HONG KONG—Penguins beat Samurai International in the second extra time period to win the Cup Final of the annual GFI Rugby 10’s tournament held at the Hong Kong Football Club on the Wednesday and Thursday prior to the Hong Kong Sevens.
The Final was a rematch of the 2013 final which Penguins won 21-14, but this year’s final was an epic battle lasting 30 minutes and going into a second 5 minute period of extra time. With no score at the end of the full time and a similar position after the first extra time period the two teams were still pounding away until Waiko Flanker Josh Tyrell collected a loose ball from a line out near the Samurai’s line powering over the line to secure a 5-0 win.
Antonio Kiri Kiri a member of the New Zealand Sevens squad who co-captained the Penguins with former All Blacks Kylem O'Donnell admitted he was physically and mentally drained after the game:
“I’m pretty blown away. I’m a bit lost for words. It was one of those games where it was down to who would be the first to make a mistake and they lost their own line-out. I’m just happy it wasn’t us” said Kiri Kiri.
“I’ve never played a game like that before, a double extra-time. I’m not used to that. It has been a tough two days. Kylem’s an outstanding player and was a real leader on the pitch” he added.
The HKFC 10s is becoming an important event in the Rugby calendar, attracting many current international and ex-international players.
In the semi-finals Penguins beat Tradition YCAC 29-14 while Samurai International overcame BGC Asia Pacific Dragons, who were looking for a third consecutive win, 12-0.
The plate competition was won by A-Trade Old Boys beating Taikoo Place Scottish Exiles 17-10.
