HKCC edge Kowloon to join Valley juggernaut in men’s Grand Championship final
Valley Black Ladies, Gai Wu to face off in women’s play-off decider
Societe Generale Valley and Leighton Asia HKCC advanced to the Hong Kong Rugby Union men’s Grand Championship final after widely contrasting victories on Saturday.
Valley defeated Bloomberg Hong Kong Scottish 48-7 in a seven-try romp while HKCC struggled to a 22-21 win over surprise semi-finalists Sabre Kowloon.
The two sides will meet in the season finale next weekend for a fourth straight year.
That was a coach killer. It could have gone either way and we’re over the moon to come away with that one
In the women’s semi-finals Saturday, undefeated Valley Black Ladies powered home with a 74-0 win over Natixis HKFC Ice, while CPM Gai Wu Falcons defeated Borrelli Walsh USRC Tigers 24-5.
“That was a coach killer,” said relieved HKCC coach Deacon Manu. “It could have gone either way and we’re over the moon to come away with that one.
“It was a huge effort from the forwards today and there will be some tired bodies, but we just need to keep on working hard for one more week.”
Kowloon, who finished bottom of the 2015-16 HKRU Premiership league standings, exit the competition with pride and a strong performance to build on for the future, said coach James Scaysbrook.
