We hosted a fantastic three days of touch rugby for the ANZ International Touch Championship at King’s Park Sports Ground 4-6^th May, resulting in a win for Hong Kong in the men’s, women’s and mixed categories in the tri-nations touch test matches.

We welcomed Peter McNeven (Coaching Commission Chair), Sue Salter (Coaching Commision), Anne Goh (Coaching Commission) and Chris Dolahenty (Referreing Commission) from the Federation of International touch to oversee proceedings. They also held introductory Touch Coaching courses, a level 2 referee course and an advanced coaching workshop for the touch community. These initiatives resulted in thirteen of our referees upgraded to level 2 and up to 30 participants go through the introductory coaching course.

First up, the ANZ Tri-Nations Touch Test matches.

We were particularly proud to host the first ever Asian Women’s touch test matches, kicking off the Friday 4^th with a 1pm women’s battle between Hong Kong and the Philippines. Hong Kong started strong in the first half with two tries from Chan and Lok, followed by a storming second half with an additional six tries from Choi, Fong, Hau, Tso, Wong and a second from Lok bringing the final score to 8-0.

At 2pm it was the men’s turn as Hong Kong took on the Philippines to secure a close 6-5 win. Hong Kong try scorers included Chok Shing Ng, Hong, Kwong, Mak and two from Ka Kit Ng. Philippines fought hard and gained five tries courtesy of Mark & Luke Cecil, Manucduc, and two from Panes.

3pm invited the women back to the pitch with a tense clash between Philippines and China, once again resulting in a close score of 5-4 to China. Philippines try scorers included Fernandez, Galon and two from Ami, whilst China’s point scorers included Lin, Mai, Wang, Liao and Jiang sneaking in the winning score in overtime.

The men’s equivalent Philippines v China match took place at 4pm at King’s Park, where Philippines dominated the first half resulting in a 4-2 win over China. Shine reigned supreme with two tries, in addition to Quinlivan and Casidlac, whilst Zhong and Liu drove the ball over the line for China.

The final women’s test match saw China take on their neighbours, Hong Kong who smashed their opponents with a 10-0 win. Try scorers included three from Fong and Yuen, plus one each for Lok, Chi Ling Wong and Hoi Lun Wong to bring home the women’s series title for Hong Kong.

The final match of the day, 6pm clash between the men’s China and Hong Kong teams, resulting in a 4-3 win and consequent series victory for our hometown heroes. This first half remained even with Huang taking three over the line for China, whilst Hong Kong matched the score line with tries from Au, Ka Kit Ng and Mak. Ka Kit Ng however brought home the victory in the second half, with the half’s only try.

It was an early start on Day Two with the Mixed Open kicking off at 9am at King’s Park. First up, China v Philippines, finishing with an impressive score line of 12-3 to China. It was almost one a piece for the China team, with tries from Cheng, Jiang, Johnny, Wenren Lin, Yijia Lin, Ma, Ou, Wang, Zhong, Liao and two from He. Unfortunately Philippines struggled to pose a threat, with three tries scored by Arco, Ecaldre and Lawless.

11 am witnessed the local derby as Hong Kong took on China to achieve a 9-5 victory at King’s Park. First half started off close, with five tries scored by Hong Kong from Wong, Tso, Ka Kit Ng and two from Chan, whilst China brought home three tries, Ma, Shang and Zhong pushing these over the line. Hong Kong secured it however with four tries in the second half from Chok Shing Ng, Fong, Ka Kit Ng and Tsang, in comparison to China’s two from Cheng and Jiang.

The final match of the day kicked off at 1pm between Hong Kong and Philippines, where once again Hong Kong took both the match and series gold with an impressive 13-2 victory. Try scorers included Chi Ling Wong, Tsang, Tang, Lee, Ka Kit Ng, Fong, Cheung, Chan, two from Lam and three from Chok Shing Ng. Philippines two tries came from Arco and Francisco.

The ANZ ITC Club Competition launched on the following day, this year including three local domestic teams, and nine overseas team from Singapore, China and Philippines. The results were as follows;