weeks.

Lynsey Edgar Chair, Hockey Section

TEAM REPORTSMEN’S

G TEAMFrom the 1st to the 7th game, the motto and anthem for the G Team this season had to be “The only way is up”. The pre-season friendlies had looked to bode well for what was to come, with several good wins and the team beginning to gel from what had been for one and all a chaotic and disjointed 2020 season.

However, while results could in one way be deemed “consistent” if stretching one’s imagination somewhat, they had all frustratingly so far been without a single win, or draw, after 7 games.

Names and games have to remain anonymous for those concerned for their onward reputations at this time, but our very first game had a stern note from our coach that his long-term marital relationship could end if we did not beat our opposition, and that the very last thing we must do was to lose. So out we stepped and sure enough, true to his instructions, the last thing we

did, was to lose! However, our first goal was on the charts, so hope was still strong. Onwards to game 2, a similar ‘loss’ and yet no more goals for the Gs. Game 3, the scoreline more than doubled, to an extremely experienced opposition sporting ex-HK players, internationals and more, but pride was held up in that we’d lost by far less goals than other sides who had played

20 CLUB MAGAZINE

SPORTS

HOCKEY

The Mighty H’s continued to build on the successful introduction of 12 juniors into the squad last season. This season we saw 6 of the juniors being promoted into higher teams, most notably Antoine Nyssen, our keeper, straight into the A’s, and have 6 new recruits fired up to take their place.

Impressively, with that amount of change, the team has not missed a beat and has continued its strong form into this season. The juniors in their second season continue to develop exponentially. Julien Nyssen, Pau Calda and Harry Hattam often dominate in midfield, tying the opposition in knots with their

sheer speed. Upfront the Law brothers, Casey and Cameron, ably assisted by Addie Kadam, continue to cause chaos in the opposition’s D. Our defence has also done well with Tijs Reniers and Adhit Ranjan showing the old hands how it should be done.

The enthusiasm in the team is fantastic and already the new recruits are performing at a high level and keen to play with 16 on the card, every week giving Mike and Shep a welcome selection challenge.

Having a full bench with fast rotation has been one of our key strengths this season. The never-stop-running ethos in the team means the opposition teams

them and kept the scoreline to well under double digits.

Games 4, 5, 6 and 7 have come and gone, and the scores have gradually been whittled down to only 0-1 losses, so the defence has improved to pretty solid, the midfield has shown they can get the ball out and forward, and the attack have had chances but yet to break out into positive territory. Egos have been dented, ankles twisted, heads hit, hamstrings pulled too, but the determination is there game after game

to go out and enjoy our hockey, put more into training and we’re getting a full 16 squad out week after week, even with injuries and quarantine sessions. Spirit has still been up on the pitch and also being drunk in the Sportsman’s for morale-boosting team chats and discussions on tactics.

So came our 8th game, and it suddenly all came together. We were down a goal early on, so the writing was on the wall, but soon came a short corner shot and it was all square. The opposition

took the lead again before half time but the G’s belief and fighting spirit came back for a 2–2 scoreline by the 4th quarter. Suddenly we had moves out of defence, fast penetrating runs through the midfield and constant chances in the opposition’s “D”. Just minutes before the end, concerted pressure saw a fully deserved goal for 3–2 and the Gs finally have their first and much needed Win of the season. The only way is up.

Clive Miners

are often dead on their feet in the last quarter and has allowed us to beat some very experienced teams.

The most notable result, so far, was the teams draw, on grass, against an undefeated Recreio. Not bad considering most of the team did not even know hockey could be played on grass!!

Although we currently reside 4th in the league, our position could have been much higher with a couple of unlucky goals robbing us of a few more wins, but that’s show business and has set the team up for a very promising second half of the season.

Ralph Giulianotti

MEN’S

H TEAM

DECEMBER 2021 21

HOCKEY

LAWN BOWLS

PREMIER LEAGUE 2021COMPLETED WITH ACCOLADESLADIES What a season! 30th October marked the end of the Women’s premier league, and for sure it was a celebratory and pulsating season for our ladies!

After winning an away game 8-0 the previous week, the morale of our top ladies’ team had reached its highest point in a while. The momentum did not just stop there! The team overshadowed USRC-A at their final home game 6-2 and finished the season on a high note for winning the First Runner-up spot ahead of the third placed team by 9 points!

Meanwhile, our Ladies’ B and C achieved another sensational season! After the first half of the season, both teams were (at a point in time) at the bottom of the league table and were in danger of getting relegated from their respective divisions. Yet, both team’s fighting spirit was evident in every game. Despite a slow start earlier, the ladies never gave up and managed a strong fightback. Eventually, after the last game of the season, both teams were secured in Division 2 and 3 respectively. Well done!

MEN As at 6th November, four-men teams have completed the 2021 campaign, with the A and B sides at 5th and 7th of Division 1 and the C and D sides at 3rd of Divisions 3 and 6, whilst the E and F sides, currently at 4th and and 7th in Divisions 7 and 8, will play their last games on 27th November.

Both the C and D sides did remarkably well in the second half of the campaign by winning six of the nine games in their respective divisions, of which the D side won four with maximum 8 points and was in contention for promotion before the last game, with a gap of 4 points. Despite D side’s last game being won away with the maximum 8 points, promotion was missed as the 2nd team also won by the same margin.

Congratulations to James Cheuk, Anson Wong, KK Law, Raymond Tso and David Phu of Men’s D Side for being the Champion Rink by winning 16 out of 18 games of the campaign! Very well done indeed!

The Premier League will resume in April/May 2022. Yet, it doesn’t mean our bowlers will have a relaxing winter break as the Triples League is coming! Are you ready to show your fist in December?James Cheuk, Anson Wong, KK Law and Raymond Tso

22 CLUB MAGAZINE

SPORTS

AT THE NATIONAL MIXED TRIPLES COMPETITION

FOR NEW SECTION MEMBERS

SECTION BOWLERS SHINE

SUNDAY’S GAME

NATIONAL DAY SOCIAL GAME

Section bowlers Shadow Law, Terrence Lee and Stephen Chan represented the Club in the semi-final of the Angela Chau Memorial Mixed Triples Competition 2021. Despite the great effort, our bowlers lost to the Champion team in the semi-finals. Yet, let’s not forget the team had been unbeatable for 6 rounds, and they did not lose a single game since August! Great job!

A total of 4 welcome games for 15 new Section members were held on alternate Sundays in September and October. The new members were ably assisted by some of our senior bowlers.

A total of 60 Section members participated in the National Day Social Game on 1st October with

games played at both our indoor and outdoor greens in a lovely atmosphere with our long-missed bowling tea!

Our Tony Cheung represented the Club and got 1st Runner-up in the final of the Men's National Indoor Singles.

Photo by Panda Man / Takumi Images

DECEMBER 2021 23

LAWN BOWLS

SQUASH

So Carlos, you’ve been in the HKFC Director of Squash chair for just over a year now. What’s been your favourite part of the job so far? “I love every single bit of it. The Club has an amazing atmosphere. The committee is very very supportive. The Squash Section is vibrant. 1 year looks like 1 month to me!”

What were some of the initial challenges you faced when you first started this job and how do you find your role has evolved over this past year? “The main goal was to create a solid structure that covers all the areas of the Section. From Juniors to Masters. Our Junior Squash Academy has now more than 100 kids. We have 7 coaches working at the moment. We’ve organised all sorts of events for adults as well. Leagues, training, tournaments, friendly and not-so-friendly matches, Club nights, clinics, camps. Looking back now, I don’t think we've had an empty weekend since the courts reopened after COVID.”

I know we have a lot of big and exciting events/developments to look forward to on our squash calendars. Looking at the next 12 months, what are you most excited about? “Definitely, I’m looking forward to when the borders re-open. That means that we will be able to watch international squash again at the HKFC. We’ve also placed a bid to host the World Team Championships at the Club, if we manage to win that bid (fingers crossed), we will have to start working on it since day 0. We also want to make a big thing out of Division 1, both for men's and

CARLOS CORNESHKFC DIRECTOR OF SQUASH

1 YEAR INTERVIEWwomen's, but most of the top players from HK are now “stuck” overseas playing tournaments.”

You retired from being a pro player after what you described as one of your proudest achievements - representing Spain in the World Championships and reaching the quarter finals. Was it hard to transition from being a full-time squash player to this job? “We made the quarters, lost to France, that was tough to digest! But yes, it’s always an honour to play for your country. I have done it for 12 years, and when I look back, I feel very very proud with all the achievements we had. We reached the final of the Europeans in 2019 for the first time ever … On another note, I used to do coaching as well at home, and I’ve always wanted to do what I’m doing. So the transition was nice and smooth. I think it came at the right moment as the tour stopped for 18 months.”

The past 12-24 months have been turbulent across the world and no exception for yourself! You’ve retired from being a pro player and became Director of Squash at the HKFC, moved to HK, had the birth of your first child and moved your family across the world to HK … Did I leave anything out? How have you coped with everything? “Sounds like a lot of things happened in the last year yes!! But I just took it day by day, and trust me, time flies!! I’ve always wanted to see my baby growing up live and not from a phone screen. So now that I have that, I can’t ask for anything else!!”

What do you think of the standard of squash at the Club and the atmosphere/spirit that we have here generally? How does the HKFC Squash Section as a whole compare to squash clubs you’ve played in or visited around the world? “It’s an amazing Club. We have all sorts of players! From the very very beginner that wants to learn the game, all the way to semi-professional players that take the game quite seriously. So my daily routine covers all the bits and pieces and I love that!

I've been to all 5 continents playing squash and believe me, I have never ever seen a squash club like this. We have 7 courts, and there are times that there’s no way you can find an empty court! People sign up for training, for tournaments, for league. The feelings that people have for the Club is just fantastic!”

Do you ever miss life on the pro tour? “NO! I've done it for 12 years. I have achieved a lot of goals (not all of them), but life is about facing new challenges and moving forward. I'm on a different stage of my squash career now, and I'm where I want to be and doing what I love the most!”

We’ve touched on it already, but how would you sum up the past 12 months as Director of Squash in one sentence, and what would be the one sentence to describe your hopes for the next 12 months? “2020-2021 has been SPLENDID. 2021-2022 will be challenging and successful!”

William Chapman

Photo © worldsquash.org

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SPORTS

How would I sum up life as an “elite junior”? Non-stop squash and school!

LIFE AS AN

“ELITE JUNIOR”

As an elite junior player, I regularly competed in international tournaments before Covid started

and still play local tournaments and currently play in the division 5 men's league matches weekly for the Football Club. What I've realised about playing in the men's league is that the higher you move up divisions, the men I play against will get less courteous and will do whatever it takes to win. Personally, I think playing in the men's league is great as it benefits my game and helps make me a tougher player. Since the men I play with are more physical and play at a faster pace than women do, I am forced to get used to playing at a faster pace and for longer periods of time. As of now, I represent Singapore and am part of their national squad, but since I live in Hong Kong, I train here and attend local regional training every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. In the days in between, I organise games and training sessions with friends

QUICK QUESTIONS!

Favourite ever squash player?“The maestro - Amr Shabana”

Favourite tournament you ever played in?“I have to say HKFC PSA, right? I also loved the one at the pyramids in Egypt.”

The best squash match you ever played in?“Spain vs France semi-finals of the Europeans 2019!”

The best win you ever had on the pro tour?“Beating a couple of top 20 guys at my home tournament in Santiago.”

at the Football Club and play lots of friendly matches (which are always really fun). However, I am also a full-time student in my final year of high school and admittedly, balancing being an athlete and a student can be really challenging at times (trust me). But don’t worry! I’ve learned quite a few ways to balance this.

Firstly, it really helps to organise and live my life according to a calendar. Or at least to just regularly update my phone calendar and reminders whenever a new task comes in, so whenever you have free time, you can check the list of things you need to complete.

Next, I allocate a specific amount of time to complete those tasks. For example, squash training: 2 hours. Or, economics chapter 10 reading: 1 hour 30 min. This really helps me properly

plan my time out and has the added benefit of making me really look forward to my free time!

Lastly and most importantly, I make sure I have time to myself and take breaks when I need them!!! Breaks are very important to keep you going in the long run, so I definitely schedule these in when deserved. Remember - work hard, play hard!

Life as an elite junior can be challenging at times but it’s also extremely rewarding. To all my teammates and training partners, thank you for training with me, and I hope we continue to win all our matches this season!

Paige Hill

Your best squash shot/attribute?“Volley!”

Your biggest weakness on the squash court?“I'll keep that to myself. I'm still playing in the league!”

Favourite food in HK?“Dim Sum!”

Favourite thing/place about HK?“The weather and that everything is so convenient!”

Something that surprised you the most about HK?“The pace!”

Your favourite sport apart from squash?“Football!”

Something you miss most about Spain?“The Ham!”

Where would you go for your next holiday (once we can travel more freely)?“Spain, definitely!”

DECEMBER 2021 25

SQUASH

NETBALL

MESSAGE FROM CHAIRWOMAN

After a year of disruption, and more recently, two unexpected T8s, I’m happy to report

the senior league has been going swimmingly. This season, the DSA entered 5 competitive teams, spanning across 3 divisions. It’s hard to believe, at the time of writing, we’re entering week 6 - halfway through the ladies league.

In other news, we're thrilled to share our very own Kayla Graham has been selected to represent the Australian

U17 Netball Squad 2021/22. Kayla Rose through our junior programme, inheriting exceptional court skills from her mum Cassie Grham who was an ex-Club player. Massive congratulations. We're so proud of you!

With Halloween that has come and gone, I suspect somewhere, someone is defrosting Mariah Carey for the holiday season ahead. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

Natacha Cuvelier

MATCH REPORTS

Whirlies have had a strong start to the season with a great winning streak (long may it continue!). Hantang Chilin did not surprise us with their hunger for every ball and their zone defence set-up. However, the Whirlwinds were constantly fighting back. With a very close first half, Whirlies were only up by one point and had a lot more to give. We had some beautiful shots from the shooters and reacted eagerly to get those intercepts in the defensive third. Whirlies pulled through with a final result of -22-13. Another win … fantastic job ladies!

Adele Rooney

WHIRLWINDS VS HANTANG CHILINMonday, 25th October 2021

Club went into the match v Sonics knowing it would be a tough game, but also ready for the challenge ahead. With so many new faces this season, Club are lucky to have lots of combinations to put out on the court, and there is no doubt that as these connections grow, the team will just get stronger and stronger. Sonics made a strong start and probably benefited from a team that had little change from the previous season.

CLUB VS SONICSMonday, 11th October 2021

Q1 5 - 9 | Q2 9 - 12 | Q3 7 - 12 | Q4 7 - 12

FINAL SCORE 45 - 28

In what was a very physical game, Club defence worked tirelessly to apply pressure and stop the ball going through to what was a very accurate shooting circle.

As the game went on, fresh legs and new combos continued to enter the court in what continues to be an excellent learning curve for all. Despite the defeat, there is no doubt that this is a team that will continue to grow, and I think we are all looking forward to getting back on court and continuing to work towards our united goal!

Suzanne Gardner

26 CLUB MAGAZINE

SPORTS

On Monday, the 18th of October at Wong Chuk Hang, Hurricanes took on the Giants for our third match of the season. From the first centre pass, Hurricanes were ready for the game ahead. It was a close game with Hurricanes being down at half time by 1 point. During the third and fourth quarters, we were able to win it back with the final score being 37-29 to Hurricanes.

Maia McGunnigle

HURRICANES VS GIANTSMonday, 18th October 2021

The night had arrived ... Cyclones first 9pm game and of all games, it was against their top contenders for top of the division - Valley Jaguars!

Tick … Warm up done ... the Cyclones way - a quick few jumps in the air!

Tick ... Pre-Match briefing ... the Cyclones way - a quick chat about the week!

Tick ... Bibs on ... the Cyclones way - we do that the right way!

Bell dings and let’s get this game started! With tensions high, Cyclones were determined to own it! With no time to lose, the defence were on it. We may not have had the first centre pass, but with GD and WD on fire, the ball was intercepted, and we were heading the right way, and GA and GS did not let Cyclones down! By the end of the first quarter, we were winning –6-4.

CYCLONES VS VALLEY JAGUARSMonday, 25th October 2021

CYCLONES 17 - VALLEY JAGUARS 19

A quick drink and with a bounce in their step, the second quarter began. Cyclones were on a mission! With yet another great team effort, the half time score was –12-8.

The final half of the game was fuelled by a few fruit pastilles to boost the team’s energy! This was like watching a tennis match when the Cyclones scored, then the Jaguars came right back and scored …it was neck and neck! Could the Cyclones hold them off ...

We were down to the final four minutes, and it was 17-17. In the final few moments the fruit pastel energy finally ran out and the Valley Jaguars took the lead. It was a superb game to watch and one each Cyclone player should be proud of themselves!

Jane Wakeman

Second game of the season on a hot evening! HKFC Tornadoes started off trailing by 5 goals (4-9) after a nervous first quarter as turnovers happened in quick succession and a lack of opportunities to score. Swift changes were made in the attack and centre third by coach Rachael with immediate impact in the second quarter, Tornadoes scoring 7 goals to Leopards’ 6 bringing the half time score to 11-15. Both attack and defence were switched on during the final quarters, keeping things close and resulting in a final

TORNADOES VS VALLEY LEOPARDSMonday, 4th October 2021

score of 22-28 to Valley Leopards. Player of the match goes to Leanne Claxton who grew in confidence and court presence as the game went on. Special thanks to Cyclones for coming to our aid, especially to Jodie Coutts, stepping in to help the team plagued by sickness, injuries and one team member in quarantine. Kudos to HKFC Tornadoes for coming together in a short space of time and providing a taste of what’s to come as the team continues to improve in the new season!

Karen Long

DECEMBER 2021 27

NETBALL

FROM THE CONVENERS

We are so happy that games are underway with the HKNA autumn tournaments. After the first week coinciding with the typhoon, we have had a mix of weather and hope that the coming weeks will be

on the cooler side! The HKFC JNA looks great in their new kit and thank you to Phoenix Daly and Kirsty Hulme for getting the design and kit organised. See our action shots and game writes on this and the next page. Well done players and coaches for an amazing start to season 2021/22.

Rebecca Thompson and Mary Vlogianitis

Icicles have opened their season with a storming first two days of competition. In intense heat at Fa Hui on 16th October, Icicles kept a double clean sheet to beat MLSA Galaxy 15-0 and HKCC Hwamei 9-0. Composed and quick, Icicles worked hard to stay in space and were rewarded for their efforts in keeping the ball and getting it through to the shooters.

In keeping with the first weekend of cooler weather, on 23rd October Icicles blew in like a blizzard and stormed through their first match of the day against HKCC Hwamei with an impressive 10-0 win. The second match against the Stingrays was a nail biter, and they were the most competitive team Icicles have played this season. Tied 2-2 at half time, Icicles tracked Stingrays every goal in the second half before clinching victory with 7-4 with two swift goals. Well played Icicles!

Jo Charter

After what feels like the longest hiatus, it was finally time for Lightning to head back out to the courts in Fa Hui. The excitement of playing a game against different opposition was palpable! The girls translated their energy into playing some wonderful flowing netball, connecting brilliantly down the court as if it was more like the end rather than the start of the season.

It was an absolute joy to watch the numerous fabulous interceptions in defence turning the ball over, to the mid court girls holding their runs perfectly and finishing off with superb shooting from all of the shooters. The energy levels were impressive in the relentless heat and the play was accurately reflected in the score, with the girls winning 24-5.

Well done Lightning, keep it up!

Mel Miers

NETBALL

U10S NETTA ICICLES

U12S LIGHTNING

HKNA

AUTUMN TOURNAMENTS

28 CLUB MAGAZINE

SPORTS

As a team of players who are mostly new to U12 competition, the Snowstorms girls had an amazing first game with a fantastic 15-6 win over DB Rascals. Our shooting combinations worked really well with beautiful shooter-to-shooter passes which led to great shots by Valerie, Isabella, and Scarlett. The midcourters kept what we practiced at training in mind and Marlee, Pippa, and Elsie all had great spacing and drives to the ball. Last, but certainly not least, our defenders put up a very tough performance against much taller shooters, with Lucy, Kathleen, and Eloisa all keeping the pressure up throughout the game using hands over the ball and good positioning.

Aqru Chan

A great start to the season for the Blizzards, and while their first game against the Sonic Unicorns was tough, the team held them out until the final quarter eventually losing 6-11. Mid-week training saw the team focus on intercepts and passing which meant they were ready to hit the court the following week against the HKCC Starlings. Practice paid off with the Blizzards delivering a strong defensive, which was action-packed with intercepts and fast passes resulting in the team’s first win of the season 9–1. Great to see the team working together and enjoying the game.

Deanne Hurley

For our first game of the season, we were facing ISF Qilin. Temperature was high and the court was bathed in sunshine ... but only in one half Luckily for the first quarter, it wasn’t our shooting half! The girls quickly found their footing, passing the ball down to the shooters and goals were going in. Our play then changed to the sunny area, ISF got on the scoresheet but not too many as our defenders did a great job of blocking and feeding back through the line to our goal area. A great 28-13 win for the team, with only one sub and a borrowed team member from U14’s! Thanks to Coach Alfreda, and well played team!

Karen Beattie

In perfect conditions and even light from an overcast sky, Mavericks played a solid first half against ISF, with both teams applying strong defensive pressure to turn the ball over. A half-time scoreline of 17-13 seemed a fair indication of the even play, and no one expected our girls to click into high gear and pile on 16 unanswered points in the third quarter! It was a display of quick passing, strong attacking defence and efficient goal scoring. To their credit, ISF kept up their efforts in the last quarter, and outscored us 8-6, but the damage was done, and at the final bell, the score was 39-21, Mavericks.

Tom Allen

After losing half the team to boarding school and therefore forming a completely new team with girls who have never played together before, Twisters managed to win their first two games. In the first game against DB Black Pearls, Twisters comfortably won with an amazing score of 43-10 with Grace winning the MIP. Then coming against Cricket Club, they were nervous and had to have a few players come and help them because of injuries, but they came out with a close win of 16-14 after a tough last quarter with the whole team fighting for the ball. Special shoutout to Megan who won MVP for both games with her hard work in the centre constantly wanting the ball and supporting her team.

Sara John

U12S SNOWSTORMS

U12S BLIZZARDS

2 games played ... 2 games won, including a massive 39-2 victory over Valley Pumas! A fantastic start to the season for Thunder. The players are showing a positive and determined attitude on and off the court, and it’s looking like a great season ahead. Huge shout out to Coach Adele whose experience, enthusiasm and support are clearly having an impact.

Dawn McGrain

U14S THUNDER

U16S RED RAIN

U19S TWISTERS

U19S MAVERICKS

DECEMBER 2021 29

NETBALL

CHRISTMAS MESSAGEFROM THE CHAIRMAN

TENNIS

On behalf of the TS Committee, I’d like to wish everyone a Happy Christmas, and I hope you have a relaxing time with your family and friends

over this festive season.

Thank you to all the players, seniors and juniors, team captains, parents and our coaches for playing, participating and supporting our league matches, social competitions and socials events on and off the courts.

It’s been a busy and fun winter season, and it’s great to see everyone enjoying their tennis.

Stay safe and healthy and see you all in 2022! Best Wishes

Jonathan Quach Chairman, Tennis Society

At 11am, we started with the third round of the Junior series Red Ball tournament. 8 players under

the age of 8 competed in a Round Robin format. This allows the children to gain valuable competition experience by playing a match against every player. The youngest competitor at the age of 4 did an amazing job and was full of energy and fought hard for every ball.

We had new and returning players joining the tournament, and the overall standard of play was exceptional, with many of the games being very close, coming down to a deciding point.

Karios Johnston won 1st Place, Taylor Booth came in 2nd and Hugh Cheng finished 3rd.

Following the red ball event, the older children (under 9 years old) came in for the Orange Ball tournament.

RED AND ORANGE BALL

Saturday, 16th October

JUNIOR SERIES EVENT

30 CLUB MAGAZINE

SPORTS

SERIES EVENT RESULTS

RED BALL JUNIOR

ORANGE BALL JUNIORThe young talent coming through the programme at this level at the moment is fantastic. They are really enjoying their tennis and competition. This tournament also consisted of 8 players and once again allowed for a lot of matches to be played over the two hour time slot.

Jake Long put in a dominant performance to win all his matches and take home 1st prize.

A close second, 5 points behind was Callum Ewing and coming in 3rd Place was Jackson Guenot.

The quality of the tennis was amazing and very entertaining for the parents. A great day of tennis in both Red and Orange ball competitions was had by all! We are looking forward to finals of the mini tennis series to be held in early December.

SPORTMANSHIP AWARD

Red Ball Anne Cheng

Orange Ball Lachlan Lau

Taylor Booth

2nd Place

Callum Ewing

2nd Place

Hugh Cheng

3rd Place

Jackson Guenot

3rd Place

Karios Johnston1st Place

Jake Long1st Place

DECEMBER 2021 31

TENNIS

After a 4+ year hiatus, the long-awaited Cup of Nations team competition was back in action

over the weekend of 30th to 31st October. This year’s format saw all teams battling it out over 2 days of tennis. Eight teams of 4 players (2 men, 2 women) joined together to play for their country of origin. Although 6 out 8 teams brought in ‘guest nationalities’, team Jamaica seemed to miss that part of the brief completely as not one of their players was Jamaican. However, their costumes and spirit made up for the ‘oversight’.

ATA HKFC coaches Nathan and Toby organised and ran the event, creating a fun team competition format with 2 rounds robin groups. Each match-up was comprised of a men’s doubles match, a women’s doubles match and 2 mixed doubles matches.

A ‘bonus’ singles round to earn your team extra points saw a number of players reaching for some ‘liquid courage’ to get themselves mentally ready for their first game of singles in years.

On the Saturday evening, players enjoyed courtside dinner and drinks, while some returned to the courts for even more tennis ... alongside various creative drinking games.

CUP OF CUP OF NATIONSNATIONSCUP OF NATIONS

On Sunday morning, bright and early after a courtside champions breakfast, i.e. bacon baps and coffee, players took to the courts for their last round robin pool match. It was easy to spot the players who had been at a Halloween party the night before. The last round robin was followed by the play-offs to determine this year’s champion team, taking home the coveted Cup of Nations, and other prizes supplied by ATA.

Winning Team: Cartz Crew 2nd Runners-up: Italians do it better

Runners-up: Jamaica

Winning Team

CARTZ CREW

Josh Carter, Dan Di Santo, Hanyan Healy, Aki Hashimoto

Runners-up

JAMAICA

Guillermo Medina, Claudia Anticona, Vicky Hui, Alex Wilton

2nd Runners-up

ITALIANS DO IT BETTER

Mario Riccio, Anthony Su, Katy Chandler, Lin Dawsuk

Best Dressed Team

GARUDA

Ryan Swallow, Grace Swallow, Bill King, Natalie Ng

TENNIS

32 CLUB MAGAZINE

SPORTS

The Tennis Society is so proud of your achievement during a difficult 2020/21 COVID-19

season. Captained by Job Tang, the 16 strong team fought for every match whenever it was available and after 4 wins, 1 loss and 2 draws, the Team were crowned joint Runners-up.

Note from Job - If you are 'Old' enough, you're welcome to join the Monday afternoon Squad!

HKFC Tennis Society is extremely proud of two of our members

- Nathan Booth and Mario Riccio who made their way through to the finals of the Hong Kong ITF Seniors National Tournament held at Victoria Park

25th to 31st October.

On Friday 29th Nathan was on court early for the Mens 40+ Singles

Final against a tough opponent. The first set was lost, but he fought back

ITF TOURNAMENT REVIEWand pushed the second set to a tie-break going down 2/6 6/7.

Not only did Nathan challenge himself in the singles, alongside Mario Riccio, our two Mens A+ Team players entered the Mens 40+ Doubles. They hit the court later that day for a nail-biting final match culminating in two tie-break losses 6/7 6/7.

Looking forward to seeing the lads entering more competitions in the future!

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR HKFC SUPER SENIOR TEAM!

SUPER SENIOR LEAGUE

SUPER SENIOR LEAGUE PLAYERS

Job Tang, Captain Helen Ormerod Kan

Katy Wan Irene Ang Eric Fan

Kenneth Lam Patrick Poon

Philip Tam Ringo Leung

Rosemary Prio Stephen Knight Ka Keung Law Thomas Tang

Wickham Shek Yan Han

Yoke Ming Ong

DECEMBER 2021 33

TENNIS

Whilst Covid has caused huge disruption to the Golf Society’s event calendar during 2020/21, it has not stopped a very successful pursuit of sponsors for the Society. In view of our recent achievements in this area, we are pleased to announce various events and initiatives which make membership of the Golf Society even more attractive for 2022.

Reduced Golf Society membership fee for 2022 The membership fee for 2022 will be lowered by HK$250 to only HK$500 for the whole of 2022.

Increased green fee subsidy for all Golf Society events in 2022 The subsidy for green fees on all golf events for 2022 will be increased to 50% from the current 30%.

Fanling golf events We have also been able to secure 9 bookings at the Hong Kong Golf Club for 8 flights of 32 members for each booking, starting with one on 15th October 2021 and continuing with 8 monthly bookings from January to August 2022 inclusive.

HKFC F&B Vouchers for our golf event winners We have now introduced HKFC F&B vouchers valued at HK$400, HK$300 and HK$200 respectively for the winner, runner up and 3rd place positions in all our Golf Society events.

30th Year Anniversary Next year the Golf Society will be celebrating its 30th year, and we plan to hold special golf and social events throughout the year especially for our members to mark this milestone. More details to follow.

Happy Golfing

Phil Head Chairman, Golf Society

CHRISTMAS CHEER COMES EARLY!

GOLF

NEVER A BETTER TIME TO JOIN THE GOLF SOCIETY

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34 CLUB MAGAZINE

SPORTS

Finally the Hong Kong weather is relenting from the summer heat and the typhoon season. Today

was 25 degrees with an autumn breeze. Ideal conditions to enjoy golf. We teed off at 10, so the sun was up and shining right above us the whole time.

The first group to tee off were Kien Ng, Jenny Chapman, JP Cuvelier and Nickolas Dalais. I gave the nearest-to-pin flags to Kien to set out on all the par 3s. However, when we played the first two par 3s, there was no nearest-to-pin flag, there and I wondered if they had forgotten to put them out? After the round, I found out JP had actually printed out the first page of the pairing and he just missed printing the second page, so he missed putting the flags in the first two hole for the NTP!

Playing alongside me were two retired civil servants, Louis Lau and Thomas Choi. Louis Lau has been a HKFC member for over 30 years and this is the first time he joined our GS event, so welcome aboard. He has just finished a knee surgery so he couldn’t stand for

long periods of time. At 75 years of age, he can still swing his drive 200 yards! You will be amazed by his short game ability. He can always get up and down to save par!

There are some highlights for the nearest to pin on hole 13, a short par 3 with 120 yards slightly downhill. This hole’s difficulty is very dependent on the wind which is hard to judge from the tee box. Nickolas Dalais put his approach shot just 2 inches away from the flag by using his pitching wedge, almost a hole out for him! Easy tap-in birdie, but sadly no free drinks all round!

I managed to continue my recent good play, hitting the first 11 greens in regulation! I still managed to be 2 over par thanks to 3 three-putts. Clearly, some work was needed in that department. However, golf requires concentration for a long period of time, and mine broke down on the 12th where I decided to go for the par 4 green off

GOLFOUTING

the tee, and so had to wait quite a while to play. As usual, after a long wait for a glory shot, I hit a horror left resulting in a lost ball. This gave me a double bogey which of course rattled me, so I rapidly picked up a few more bogeys. Luckily my hot start was enough to allow me to stagger over the line for a winning 8 over par 80.

Happy Golfing

Ted Li

Choi Tak Kwan Thomas on a rather daunting par three

Lau Chung Sing Louisand Choi Tak Kwan Thomas

LONGEST DRIVE

Men Ted Li

Ladies Dori Dainton

NEAREST TO THE PIN

Hole 8 Dorothy Lam

Hole 13 Nickolas Dalais

Hole 15 JP Cuvelier

2 SHOT NEAREST TO THE PIN

Hole 12 Christopher Mihatov

Finally the Belgian stopped waffling.

Kau Sai Chau East Course Thursday, 28th October 2021

GOLF

DECEMBER 2021 35

THE NORTH THE NORTH SOUTH SOUTH TROPHYTROPHY

THE NORTH SOUTH TROPHYKau Sai Chau South Course Monday, 11th October 2021

GOLF

The Country Clubbers drew this match in 2018 in Macau and after losing narrowly last time out in

Clearwater Bay, were looking to get their first “W” this year. They put out a team who are almost all members of either Clearwater Bay, Hong Kong Golf Club or Shek O, so we responded with a team good enough to beat any opponents, even with a few withdrawals.

The weekend had brought us a Black Rainstorm Signal and Typhoon Lionrock, with a T3 Signal being enough to close

The North South Trophy is an annual fixture first played in 2015, and over the years, has been played at Kau Sai Chau, Clearwater Bay and in Macau. It was unfortunately not played last year due to the pandemic, so this “Hong Kong Island derby” was even more eagerly anticipated than normal.

the course. Fortunately, the T8 Signal had come down around midnight on Sunday. As we arrived into Sai Kung, whilst the gusty winds remained to keep us cool and tested, all typhoon signals were down and the sun was starting to break through.

Given lots of heavy rain since Friday, the following local ruling was agreed by both Captains:

“Preferred lies in closely mown areas. i.e. fairways and areas around the green cut to fairway height or less. Mark your ball and lift, clean and place within a scorecard length of your original ball position.”

Our lead pair of Marco Jorge and Chris Burley were taking on their Captain and HKGA Rules Official Roy Lee and Alfred Siu. A few mistakes by HKFC meant 2 down early doors and some concern that the match may get away. However, our pair started to gel before the turn and clawed themselves back to complete a very tidy 4 and 3 victory.

The next contest took place between Justin Faulkner and Matt Keefe against Harvey Lee and Albert Rodrigues. Matt was excited about making his debut and was put in good hands with Justin’s experience of such matches. No need for any worries in this one, as the Sports Road pair turned on the auto pilot for another win 4 and 3.

Jonny Brock partnered Malou Waldie in their match against Albert Cheung

HKFC GOLF SOCIETY V. THE HONG KONG COUNTRY CLUB GOLF SOCIETY

Malou wins the most difficult nearest the pin.

It's coming home (again).

36 CLUB MAGAZINE

SPORTS

The penultimate flight paired Bill King and Helen Hayward against Michael Leung and Jasmine Chee. Jasmine is part of the Hong Kong National Team and a US collegiate golfer, playing off an accomplished +1.2 handicap. Bill won’t mind me telling you he is undergoing golf lessons for a swing rebuild and even had me taking a video of his swing on the practice range! Jasmine was getting irritated with the odd bogey but kept her composure enough to shoot a tidy gross 73, together with Michael contributing on a few holes. It was enough to take their match 2 and 1.

Our anchor pairing brought together Terry Wright and Henry Lai squaring off against Simon Cheung and David Lam. Not too many shots being given/received in this high quality contest. Simon is forever the gentlemen and refused to use the drop zones, even when having a bad day. Not sure what his partner made of that! Clearly, that would contribute to any downfall, and with our pair being too consistent, we took this match 5 and 4. Therefore, HKFC won the contest 5-1.

Most stayed on for drinks and snacks at the 19th hole. It was great to see the Country Club folks again, always a fun and social match - and weren’t we super lucky with the weather, just about getting that small gap between the two Typhoons! Note: I am tapping out this report as Typhoon Kompasu batters Hong Kong. Lady Luck does even out and she was certainly on our side this time.

Andrew Wood Captain, Golf Society

LONGEST DRIVE

Hole 15 Jasmine Chee

NEAREST TO THE PIN

Hole 2 Marco Jorge

Hole 5 Jonny Brock

Hole 11 Bill King

Hole 16 Malou Waldie

DRIVE/PITCH

Hole 8 Rustom Jokhi

(ex-Captain Simon Cheung’s father) and Esther Ma. With Malou not missing a fairway and Jonny floating in a ball to a mere 2” on the par 3 14th hole (yes, he did get his birdie!), it was choking any attempt from the opposition to get a foothold in this match. Suffice to say, a big victory ensued 7 and 5. In hindsight, as Albert is 74 years old, perhaps we should consider in future matches, anyone over 65 years old warrants playing off the next forward tees?

So, with the first three matches going our way and the trophy therefore retained for another year, all we needed was a half point for outright victory with three chances to do so. Could our next pair bring home the bacon and shut the door?

Andrew Wood and Nick Allen looked a decent bet on paper to bring home that half point against Rustom Jokhi and Patric Gigele. Clearly, the HKFC pair were living up to the task as they raced to 6 up after only 8 holes. Then came the comeback and a slight wobble as the debutant Big Austrian chef started to nail his long ball much straighter. However, the holes were running out now for the Southsiders as it went back to 6 up to the good guys after 12 holes. With the finishing line in sight, a birdie from Andrew on the 4th hole (our 13th hole) proved lucky for some, closing out the match for another thumping 7 and 5 win. Gross 6 over par better ball from the Happy Valley pair was ham and egg play at its finest. Overall match position now 4-0 and the trophy defended in style!

Jonny edging out Marco on the 14th hole

Bill proves he can hit the ball straight and close to the pin.

Jonny all smiles after nearest hole-in-one!

Malou wins the most difficult nearest to pin.

Marco in the house

GOLF

DECEMBER 2021 37

GOLF

BADMINTON

PRESIDENT CUP 2021

TOURNAMENT REPORT

YMCA YOUTH AGE DIVISION TEAM TOURNAMENT 2021

Our team of JAMs participated in a team event on 14th October 2021. They were challenged by some of the high level junior players and fought to lose by 1:3 in the quarterfinal. Team players definitely won themselves the experience, team work and friendship.

Left to right: Society secretary Peggy Lee and JAM Curtis Cheah, Kenneth Chau,

Thomas Lee, and Ethan Choy made the club proud

Team coach John Leung (left 3) leading the team

This year, the Society team has entered the most number of teams as well as beaten some of

the strongest teams in Hong Kong in the mixed team event. HKFC entered a total of 4 teams in the HKBA President Cup 2021 including elementary level mixed team, and intermediate level mixed, ladies’ and men’s teams. The intermediate level mixed team has excelled themselves by winning the 1st runner-up over a narrow margin of 2:3 against South China Athletic Association. SPM, JAM, and performance junior players all fought together to win not only a medal but friendship and teamwork. SPM Lam Chun Tin in his singles event

JJAM Anthony Chuang and Hyman Cheung fought their hardest in the doubles event.

38 CLUB MAGAZINE

SPORTS

SPORTS PREFERRED AND JUNIOR ASSOCIATE MEMBERS REPORT

SOCIETY EVENT REPORTS

Saloni Mehta and Happy Cheng, our JAMs and current full time national team players, entered into the semi-finals of the Hong Kong Badminton Championships.

Congratulations to our performance junior Hyman Cheung and JAM Coraline Lo (national team player) for winning a competitive open age mixed doubles competition in Yuen Long District.

BOC HK Badminton ChampionshipsYuen Long Open Doubles Competition 2021

UPCOMING CALENDAR

Club Championship 2021

Friday, 3rd December 2021

The Badminton Society of the HKFC will be holding the first internal

Club Championship!

Inter-Club Friendly Match with Ladies Recreation Club

Tuseday, 7th December 2021

Reminder to sign up for the social friendly in Ladies Recreation Club.

Year End Party

Friday, 17th December 2021

Stay tuned for our year end party!

LADDER COMPETITION 2021The Society finally held the championship game for the first ladder competition in October 2021. There are a lot of positive feedbacks, and the Society committee is hoping to make it a seasonal event.

Our junior players have excelled in various local badminton competitions. Curtis Cheah and Thomas Lee, both JAMs, have won the 1st runner-up in Central District Badminton Competition, and entered quarterfinal in HKBA Bronze Level Competition as quarterfinalists in the Yuen Long Family Badminton Competition as U12 boys’ singles champion respectively.

Central District Age Division Competition 2021 and Tuen Mun Family Badminton Competition 2021

Open Men’s Singles: coach John Leung, Hyman Cheung, Kenny Ng and Anthony Chuang junior players and JAM

Open Men’s Doubles: SPM Ivan Ho and Lam Chun Tin won the 1st runner-up

Open Ladies’ Doubles: SPM Hoey Mok received her championship medals for partner Emily Chow

U14 Boys’ Singles: Our JAM Ethan Choy and Curtis Cheah are the 1st and 2nd runner-up respectively

U14 Girls’ Doubles: JAM Coraline Lo and her partner are the 1st runner.

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DECEMBER 2021 39

BADMINTON

EXERCISE OF THE MONTH

BY COACH WILL

FUNCTION

This exercise helps to strengthen the back side of your arms, which will eventually help for your pushing movement

TRICEPS EXTENSION WITH ROPE

TRICEPS EXTENSION WITH ROPE

You can start putting this exercise into your workout program by doing 3 sets of 10-15 repetitions (for functional hypertrophy / muscle endurance).

Attach a rope to the high pulley cable machine

1 Hold the rope with a neutral grip (thumbs pointing up, palms facing in)

2 Slightly bend your knee, hinge your hip back and lean forward

3 Before you start, keep your elbow close and stable next to your torso

4 Extend the elbows and pull the rope downward to initiate the movement

5 Squeeze your triceps by separating the rope at the bottom of the movement

6 Slowly control the weight back down

FITNESS CENTRE

DECEMBER 2021 41

42 CLUB MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2021 43

In the Coffee Shop

FROM WEDNESDAY, 1ST DECEMBER

Nourishing Drinks

Back by popular demand!

Try these Nourishing Drinks throughout the month of December.

Festive Celebrations at the Club!

Welcome 2022 and bid farewell to 2021!

List of offerings in various food and beverage outlets. Don’t forget our festive programmes. You may refer to page 47 for details.

In the Restaurant

ON FRIDAY, 10TH DECEMBER

Long Meadow Ranch Wine Dinner

Sustainable and organic farming methods that produce elegant, balanced wine

Price: HK$738 for member HK$788 for member’s guests

Time: 7:30pm welcome drinks followed by dinner

Limited seats available

In the Chairman’s Bar

FROM WEDNESDAY, 1 ST DECEMBER

Naughty but Nice Christmas Cocktails

In the Sportsman’s Bar

IN DECEMBER

The 2nd Annual Worst Christmas Sweater Contest

Wear your ugliest sweater throughout the month of December and get your second pint of beer free.

Enter the contest to be the ugliest of the year and win prizes sponsored by Carlsberg.

HIGHLIGHTS IN DECEMBER

Scan the QR Code

for Christmas Hamper

Scan the QR Code

for Coffee ShopTakeaway Form

44 CLUB MAGAZINE

FOOD & BEVERAGE

In the Restaurant

Festive Christmas Dishes

In the Coffee Shop

Buffet Theme: Christmas Buffet Dinner Takeaway: Christmas Items

In the Coffee Shop

Buffet Theme: Neo China Monthly Special: Korean Bibimbap Takeaway: Daily Roast Items

In the Sportsman’s Bar

Indian Curries Cooking Station at the Front Patio Daily Special: Your Comfort Food Beverage: New Draught Beers and draft your New Year’s Resolutions

In the Restaurant

Winter Casserole Recipes

In the Chairman’s Bar

Mangalica Pig Dishes Beverage: Fortified Winter Warmers - Sherry and Port

In the Chairman’s Bar

One Plate Festive Platter Set Tea: Winter Theme Beverage: Christmas Cocktails

In the Sportsman’s Bar

Turkey and Ham Carving Station Beverage: Mulled Wine

In the Captain’s Bar

Puff the Magic Dragons Puffs Beverage: Mulled Wine

In the Family Lounge

Mince Pie Beverage: Eggnog with spirits

In the Kiosk

Christmas Hampers and Goodies

PREVIEWIN 2022

In the Lockhart Room

SATURDAY, 11TH DECEMBER SUNDAY, 12TH DECEMBER“Christmas with Champagne” Wine Fair

In the Restaurant

FRIDAY, 10TH DECEMBERLong Meadow Ranch Wine Dinner

In the Happy Valley Suites

THURSDAY, 16TH DECEMBERRest of the World Wine Masterclass

WINE EVENTS

The Year of The Tiger

Known for their fierly passion, sense of adventure and fearlessness. The tiger is the symbol of power in Chinese culture. The F&B team have planned for a list of offerings to celebrate this important date in Chinese culture.

The Annual Lion Dance performance will be held on Sunday, 6th February 2022 together with the Sunday Brunch at the Happy Valley Suites.

In the Lockhart Room

SATURDAY, 22ND JANUARY SUNDAY, 23RD JANUARYChinese New Year Goodies and Wine

In the Restaurant

FRIDAY, 28TH JANUARYRothschild Around the World

THURSDAY, 13TH JANUARY“Cheese Scene” – Cheese and Wine Pairing

WINE EVENTS

DECEMBER 2021 45

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MONTH

T: 2830 9562E: restaurant@hkfc.com

T: 2830 9569E: coffeeshop@hkfc.com

T: 2830 9531E: sportsmans@hkfc.com

T: 2830 9559E: bar@hkfc.com

T: 2837 2622E: bar@hkfc.com

T: 2837 2663E: bar@hkfc.com

T: 2830 9531E: coffeeshop@hkfc.com

T: 2837 2678E: kiosk@hkfc.com

T: 2830 9513E: catering@hkfc.com

FestiveHighlightsDECEMBER 2021 HKFC

CHRISTMAS CAROLS BY THE HONG KONG WELSH MALE VOICE CHOIR

Mulled wine and mince pies available after the choir to share their joy!

To be environmentally friendly, this year we will have the online song sheet available via a QR code which you can scan here or on the night at the Christmas Carols event.

CHRISTMAS QUIZ NIGHT AT THE SPORTSMAN’S BAR

Buffet start from 7pm and quiz start from 8:30pm sharp.

With opening performance by the Hong Kong Pipe Band. Team up now!

MONDAY

6thTHURSDAY

9th

CHRISTMAS WINE FAIR

Time to stock up your bar with some champagne and fine wine. Let’s plan ahead for your home party!

Venue: Lockhart Room, 2/F Time: 1:30pm – 6:30pm daily

SUNDAY

26th

Join us at the foyer on the 2nd floor at 7:30pm to kick off your New Year’s Eve Dinner with entertainment.

During your dinner in the Restaurant and the Happy Valley Suites, there will be “live” music to help you see out the old and bring in the new.

FAREWELL TO 2021 AND WELCOME 2022!

FRIDAY

31st

SATURDAY

11thSUNDAY

12th

CHRISTMAS PERFORMANCE BY THE HONG KONG PIPE BAND

Two sessions will be arranged after lunch and before dinner. Come early to the Club to enjoy!

With photo opportunities.

FROM 7PM

Scan the QR Code for the online song sheet

FESTIVE HIGHLIGHTS

DECEMBER 2021 47

HALLOWEEN CUP CAKEDECORATION CLASS FLASH BACK

48 CLUB MAGAZINE

FOOD & BEVERAGE

THEDOLLARENDMEMORIES OFAN OLD BOWLER

I arrived in Hong Kong from Johannesburg in mid October 1978 for six weeks and experienced a massive, extraordinary

cultural and environmental shock. From spacious surroundings, personal space in South Africa to Hong Kong, the bustling metropolis, the crowded pavements in Central, the taxis, trams, buses and ferries. The heat and the humidity, which felt like walking into a hot wet blanket, after leaving the cool of the air conditioned buildings.

I returned to Hong Kong in mid January 1979 and managed to secure a reasonably sized flat in Robinson Road for $4,500 a month. The office in D’Aguilar Street was very cramped. I remember being very impressed when at midday on my first day, a small man arrived in reception with a bamboo pole across his shoulders supporting two sets of wrapped receptacles containing the staff lunch,

which prompted the sudden appearance of a folding table and chairs for the eagerly awaited staff lunch break. It was considered an honour to be invited to share a lunch with the staff.

After several weekend trips by ferry to Lamma, other outlying islands and in discussion with Expats I met, it became apparent that membership of a club was a priority for recreational and social purposes, as well as my own personal

well-being. Fortunately, I met two friends who were members of the HKFC. They kindly offered to propose and second my application for membership, which was duly submitted and shortly after, I was invited to attend an interview with the Membership Committee. I confirmed my wish to join the Club and be an active member of the Hockey and Lawn Bowls Sections. At 41 years of age, my rugby playing days were well behind me. I was advised by the Club that I could become a temporary member for six months while my membership was being processed. During that time, I could play sport and purchase drinks with prepaid coupons, but I would have no access to the food outlets. Once I started playing, bowls members like Alan Robertson, Bill Chapman and some others would on occasion order food on their account for me and l paid them cash. Six months later my membership was approved, l paid the HKD 5,000 membership fee and became a full member.

The Club facilities in those days consisted

Alan Wright

The Club House, near the time of its 1977-78 refurbishment, and the HKFC

bowling green present a tranquil setting.

HKFC Lawn Bowls 2nd Division champions in 1979.

Back row, left to right: Jack Duncan and Alan Robertson ( both future Club Chairman), Barry Cuthbert, Alec Reeve, Ron Bagrie, Jim Dickson

Front: Mike Lawson, Rashid Gafoor, Jimmy Burns, Peter Finlay, Harry Madar, John Baillie

by Alan Wright

DECEMBER 2021 49

THE CLUB HISTORY

DECEMBER 2021 49

of a grey concrete Stadium seating about 9,000 spectators, which was the original venue for the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens from the early 70’s until it was moved to the Hong Kong Stadium as it became a major international event. Under the Stadium seating there was some covered car parking on the West end. The changing rooms were under the East end with two full-sized squash courts, and offices under the South stand and staff accommodation under the North stand. The Bowling Green was then the centrepiece of the Club being positioned between the Stadium, the entrance on Sports Road and the two-storey Club House on Wong Nai Chung Road. To the north of the bowling green was the swimming pool complex adjacent to the CCC. Included a 25m pool, baby pool, sun decks and a food kiosk.

The Club House accommodation included on the ground floor - a small coffee shop, snooker room and bar. An external staircase gave access to a restaurant with views across the bowling green and kitchen on the first floor. The restaurant and coffee shop was subcontracted to Kirin Catering and managed by Mr Chan. The menu was more “clubby” in those days. Favourites included - curried prawns, sweet and sour pork, egg fu yung, caramel custard, steamed ginger pudding, etc.

In the late 80’s, the Stadium was largely demolished. The pitch was relocated, and open parking was provided along Sports Road. The north stand was replaced by a Sports Centre with Sports

bar, viewing terrace and changing rooms on the ground floor. A large open roof terrace, indoor sports hall and small fitness centre on the first floor, with a tennis court on the roof. Referred to as the “Blue Box”. The open terrace on the first floor was later converted into a function room, with meeting rooms and the entire building renovated. The completion of this project coincided with the Jockey Club offering to redevelop the entire Club as we know it today.

The first time l ventured onto the hallowed turf of the Club bowling green was on a Saturday afternoon. I didn’t have flat soled shoes, and some well-worn shoes with no laces were found. An Australian

“Old-timer” Selwyn Andrews very kindly offered to coach me for the afternoon, a warm welcome to the Bowls Section. The green was very well maintained by Lo Kwok, assisted by several Fah Wongs. The grass on the green was in fact a broad-qleafed “axonopus” grass species, but played very well. Probably the best bowling green in Hong Kong at the time.

l recall my father, a veteran bowler arriving at the Club from South Africa and looking at our bowling green. Hands on his hips, he stated - “That’s no bowling green”. Bowling Greens in the Southern Hemisphere are constructed using very fine grass species requiring very little effort delivering the woods. Also, the greens are very slow and wide.

The Fah Wong’s duties included transporting by taxi the teams’ woods in two baskets on a bamboo pole to the other Clubs we were playing against, most of which were on Kowloon side. It was not unusual for the Fah Wongs to stand in as players, if there was a player short on a lower team. In those days, we were privileged to benefit from a waiter service to both ends of the green. Popular drink at the time was a “gunner” - ginger beer, ginger ale and bitters in a pint glass.

The dress code back in the day was “all white” kit. Section members were issued two short sleeved shirts with a small “HKFC Lawn Bowls” embroidered on the right-hand side of the shirt. No other kit was available. Dress code was very strict Internationally, particularly, in the ladies’ game. My sister played in Johannesburg. Her playing kit was double fronted dress to the neck, no jewellery and the skirt five fingers below

1986

Head Groundsman Lo Kwok and daughter Shirley, pictured in 1985 -

his 34th year of service, her seventh

Frank Golder

THE CLUB HISTORY

50 CLUB MAGAZINE

Men's A team in 1991

Present - Alan with his family

Summer Game in 1994

the knee. As a playing member of the Hockey Section F Team, I was issued with two similar shirts as the lawn bowls shirt, with “HKFC Hockey Section” embroidered on a white shirt with a blue collar. On a trip in 1981 to South Africa, I joined my father in a casual Sunday bowls game at his Club wearing my hockey shirt with the blue collar. I was almost instantly reminded of the “all white” dress code. Meanwhile, back at the Club, there was “Lovely” Linda, a cheerful, well-made shapely lady wearing tight shorts and top. Also, Ted Mottram was in his shiny rugby shorts. There seemed to be a much more relaxed attitude to bowling attire here in Hong Kong.

There were in earlier days that only three Men’s teams playing for the Club in the HK Bowls League and far fewer clubs playing bowls at that time. In addition to the hotly contested League games, there were the usual Club singles, pairs, triples competitions. Also, there were well supported social games. Those on Public Holidays were referred to as “Wappenshaws”. As the then captain Mike Ferguson, an amiable Scotsman employed by HK Telephone explained, it is a “Show of weapons”. I assume the bowls were the weapons of the day! There were also self funded bowling trips arranged to various Clubs in Australia, U.K., Canada and the States.

The Club hosted some international events, and on one occasion from memory, Frank Golder, a rookie bowler with only a couple of years’ experience played singles against the World Singles Champion at the time and won. Lawn bowls is an amazing game, in that if the Gods are with you, almost anything is possible - If it is your day. Of course, l am reminded of Gary Player commenting - “The more l practice, the luckier l get”.

One season, probably in the winter months in the late 80’s playing for the C Team, lead by the then captain Ran Lakoon against the Prisons Team out in Stanley. The game was delayed to the extent that darkness fell, and we were required to bowl on the last end to the jack illumi-nated by a cigarette lighter. Just as well all the greens are illuminated these days.

At another “C”match at the HK Cricket Club, Bob Buxton aka “Bomber Buxton”, due to him favouring heavy shots in

any situation, was preparing to play his second wood. After receiving loud and lengthy instructions from the skip, not impressed he walked up to the head, gave his wood to the skip and said, “You bowl it”. On another occasion, our rink needed six shots on the last end to win. The Gods were smiling and we were holding five shots prior to the skips responding. Our skip drew the sixth shot and the Cricket Club’s skip failed to alter the head and the game was ours. On leaving for the bar after the game, we overheard a Cricket Club player saying to his skip - “There’s a gun in the General Manager’s office”.

At the end of each of these earlier League games, it was usual for the bowlers playing in the match to spread out round two of the banks, and the jack would be bowled to the opposite end of the green, to which all the bowlers would draw their woods simultaneously to the jack, walk to the head and place a dollar close to the jack. The player with the wood closest to the jack would pick up all the dollars. Hence, “The Dol-lar End”. Sadly it is no longer a feature of league games these day. The end of an era.

On reflection, Lawn Bowls is a great and unique game on many levels. In that, it is fairly easy to learn to a level that enables new players to very quickly join teams competing in the lower divisions. The game can be played by the young and not so young, by both men, women and mixed teams in some competitions. In addition to League games, there are Club, National, International and Club completions in fours, triples, pairs and singles.

A unique game indeed open to all and no age restrictions.

THE CLUB HISTORY

DECEMBER 2021 51

BOOKS ANDMOVIES

Double Jeopardy Stuart Woods

Dark Sky C.J. Box

Caste Isabel Wilkerson

The Sanatorium Sarah Pearse

NEW BOOKS

Free Guy Ryan Reynolds, Jodie Comer

Jungle Cruise Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt

The Protégé Maggie Q, Samuel L. Jackson

The Night House Rebecca Hall, Sarah Goldberg

NEW DVD

Sweet Thing

Jungle Cruise

Free Guy

The Green Knight

Lansky

Sweet Thing Lana Rockwell, Nico Rockwell

The Green Knight Dev Patel, Alicia Vikander

Lansky Harvey Keitel, Sam Worthington

Escape Room Taylor Russell, Logan Miller

NEW BLU-RAYS

52 CLUB MAGAZINE

LIBRARY