DeA Tigers RFC

Ah Movember! It's that time of year again, where the more manly amongst us have an excuse to proudly exhibit their most male of facial features, whilst the less well endowed are forced to endure a month of painstakingly sparse growth upon the upper lip region. But for a couple of alarming exceptions, DeA Tigers wispy attempts thus far are down merely to how young Kane Jury's side is this season. But that proved no hinderance, as the Tigers dismantled a renewed Kowloon RFC, in what must be their most clinical performance of the year.

Tries from David Jackman (2), Graham Manchester, Fraser Smith and Rowan Varty ensured a 32-3 victory over the side who started the game one below the Tigers in the First Division. The scoreline was reflective of the consistency of DeA's performance throughout the game, but did little justice to Kowloon, who were a strong outfit. Joe Shaw's side have reinvented themselves this season, with a healthy mix of Hong Kong players including 7's captain Jeff Wong, and competitive imports, of which Shaw is one of the very best.

Referee Tobi Lothian got the game going at a new look Kings Park, and it was Kowloon who took the early advantage with a penalty. Both sides were evenly matched throughout the first half, but it was Hong Kong u20's star David Jackman who broke the deadlock after a classy offload from prop Fraser Smith. Open-side flanker Jackman is fast becoming a key component of the 1st XV, with a string of performances that defy his age and size. Keith Robertson eased a penalty through the posts from 45 yards out in typically understated fashion, to bring the half time score to 8-3.

With the scores so close, Jury stuck to his guns and called for consistency and patience to carry DeA through. And he was rewarded, after Jackman touched down for the second time following a scything run from Tigers hero Robertson. Jon Abel, apparently untroubled by the slug outbreak on his face, provided precision line out ball which was utilised efficiently by the backs. Special mention must go out to new boy and man of the match Lex Kaleca, whose physical presence has meant teams will soon have to dig up Kings Park to find their buried players!

With the tides turning, the Tigers began to play higher risk. Gary Hill proved his promotion to the first team was a an inspired move, as the stick man flew down the left wing and set up Smith for his first ever DeA Tigers try. Unfortunately, Fraser suffered a gut wrenching leg break, which has put him out for the remainder of the season, but he will be back! He is recovering, and on behalf of all of DeA Tigers, I'd like to wish him all the best in getting well again.

Smith's injury provided his teammates with the motivational firepower to engulf Kowloon in an entertaining final 20. Robertson employed a series of rocket launched kicks which DeA chased superbly. Hong Kong forward Graham Manchester took an opportunistic try after some deft kicking from prop James Cooper.

Some slick midfield interplay (even if I say so myself) allowed Kaleca to free up another rising Tiger Kim Henderson, who beat a succession of defenders before offloading to Varty to provide the finishing touches.

Overall, probably the strongest and most consistent performance from the Tigers this season so far, but it is irresistible to suggest that the best is yet to come. Kowloon RFC are far from pushovers, and will be back for more come the Grand Championships.

0-3 (pen)
5-3 (try, Jackman)
8-3 (pen, Robertson)
13-3 (try Jackman)
15 -3(con Robertson)
20-3 (try, Smith)
25-3 (try, Manchester)
30-3 (try, Varty)
32-3 (con Robertson)