Hong Kong Cricket Club beat Football Club for first Premiership victory of the season

Herbert Smith Freehills HKCC claimed the Broony Quaich off of Natixis HKFC with an important 27-19 away win at Sports Road in the Old Mutual International Men’s Premiership on Saturday.

Borrelli Walsh USRC Tigers edged Kowloon, 13-10 while Societe Generale Valley sprang the biggest surprise this week with a 22-7 win over Bloomberg HK Scottish.

The Cricketers turned the league table on its head, claiming their first win of the season and handing Football Club their first loss, with what could prove a momentum-shifting win for the side under new coach Brett Wilkinson.

In other Premiership action, USRC Tigers closed out a tight match over Kowloon at Kings Park after trailing 7-5 at half-time with Jamie Tsang scoring for Kowloon and full back Michael Hanning notching the conversion.

Tigers first-half points came from a late try through flanker Alex Woodburn, shifting momentum towards his side going into the break. USRC picked up where they left off with another strike to start the second half as full back Casey Stone crossing over for the try to take the 10-7 lead.

Hanning drew Kowloon level with 15 minutes remaining but Tigers fly half Robbie Keith put them away with his first penalty in the 30th minute to claim the 13-10 victory.

Valley enjoyed a convincing 22-7 win over Scottish after leading 15-0 at half-time and only allowing Scottish a consolation score in the 72nd minute.

The win puts Valley in pole position on the Premiership table with 14 points to Football Club’s 13, while Tigers have a one point edge over Scottish in third on 11 points. HKCC’s first scalp of the season lift them to joint bottom with Kowloon on seven points.

Meanwhile, University Wizards successfully defended the Old Mutual International Championship Challenge Cup with a 41-33 victory over ECO Gai Wu Rebels. 

That matches the trophy’s opening two-week residence at SCAA First Pacific CWB Tempest.