In an end-to-end game at King’s Park in the KPMG Women’s Premiership yesterday, second-placed Gai Wu ECO Lifestyle Fitness were matched all the way by BorrelliWalsh USRC Tigers, once place behind,as the pair fought to a 17-17 draw.

Kowloon Ladies secured their first win of the season, putting six tries past Comvita City Sparkle in a 34-12 victory that takes them level with TRANSACT 24 Tai Po Dragonon eight points, thanks to the extra for the try count. Dragons held narrowly onto sixth place with a 10-7 win over SCAA First Pacific Causeway Bay Phoenix, and the ranking priority of games-won over points difference.Natixis Hong Kong Football Club Ice were roundly beaten by table-leaders SocieteGenerale Valley Black Ladies, 71-0. The results tighten the middle of the chart with four teams within a three-point span.

The two-versus-three encounter was nip-and-tuck all the way as Tigers’ kicking and running game was countered by a dogged GaiWu defence that set them up for some dominating forward play, led by their ever-reliable scrum.

Chong Kayan scored in second minute of each half, showing trademark individual skill to edge Gai Wu ahead. In the first she showed speed and movement to evade a couple of tackles before dotting down on the left.

Hebe Talas replied for Tigers on 27 minutes, off a flowing backline move, and 5-5 was how it stood at the end of the half.

After the break, it was Chong Ka Yan to edge Gai Wu in front again, seizing on a loose ball after Tigers failed to clear.

More Tigers teamwork brought the equalising reply on 16 minutes, at the hands of another key member of the Hong Kong side, Nam Ka Man.

At 12-12, Gai Wu exploited a player advantage as Tigers’Jessica Ho sat out, with Ho Hoi Lam pushing themanother five points ahead. With five minutes to go, Tigers appeared to have the perfect response as Hong Kong star Lai Pou Fan went over only six metres from the posts, through another team effort, but a missed conversion left the sides locked on 17 points apiece.

With many of his first-choice players unavailable through injury, Gai Wu coach Lai Yiu Pang was more than content.

“I’m happy with the draw and happy with the play,” he said. “There were some areas we did really well and other areas where we need to do even better. It was a valuable chance for the team to build individual skills and team play. Our whole bench played a role, as we rotated in as many as possible.”

“Our backline is pretty much our [national team] sevens girls and this was a chance for them to re-integrate with the rest of the team [after duty at the Asia Rugby Sevens Series].

“We are working towards our game against Valley [11 Nov] and this game has helped us build our depth,” continued Lai.

Tigers coach Fan Shun Kei was also upbeat: “It was a very encouraging game and result. This is the first time we’ve come so close to beating Gai Wu and how we played was a real boost to the girls,” said Fan.

“This time were able to manage the scrum better and we were quick to see and seize our scoring opportunities.Our tries were team efforts, built on using space well. We tried to play into the wide channels, and that worked for us.

“Fly half Sarah Swinbanks had a very good kicking game for us and Hebe Talas got one, almost two tries, which was pleasing.

“The girls were more than happy to get a draw. We were always coming from behind, and it showed how hard they’ve trained, and learned from the coaching we’ve given.The result will only encourage us to be a better team. The girls showed they have the ability to compete with Gai Wu. Last season we lost three out of three, but we are now looking forward to the round-robin second section of the season,” beamed Fan.