On 18th June a small but keen contingent headed off to Seoul to represent HK in the games. There was a full ladies team, and a few stranglers from the men’s section. One of the two lone males, in particular was keen to be travelling with so many ladies in their company. There were high hopes all round!
The Korean club entertained us well in Itaewon on Friday night. Rather than drinking the night away, some opted to scavenge around for sandwiches and snacks for the next day, as we were told there was no food pitch side.
Saturday morning saw us up early and travelling in a convoy of coaches, trying not to get lost on the way to the ‘football academy’ where we were playing. HK wisely used the time to develop team tactics and have some one-on-one football talk. The shock of the altitude nearly sent us all back on the bus, but we adjusted slowly.
There were five men’s teams and four women’s teams. Unfortunately the pitches were not side by side so we only got to see the early stags of the women’s competition, and the finals. HK ladies' first game was against a Japan combined team. We managed a victory but it was a limped start. Korea Hollywood came out in the second game, guns ablaze! They come at us like a hurricane. We managed to close down the goal but walked away knowing that we had learned a lesson. Next up was Korea Syntek, this was a much closer game where HK started to realise they could keep up with these players. We narrowly lost but the result got us into the semi-final against the same team.
The semi-final saw HK lift their game immensely. The mid fielders worked hard to close down the options. They were supported by Diana and Shelley on the half-forward line. The forwards put away some nice scores. There was a lot more teamwork evident in this game. To help us along, we had Clara behind the goals assisting Dee Bradbury who stepped up to the difficult job of being goalie. Seamus, due to an injury, was on our sideline for most of the games. Michelle was a great help to our subs.
The mood was positive for the final; we had it all to play for. It was a new pitch with a bigger audience. This time we were mentally stronger and not intimidated by players who could actually solo the ball…we just stayed with them.
It was fantastic to see so many HK players lift their game to match Korea Hollywood. Our defence worked really hard and forced the Korea team to change their game. Katrina stuck like velco to the Korean No. 3 (Brona Malone) and prevented her from scoring for most of the game. The combination of our midfield and half-backs double marking the Korean midfielders (Ealga Ni Aodha and Norah Newcombe), worked well.
HK had to work hard to get the ball into our attacking half. Korea were fast to the ball and read it well. Our forwards took their chances well, with Shelley charging through to claim the only HK goal. The end scoreline of 2-4 to 1-2 does not reflect the level of play during the game. It was a tough final. Well done to all who travelled to Seoul!
Seamus, Walter and Frances were the sum total that the HK men could muster for the weekend but what they lacked in numbers they made up for in enthusiasm (and age!). The makeshift Seoul Aussie Bar accepted them with open arms and after 2 or 3 rounds of introductions they nearly pulled off the shock of the tournament by coming within a kick of a ball of upsetting tournament holders and favorites Seoul Celts in the first game of the day. They built on that despite (or because of) Seamus crying off injured (apparently hamstring but it was getting hot and there were girls with short skorts playing on another pitch) and Seoul Aussie Bar fought their way through to the Plate final against the Japan/Shanghai combined team. Walter demonstrated the best of Mayo wrestling skills in successfully pulling/dragging/humping the Shanghai star forward to the point of distraction and Seoul Aussie Bar ran out Plate winners in a tightly contested game. From there it gets a bit blurry as these things do but good times were had by all with Francis particularly enjoying the chance to get out of Hong Kong and smoke indoors for a change!
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