The Hong Kong men’s seven handled challenging conditions well at a rain-delayed Sri Lanka Sevens, the third and final event on this year’s Asia Rugby Sevens Series, to stay on track for a third straight cup final appearance.

It was a balanced effort for Hong Kong on the opening day as they dispatched the UAE and hosts Sri Lanka with 34-0 wins, after a lengthy rain delay pushed back their kick-off times and saw the men’s competition mired in mud at the racetrack grounds in Colombo.

With its depth on full display, Hong Kong topped its pool overnight behind Seb Brien, whose four tries led Hong Kong scorers today, and are just one off tournament leader Japan’s Chihito Matsui. Liam Herbert added a brace on his season debut, as did Ben Rimene, in his first selection in the playing 12 this season.

With the speed taken out of the game by conditions, a burly UAE seven helped Hong Kong’s cause with a 24-17 win over South Korea, sending them to the bottom of the table in Pool A as Hong Kong’s nearest contenders struggle down the Series homestretch.

Coach Paul John was pleased with his side’s performance today given the climactic considerations.

“It was messy and not the best conditions for sevens rugby that’s for sure. While it took the speed out of the opposition it also took it away from us, and made things that much more physical today.

“The ball was slippy and with the heavy ground, we knew we had to play sensibly and I think the boys did that very well and defensively we were strong as well.

“We have to beat Korea tomorrow, but if we can do that, we look to be on track for the cup semi, probably against China at this stage. It will be another tough Sunday, as it always is. We’ll probably have the showers still, but hopefully not the thunder and lighting that delayed play today.”

Hong Kong will take on Korea in tomorrow’s final pool match before a potential cup semi final clash with China, who beat a six-man Philippines squad 19-17 before lightning halted play and are tied second in Pool B. Philippines will face Japan, who are back to their customary top of table position after the opening day’s action, in their final pool match tomorrow.

The women’s seven were handed a difficult pool, as the second seeds grouped with an imperious Japan side and an always-competitive Thailand, whom they met first up.

Thailand shocked Hong Kong in jumping out to a 12-nil margin after seven minutes, and extended that to 17 after nine.  Hong Kong could only muster a single try in response, from Chong Ka-yan in the 11th minute, while Thailand held strong in the final minutes to keep Hong Kong from crossing the line while adding a fourth try in the dying minutes to run out convincing winners.

Japan overpowered Hong Kong 24-0 in the final game of the day, leaving the women at the bottom of the pool, level with Sri Lanka on two points.  Thailand’s win over Sri Lanka locks them in second behind Japan as Hong Kong fail to reach the cup stages for the fist time on the series this season.