HONG KONG—Societe Generale Valley narrowly beat Kowloon on Saturday 24-18, in a lacklustre match, where both teams appeared impatient for the final whistle, and at times, the team waterboys (hydration technicians!) generated more action than the players. Kowloon deservedly secured a losing bonus point, but having led Valley until final 10 minutes of play, it was another match where with more depth to their bench and match-winning confidence they could have caused an upset.
Valley began the match with attacking intent, and after 8 minutes took the lead 3-0 courtesy of flyhalf Ben Rimene converting a long-distance penalty. Despite Valley pressure, Kowloon held firm; then shocked Valley, when Kowloon flyhalf, Jack Neville scored an 80 metre intercept try, showing a clean pair of heels to a rather flat-footed Valley defense, to turn the game on its head. Despite scoring under the posts the effort to get there mitigated against a successful conversion, but Kowloon led, 3-5 after 10 minutes. Neville subsequently extended the lead to 3-8 with a successful penalty 5 minutes later.
Valley regrouped and centre Ally Maclay, broke through the Kowloon tacklers to force his way across the line, after quick passing by Valley stretched the defense. The try was converted by Rimene and Valley led 10-8.
