Hong Kong opened their account in the HSBC Asian Five Nations campaign by ticking the credit box with an accomplished 20-12 victory over the Arabian Gulf yesterday.
Tries from flying wingers Simon Smith and Ricky Cheuk Ming-yin in each half and the accurate boot of flyhalf Justin Temara, who knocked over 10 points, gave Hong Kong an all-important win in their first game in the tournament.
'It was always important to win the first match as we need to get some momentum going. And it is always tough to win away. It is pleasing that we have got off to such a good start,' said Hong Kong head coach John Walters.
In the other game in Incheon, Asian powerhouse Japan defeated hosts South Korea 39-17 to underline their credentials as hot favourites to win the inaugural tournament. Japan led 29-0 at half-time.
Hong Kong took some time to settle down, and it was the home side who held the upper hand at the end of the first quarter, leading 9-3.
Temara knocked over a penalty but Arabian Gulf fly half Paul Beard soon had Hong Kong on the back foot as he dropped two goals and knocked over a penalty. It took a lovely piece of individualism from scrumhalf Jonny Elliott to settle the nerves. From broken play, he spotted a gap and counter-attacked before off-loading to fullback Rowan Varty who beat two tacklers to slip the try-scoring pass to Smith to score.