Next Friday marks the 60th anniversary of the Fall of Singapore. Yesterday Singapore fell again, but it was not as calamitous as the debacle during World War II, for this time it was expected.
Singapore's surrender last night came at the hands of Hong Kong who, borne on the fleetness of their backs, ran in nine tries to breeze to an emphatic 57-8 victory in the one-off international at Happy Valley, a build-up to the RWC 2003 qualifiers.
Eight of the tries were scored by the backs with scrumhalf Rory Dickson and outside centre Warren Warner grabbing a brace each. Mark Solomon, Chris Gordon and Ricky Cheuk chipped in with a try each as did fly-half Carl Murray who ended a satisfying night with a personal tally of 17 points. The only back from the starting line-up to miss out on scoring was Chan Fuk-ping. But his absence from the feast was not of concern for the result was secured as early as the first quarter when Hong Kong led 24-3.
'This performance bodes well for the future. Our discipline and attitude was good. It has not been easy due to the disruptions with sevens. But the guys stuck to it and I'm pleased with the outcome,' said coach Terry Hart.
The only Hong Kong forward to get his name on the scoresheet was Adam Horler who burrowed over the line for the SAR's second try when the forwards worked their way over courtesy of a driving maul.
Horler's try was one of the rare occasions when the forwards kept the ball in hand. The order of the day was for quick phase ball which was then shipped out wide to the backs to do the needful. With Murray and Warner in fine fettle, this game plan worked to perfection.