It quickly became apparent however that Club had different ideas, and the presence of three ex-Hong Kong internationals in their back line showed that they meant business.

French Ben lined up for potentially his last game for the Phoons before his return to the motherland and as a sign of things to come, he was forced off the pitch after 30s as a result of a heavy tackle after receiving the kick-off. Thankfully after a few minutes with the ever-ready Wills, he was able to come back on and avoid the Usman award for shortest time on the pitch.

Club started strongly, with an early try, but Plan B responded in style with good carries in the forwards and a signature backs move out to Popeye to even the try count. The early optimism was misplaced as Club increased the physicality of their tackling and rucking and proceeded to score another 3 unanswered tries.

Players were dropping like flies on both sides. Plan B were through injuries as both Ping and Nine received nasty head knocks which resulted in them being checked out at hospital (both were cleared of any damage and made it to the party that night!) Club’s players were not getting injured however, they were just breaking the rules, with spear tackling, high tackles and other repeated infringements resulting in three yellow cards and then a red (for the same player who had only just returned from a yellow). The ref even sent their entire coaching/support team to the stands for repeated abuse from the side-lines.

As is often the case against Club, tempers flared and the game got tense, and Plan B started to edge back into the game, responding to further Club tries with two of their own. The first was a lovely chip and catch from Timo through the centre, the second a great diving finish in the corner by Desmond at the end of some sustained pressure.

Final score was 41-17 to Club, a tough but probably fair result given the players Club had at their disposal. Much to take from the game though for Plan B, and we move forwards to the Tai Po rematch this Saturday determined to finish 2021 on a high.

Mom: Timo
DoD: Jonny Mac (for not turning up, or even checking the team sheet)
Tries: Popeye, Timo, Desmond