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Asia Rugby Sevens Series: ‘ruthless’ Hong Kong men lift cup, women proud after final loss

Contrasting fortunes for city’s teams against China in the series’ first leg in Incheon

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Hong Kong lift the men’s cup after the first leg in South Korea. Photo: Hong Kong China Rugby

Hong Kong’s men triumphed in the first leg of the Asia Rugby Sevens Series in South Korea on Sunday, while the city’s women lost in their final.

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Both teams faced deciders against China in Incheon, and both matches went to form. The men showed their superiority in a 40-7 victory, after earlier beating Japan 24-12 in their semi-final.

The women, too, overcame Japan in the last four, edging them 12-7, before being unable to bridge a gap in class in the final. Facing a China side who will play in the elite world series in the coming season, they went down 26-0.

New men’s captain James Christie was full of praise for his side’s efforts.

Sabay Lynam of Hong Kong carries the ball during Sunday’s final. Photo: Hong Kong China Rugby
Sabay Lynam of Hong Kong carries the ball during Sunday’s final. Photo: Hong Kong China Rugby

“There were a few errors in the semi-final that allowed Japan to stay in it, but we learned from those mistakes and put in a ruthless performance in the final,” Christie said, before turning his attention to the series’ second leg in China in two weeks’ time.

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