Updates from Steve Tarrant - Director of Rugby
Well it was a great weekend for Breakthrough rugby.
Firstly on Saturday the HK Schools organised their A grade (senior boys) and B Grade (middle school boys) seven-a-side tournament at Kings Park. The B Grade competition was won by a school from Tin Siu Wai, containing 6 Breakthrough lads and the A Grade competition was won by a Wong Tai Sin school, containing 8 Breakthrough lads in the squad. To cap it all off the WTS School is coached by their former pupil and ex-Breakthrough star Monkey. A marvellous effort.
With two cups in hand the lads then descended on Tai Hang Tung for the first Old Boys versus the current Breakthrough boys game. With both teams having large squads, rolling subs and a great spirit, we had an entertaining match, refereed by our friendly policeman Tobi. The old boys won by a few tries to two, but the old phrase “rugby was the winner” springs to mind. Ken, our Filipino prop, particularly enjoyed himself rolling in the mud at every opportunity. He stood up well to the old boys, surprising many of them and the experience and benefits he is getting in the HKRFU Academy is really beginning to show. We may try and make this a regular match and my particular thanks to Fei Man and Billy and all the others who helped organise the Old Boys team and splendid kit, which they bought for the match.
It was then off to the Police Club for our annual awards dinner. Breaking with tradition, having been drenched by both downpours and really hot humid conditions, we decided to forgo the BBQ this year and had a Chinese dinner in the clubhouse. With 76 in attendance, including a number of the old boys, it was a great success. Leung Ka Kiu won the Blair Abbiss Cup, our award for the player of the year. He really has been a star on the pitch for the U16s and as their captain has done lots off the park, ensuring we always had a full team and that new boys were made warmly welcome. In addition we gave trophies to the best and most improved U19 and U16 players, the best tourist and the best girl.
For me personally what really made the day was seeing so many of our old boys and the success they are now making of their lives. I truly believe that some of that is due to Breakthrough and the rugby. We had present police constables, community rugby officers, trainee teachers, university students, ma foos from the Jockey Club, a professional boxer and many boys and girls holding down ordinary jobs. All of you receiving this newsletter help support us in many different ways and you too should feel proud of your association with Breakthrough.
Attached are a few photos of the teams at the rugby, the dinner and also a snap sent to me by Chi Lam of him, Man Kuen and Chi Kin after they took their police oath at the training school recently. Finally congratulations to our coach Andy on being awarded a lifesaving medal for rescuing a 3 year old boy who fell into a swimming pool. He received his award from the Commissioner of Police.
As we no longer have regular matches, this will be the last of my regular Breakthrough rugby updates till September, however we will be continuing training weekly for the boys and also running a summer course for new kids. I will send a few infrequent updates, when I have something interesting to report.
I hope you all have a great summer.