HKFC hang on to beat Valley to take men’s rugby premiership for second straight season
- The Hong Kong Football Club downed Valley in a nail-biting game as the first try came in the 78th minute
- The premiership play-offs are now set as HKFC play Sandy Bay while Valley take on Scottish
Natixis Hong Kong Football Club had to earn their second straight Saxo Markets Premiership title on Saturday against a stubborn Societe Generale Valley club, who they beat 15-10 at Happy Valley.
Fans had to wait until the 78th minute for a try to be scored, as full-back Whiria Meltzer gave Valley a fighting chance, but they were unable to close the gap and could not muster a final goal line push as the seconds wound down on the game.
HKFC coach Jack Wiggins, who has now won two titles in as many years at the helm for the side, said he was proud of the effort that put his team back as the favourites heading into the two round play-offs, which will end with the Grand Championship Final on February 8.
“We controlled territory and possession well in the first half,” said Wiggins. “We didn’t over play and took the points when they were on offer.
“We knew it would be tight and I was happy with our approach at the end. We could have got in under the sticks for seven points, but the momentum changes and suddenly we are down to the wire. The character we showed at the end to hold them off and come away with the win was huge.”
