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Another Easter weekend, another successful HKFC Hockey 6’s. The weather threatened to dampen spirits, but the tournament and it players were having none of it. Despite the drizzle on Friday, the competition featuring 10 Men’s and 10 Ladies teams got under way. As the day progressed, a few teams were emerging as strong contenders. The Speedy Singh’s, with a number of national team players were lighting up the men’s draw, whilst HKFC and new comers ISCI were dominating the ladies competition. With the group stages coming to a close on Friday afternoon, teams were jockeying for places ready for Day 2. In Pool B of the Men’s draw, Beijing HC, Flying Hoppers and ASI Samurai found themselves with the same number of point and wins. Only goals were the difference in the end as all three progressed to Cup round robin for Day 2. On Day 2, the clouds were higher, it was warmer and the chance of rain minimal. All positives signs for a great day and the Cup competition got a shock earlier on with Speedy Singh’s losing to the Flying Hoppers in the their first group game. They hit back against Beijing HC and they progressed to the semi finals with the Hoppers. On the other side, HKFC Captain’s Select and Shaheen moved to the semi finals. HKFC’s ladies carried on whether left off on Friday and moved into the semi finals along with ISCI, Valley and Beijing HC. HKFC and ISCI both had 3-0 wins in the semi finals to set up an exciting Final. ISCI surprised everyone and took a two-goal lead early in the game, but HKFC hit back with a hattrick from Netty Jenkins and two from Babs Mountain to win 5-2. In the Ladies Plate, Manly Sharks edged the Zoo Keepers in a shoot out after a stalemate in regular and extra time. ASI Samurai Geishas took the Ladies Bowl, beating the Mountain Goats from HKCC 4-0. HKCC Men also lost out in the Men’s Bowl final against a young Elite team, who won 2-0. It was third time lucky for Beijing HC in the Men’s Plate, as they finally won some silverware at the 6’s after two finals losses in recent years. They held on to beat ASI Samurai in a exciting final dominated by some outstanding goalkeeping despite the 4-3 scoreline. The Cup Final was a rematch from earlier in the day with the Speedy Singh’s taking on the Flying Hoppers. It was a high quality and entertaining match, end to end action, but a result could not be decided in regular time as the scores finished 1-1. The golden goal did not take long to come though, as Ishtiaq Ahmed scored a spectacular reverse shot to end the Hoppers hopes of its first title and give the Cup to the Speedy Singh’s. Following the end of the tournament, the post event party kicked in, with festivities led by the enigmatic and larger than life tournament MC, Jed Thian and local band Rough Justice. Wan Chai beckoned and this story ends there…until next year. Thanks to all those who helped out on the event – tournament committee, Chappie, Club staff, volunteers, ball boys, sponsors and Thomas and Christy Tarala for all their hard work taking thousands of photos, filming and with our band for the Party! |
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| Cup Winners | Speedy Singh’s |
| Plate Winners | Beijing HC |
| Bowl Winners | Elite |
Women’s Results
| Cup Winners | HKFC |
| Plate Winners | Manly Sharks |
| Bowl Winners | ASI Samurai |
Hockey 6’s - International Series
The International Series between the Euro All Stars and the HK Barbarians pushed back on Thursday night before the main 6’s tournament at Easter, with the thunder and lightening conveniently taking a break to allow the game to go ahead. The Euro All Stars took the lead in the first quarter, but were being held well by the Hong Kong team. Both teams were taking time to find their touch and range, and the Euro All Stars in particular were the most affected, missing a number of gilt-edged chances in the first half. Scoring progressed at regular intervals throughout the match, with the Barbarians pegging the All Stars back every time they got in front. In the final quarter, the All Stars went ahead and 7-6 and held on to take the first game in the three match series.
Game 2 on Friday night was equally exciting and close. Current Dutch internationals Quirijn Caspers and Laurence Docherty were in fine form, showing amazing pace and skills to score some excellent goals. The HK Barbarians were not to be outdone though and showed they can compete with top players in this abbreviated form of the game. The game was following the same pattern as the first until the third quarter when the All Stars pulled two goals clear. It looked to be a formality for them when the HK Barbarians missed a penalty stroke. However, with 2 minutes to go and two goals down, the Barbarians took their goalkeeper off and put on an extra outfield player. The risk paid off and they quickly got a goal back. With only seconds left a draw was almost forced as Yan Adams hit a trademark reverse shot, but was kept out and the Euro All Stars won 7-6.
Game 3 was the pre finals entertainment on Saturday and the resting players and spectators were treated to another enthralling match. Despite some outstanding performances from the HK Barbarians players after a long weekend of hockey, the Euro All Stars again ran out winners by a single goal 8-7.
Both teams performed to a very high standard over three days and gave everyone who watched an insight into top hockey that is rarely seen in HK. We are very grateful to all of them for taking part in this Series. The Euro All Stars voted Asghar Ali as the Barbarian Player of the Series.
The HK Barbarians squad included HKFC players – Vincent Cheung, Will Glover, Yan Adams, Jules Lewis.
Euro All Stars team featured – Sander van der Weide, Leandro Martinez-Zurita, Michael Green, Rob Derikx, Laurence, Docherty, Quirjn Caspers, Jojo Wollf and Rob Wilkinson (both Club players)
Internationals Coaching
The Euro All Star players also ran two coaching clinics whilst they were in Hong Kong. The first with the HKFC Youth and Mini players was almost a wash out, but we started indoors and moved outside when the rain subsided. The second was with groups of youngsters from local Chinese schools and universities. It was great to see seasoned pro’s and Olympians offering their time and enthusiasm for the sport to these groups of youngsters.
