Black Watch players may join Forces
THE newly-arrived Black Watch regiment from Scotland are expected to make their first rugby impressions on Hongkong in today's Bell's Knockout Cup first round.
Although the Black Watch do not have a regular side, one or two of their players are likely to turn out for the British Forces team to meet Police at Boundary Street.
The Forces side will mostly be made up of players from First Division sides Tigers and Flying Kukris.
The Black Watch replaced the 1992 Hongkong champions Royal Regiment of Wales at the start of the year.
But Forces have to overcome the loss of coach Phil Kemble, who led the Tigers' revival in the second half of the league season.
Kemble was appointed to coach the Forces side but this week resigned saying: ''I just felt a lot of pressure with my commitments. I needed a break from coaching.'' Tamar's Steve Creighton has replaced him as coach.
Forces opponents, Police, will be without their skipper Dave Lewis, who underwent a knee operation after being injured at Sunday's First Division Sevens.
Valley, whose league campaign was scattered with inconsistent performances, will be looking to the Cup as a means of salvaging something from what has so far been a disappointing season.
But they will have to be at their best today against Hongkong Football Club Dragons at Happy Valley.
Valley will be missing Gary Cross through injury, but have a strong-looking back-line with the addition of former Welsh Regiment player Robinson Matheson, who had an impressive sevens tournament last week.
Hooker Andy Fields is still out with a neck injury, while Henry Umni will replace the injured Simon Litster on the flank.
The winners of the Valley-Dragons clash will go on to meet First Division champions Club in the semi-finals.
Police and Forces are battling for a place in the semi-finals against Kowloon.
