Hong Kong won their 2nd Asian Schools Rugby Championship at King’s Park, on Sunday July 24, 2016, beating Thailand 14-7 in the final. Thailand got the first strike to lead 7-0 but the Hong Kong School Sports Federation Rugby Sevens team recovered from a slow start to score 2 converted tries to take the title. Hong Kong also overcame tournament favorites Shri Lanka in the semi-final.
After a slow start by Hong Kong and slipping behind Thailand from a score by Patarapong Panjaroan Hong Kong attacker Paul Altier scored to tie the game 7-7 at the break. Ryan Walker put Hong Kong into the lead soon after the break (14-7), Hong Kong then withstood pressure from the Thai team to secure the win.
Hong Kong beat China, Guam and India on day 1, but lost their final pool match against Singapore 21-5 to finish 2nd in Pool A. Hong Kong overcame Sri Lanka, the winners of Pool B and favourites to win the competition, winning 19-12.
Sri Lanka claimed the Plate final with a 33-7 win over Singapore, Malaysia defeated China 54-0 for the Bowl and Guam outplayed Mongolia winning 27-0 for the Shield. Harith Yapa Mudiyanse-Lage Bandara of Sri Lanka was named player of the tournament.
Hong Kong coach Fan Shun Kei saw the tournament as a good way to prepare young players for the future: “It is very good preparation for upcoming years for the under 20s,” he said.
Hong Kong Squad
The Hong Kong squad comprised: James Karton (West Island School), Sam Jupp (Shatin College), Chong Shun Hong (Yuen Yuen Inst. MFBM Nei Ming Chan Lui Chung Tak Memorial College), Oliver Overman (Kellett International School), Ryan Walker (Australian International School), Mark Coebergh (YMCAHKCC), James Francis (South Island School), Paul Altier (South Island School), Henry Poon (Chinese International School), Aidan Trent (Australian International School), Jack Abbott (South Island School), James Gostic (South Island School).
