Three years after arriving in town, Becky Underwood qualified to play for Hong Kong yesterday. And she showed her worth with three tries as Hong Kong held on to beat Singapore 22-17 in a friendly at So Kon Po.
The result will give Hong Kong heart as they prepare for next month's Asian qualifiers in Singapore for the 2010 Women's World Cup. And Underwood and company are excited beyond bounds.
'It is absolutely amazing that we are a couple of games away from a World Cup. We all have had dreams that one day we will play in a World Cup, but I never thought it would be possible for me,' outside centre Underwood said.
'I arrived in Hong Kong three years ago to work in a gym. I came with ideas of staying for a year only, but I ended up liking this city and here I am. My story is the same as many others,' Underwood grinned.
She could not help but smile, especially after her debut performance paved the way for Hong Kong's win against a well-drilled opposition who finished stronger. But Underwood's three tries and another by scrum half Fiona Foxon gave Hong Kong a welcome buffer.
Hong Kong led 22-5, before Singapore grabbed two late tries, the last a penalty try courtesy of coach Andrew Tranent's advice to the referee from the touchline.
