HONG KONG DERBY CLOSES OUT SAXO CAPITAL MARKETS PREMIERSHIP

22nd Feb 2019


Despite the Saxo Capital Markets Premiership already being won by Natixis HKFC, and the Grand Championship play-off brackets set, no one will rest on their laurels in the final Premiership weekend. Especially in tomorrow’s game of the week, the ‘Hong Kong derby’ between Natixis HKFC and Societe Generale Valley (HKFC, 1815), the two most successful Premiership sides in HKRU history. 

 

Valley, who have won the past six Grand Championship titles, will be hoping to spoil the party for an imposing HKFC side committed to closing out their campaign with what would be their 12th win of the season.  Win or lose, HKFC will receive the Premiership trophy following the match.

 

In other Saxo Capital Markets Premiership action, Borrelli Walsh USRC Tigers face Bloomberg Hong Kong Scottish at Kings Park (1500), while surging Sandy Bay, whose second half push saw them clinch the final play-off spot last weekend, face Kerry Hotels Kowloon (So Kon Po, 15.00).

 

While the final four for the play-offs is decided with top-seeds HKFC facing fourth-ranked Sandy Bay, home field advantage in the opening round will be on the line in the results for Scottish and Valley.  

 

Scottish, on 45 points, have a three-point lead over Valley, but have only mustered two wins from six outings in 2019, seeing their grip on the Premiership ttitle slip away down the stretch.  While Valley, famed for their end of season charges, have made the grand final their domain of late, Director of Rugby Dean Herewini said the club is not focusing on the past.

 

“We are putting out our best side tomorrow, we’re not resting anyone,” said Herewini.

 

“We are trying to get our consistency going, get our combinations right and making sure everything is clicking heading into the play-offs.

 

“Congratulations to Football Club for winning the league. They are the form team without a doubt with what? 11 wins this season? They have set a high bar, but that doesn’t change anything from our perspective. We want to finish off this competition with a win.”

 

Herewini is refusing to buy-in to Valley’s end of season magic saying, “We haven’t looked at what we have done over the last six seasons. We haven’t looked at it, knowing full well how much things have changed this year.

 

“The competition is up for grabs for these top four teams; any of them can win, so we can’t rely on what we have done in the past.

 

“Sandy Bay have repeatedly knocked teams off their perch. Who would’ve thought that they would be in the play-offs given where they were halfway through the season, to where they are now? Or Scottish, compared to where they were halfway through the year to now. The results are all over the place, it’s been a great competition.”

 

Herewini believes that the upcoming play-offs will be a war of attrition above all else.

 

“I think it is all about attrition rate for these teams, who can survive come play-off time. If we can get through tomorrow without injuries, fantastic, but who knows what will happen. If  you lose a few key guys it is tough if you don’t have the depth.”

 

Fortunately for Herewini, Valley is returning to full power, particularly in the forwards, for the finals push with prop Grant Kemp back to shore up the front row, alongside lock Chris Allman and Carl Marx returning to action in the back-row after recovering from injury.

 

“It boosts things when you know guys like that are coming back. They are quality players and bring some energy. When you see them at training and on the teamsheet it is a big morale booster and an added lift.”

 

With depth at a premium, Valley and all other Premiership sides will be wary of Club who have quality all over the park and along the bench.

 

“They have strike power all over and can add even more off the bench. Their depth is shown by their second and third teams as well, it’s right through the Club,” said Herewini.

 

“Glyn Hughes is dangerous at 10, as soon as you give him an opportunity with that boot of his, you are in trouble. Je can keep us pinned down or take three points from almost anywhere. With Tom Isaacs out wide and some big ball-carriers, it’s multiple threats really.

 

“They have recruited well, they have a good culture, and the guys have all bought into it and are doing their individual roles well. They are a team that can effectively dictate the pace they want to play at.

 

“But we can’t focus on them, it’s about what we are able to do. We need to build some multiple phase possession, so we can build that momentum - that character, and start creating points.

 

“The only way to stop them is to not give them the ball so we are only going to focus on them when we don’t have the ball. If we let them get that momentum going, it is a struggle, so we have got to shut them down early.

 

“But it’s the old Hong Kong derby again. It means a lot to both sides and it will all come down to who’s best on the day,” Herewini added.

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