Hadley and McQueen star as HK beat Malaysia
Flyhalf Gavin Hadley kicked three penalties, and together with a solo breakaway try by Tom McQueen, helped Hong Kong defeat Malaysia 14-0 in their opening game at the Asian Rugby Football Union under-20 championship in Brunei.
The victory will allow Hong Kong to take on Sri Lanka tomorrow night for the right to progress to the final of the ARFU Junior Cup competition. If Hong Kong win the tournament, they will book the solitary qualifying berth for the IRB World Junior Trophy in Chile next April.
'It was a hard-fought match played in a heavy storm which limited the play by both teams,' said Hong Kong under-20 coach Mike Allen. 'The highlight was a 40-metre try by Tom [McQueen] from the back of a lineout turnover.'
Sound kicking by Hadley and some penetrative runs from centres Anthony Haynes and Alex McQueen also helped sustain pressure and take the upper hand.
Hong Kong will face stiffer opposition in their next game against Sri Lanka, who defeated Thailand 12-6. The winners of this game are expected to meet South Korea in the final.
The junior world championship has been split into two competitions, the World Junior Trophy in April in Chile and the World Junior Cup in Wales in June 2008. Japan and Taiwan will represent Asia in the World Junior Cup - Hong Kong missed out after losing 20-19 to Taiwan last year.
