The boys' rugby union team at King George V School (KGV), in Ho Man Tin, have long been used to winning. As champions for the past two years, they were firm favourites to retain the Division One Grade A Inter-School trophy in the final against South Island School. However, KGV's talented team were beaten, leaving their captain, Christopher Maize, realistic in defeat.
'We have many young and up-and-coming players and they need more match experience to become mature,' Christopher, 16, says. 'That was the problem South Island School faced in the past. Now they have become a strong team. I think we will come back next year.'
He and his teammate Jayson Jeyam are now taking part in trials for the selection of Hong Kong's under-18 team in preparation for April's friendly match against Malaysia. 'We want to represent Hong Kong in the friendly match in Malaysia and we are working hard to achieve the goal,' says Christopher.
'Even if we are selected, we still need to play a trial game during next month's Hong Kong Rugby Sevens [featuring international sides from March 25-27] to show our coaches we are worth the chance,' says Jayson.
Teammate Aiden Bradley is a rising rugby star in Hong Kong. He claimed both the Best Player and Fairest Player (U16 boys) awards at last month's New Year's Day rugby tournament. 'I played the Grade A final a few months ago, but will also play for the Grade B team this year,' says Aiden.
The school's girls' team are still at the development stage and fast improving. 'Right now, rugby is the most popular girls' sport at KGV. There are around 70 girls in the squad,' says Alexandra Mann, 16, one of the team's two co-captains.