Women’s rugby: Hong Kong let go of ‘grudge’ as they beat Kazakhstan in first post-Covid match
- They run in five tries, two of them for Jess Eden, to record a 31-17 triumph in the first of two home tests
- End of hiatus blows out some cobwebs, leaving new head coach Royce Chan keen to ‘calm ourselves down’ before the second match
After three years of Covid-related inactivity, the shackles came off for Hong Kong’s women’s rugby team on Saturday as they earned victory over Kazakhstan.
Patience had been a watchword since their last outing in November 2019, and it was a hallmark, too, of their 31-17 triumph at Siu Sai Wan Sports Ground, in the first of two home tests.
Head coach Royce Chan Leong-sze would later describe the hiatus as “a grudge” and this match – her debut in charge – as a chance to “blow it out”. Joy unbounded among Chan’s squad at full-time testified to its release.
An even first half revealed signs of rust before the second brought rhythm and precision, Agnes Chan Tsz-ching’s late try ensuring the scoreline more accurately reflected proceedings.
Fly half Aileen Ryan’s opening penalty was rapidly eclipsed by a determined first quarter from the Kazakhs that brought tries for centre Lyudmila Sherer and full back Galina Krassavina. Hong Kong hit back, working an overlap on the right for Jess Eden to score.
Camped in the visitors’ half and provoking repeat infringements, Hong Kong sought five points rather than three, almost getting them past a vulnerable-looking Kazakh left side before they switched flanks to send in full back Vivian Poon Hoi-yan at the corner.
