The Hong Kong Dragons have pulled off an impressive third position in the 11th annual Asian Championships in Shanghai on 16 October 2010. Dubai won their third straight title beating the Dragons in the semi-final and Singapore in the final.
A record 12 teams competed in 2010, up from 10 last year.
The Dragons came out happy with the way we performed having significantly bridged the gap to Dubai. It was a shame we were on their side of the draw as we were confident we could have rolled Singapore and made it to the final.
The weekend promised to be a big weekend all round and failed to disappoint, with the first ever game between 2 AFL domestic sides (Brisbane and Melbourne) on Sunday following the international action on Saturday.
The Dragons first game of the day saw us pitted against the Laos Elephants. Mid-fielders Woody and Stuch showed the way early as we trounced the Elephants to get the confidence up early. The Dragons won 4.3.27 to 0.2.2.
Goal scorers: Woody, Doddsy, Tarquin, Jolly.
Best: Stuch, Woody, Nige, Doddsy, Jono.
Second game was against an under-strength Thailand Tigers. As expected, the Dragons gave the Tigers and football lesson to hold onto the Hamilton-Reddell Cup. The Dragons slammed on 6 goals in the 20 minute contest and kept the Tigers to zero wickets. Dragons 6.7.43 to Tigers 0.0.0
Goal scorers: Woody 2, Jamie 2, MJ, Jolly.
Best: Woody, Jolly, MJ, Jamie, Riggsy
Following the two victories, the Dragons had qualified for a quarter final against host team China. China had been impressive early running Dubai close and beating Macau. However, the Dragons put on an excellent performance which had the competition concerned. Ben Howell had his best game for the Dragons to date off half back as Woody and MJ dominated in the midfield. New ruckman Stevo also was a welcome addition to the side. Final scores – Dragons 7.4.46 China 0.1.1.
Goal scorers: MJ 2, Tarquin, Jolly, Woody, Crights, Stuch.
Best: Ben H, Woody, Keano, MJ, Shaun M.
The Dragons had now qualified for the semi-final and were the only side that the opposition hadn’t scored a goal against. The draw had us on the same side as Dubai, while Singapore played Indonesia (Bali/Jakarta) in the other semi at the same time. The game was a fierce contest throughout. At half time, Dubai led 1.1 to 1.0. Tarquin kicked close to goal of the day late in the first half. Stuch and Woody continued their dominance of the tournament and big Jon was standing up in defense. While the contest continued to be tight in the second half, Dubai took their opportunities more than the Dragons and won the game 5.1.31 to 2.2.14. The score was a bit misleading, particularly since Dubai kicked 2 goals in the last 3 minutes. It was a great effort by the Dragons given that nobody could get near Dubai for the past two Championships.
Goal scorers: Tarquin, Stuch.
Best: Stuch, Tarquin, Jono, Woody, Stevo.
As Singapore had defeated Indonesia in the other semi, the Dragons had one more game – against Indonesia in the play-off for third spot. Woody gave a great motivational rev up before the game. It was decided to give as many players as possible a run in this game and 28 guys managed to get on the park through the course of 24 minutes. Whilst trying to manage the 28 guys and still win the game, coach Wines did a tremendous job and we kept Indonesia at bay for the whole game. The Dragons won 7.2.44 to 4.3.27. Jules Lewis the hero at the end with goal of the day that sealed third spot.
Goal scorers: Ben H 2, Barbs, Jules, Tarquin, Keano, Wilbur.
Best: Stuch, Woody, Ben H, Jules, Jamie.
Dubai went onto to beat Singapore in the final running away with it in the second half after a close fought first half.
Woody did the Dragons proud taking the player of the tournament award and Woody and Stuch made the All-Asian team.
The Saturday night function was a sit down dinner which was attended by ex-AFL players Brian Taylor, Stephen Silvagni, Paul Salmon and Paul Licuria. Sunday was a very enjoyable day watching the Brisbane Lions take on the Melbourne Demons. Liam Jurrah the star as Melbourne won in the last minute. All the AFL players were very approachable and a few good stories were told and some great pocket p*ssing had.
Thanks to all the players, administrators, coach Wines, Barbs (tour manager and player) and the rest of the committee. The Dragons will be back next year looking to take back the crown from Dubai.
Michael “Farmer” Robertson