Life gets in the way of a first league crown for HK Scottish

One wrong turn and life can be so different. And if, as many believe is true, rugby is a metaphor for life, then one wrong call can result in a completely different ending.

Bloomberg Hong Kong Scottish can rightly feel aggrieved after last Saturday’s crunch game against Societe Generale Valley. Leading 12-10 in the first half, centre Lex Kaleca was shown a red card for an illegal tackle on his opposite number, Matt Rosslee.

That decision was rescinded after officials took another look at the video and realised a mistake had been made.

Valley produced one of their best performances this season, but head coach Jack Isaac also admitted the red card was a turning point.

Scottish head coach Craig Hammond paid tribute to Valley’s clinical performance when he said “we were beaten by the better team on the night”. But he also added that at 12-10, his players were well in the game.

We will never know what would have happened if Kaleca had stayed on the pitch, but his departure obviously had a deflationary affect.

Scottish began Super Saturday two points behind HKRFU Premiership leaders Leighton Asia HKCC but the defeat, combined with the Cricketers’ bonus-point victory over Kowloon, extended the gap to seven points.

It has all but ended the race for the league title. HKCC can afford to lose one of their three remaining matches and still retain the title they won last year.

Scottish can only ponder on life and all its mysteries. Yet general manager Dave Whiteford has taken the result on the chin and holds no malice against the officials.

“We cannot do anything about the result once the game is over. We didn’t play well so we can’t simply blame the incident,” Whiteford said.

Valley were down to 13 men themselves at one stage following a pair of yellow cards, and Scottish failed to take advantage of the numerical superiority. Not so Valley who were perfect in their execution.

The loss not only ended hopes of a first league title for Scottish, but it also saw them relinquish the Broony Quaich which they had defended successfully since October.

The only silver lining is Kaleca is now available for duty this Saturday against Abacus Kowloon.

The next goal for Scottish will be to finish second in the league so they can clinch a home game in the Grand Championship semi-finals.

Playing at The Rock always brings out the best in them. And who knows, if HKCC lose to Valley next week the final league match for Scottish – against HKCC on February 2 – could still be for the crown.

Life has its twists and turns. You never know what’s in store.