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May 12, 2007, Kuala Lumpur: The Hong Kong Dragons ventured to Kuala Lumpur to take on the Malaysian Warriors. It was the Dragons first trip to Malaysia since the triumphant 2004 Asian Championships victory.
However, unlike 2004 when 35 Dragons made the trip, only 15 players made this trip. Although the side was full of quality footballers, the lack of an interchange was always going to be the biggest worry for the Dragons, especially due to the 35 degree heat.
After an early 3am finish at the Beach Club on Friday night, the Dragons gathered in the lobby of the team hotel and jumped on the bus for the scenic 8 hour trip to the ground at the Alice Smith School - near the border of Thailand. The ground was in good shape.
Two Warriors kindly agreed to play with the Dragons, boosting our numbers to 17, but it was also decided that the game would be 16 a side, meaning just one player on the interchange. The Warriors had a large squad of about 50.
Aaron Bester was selected as captain at the pub the night before the game by boyfriend Byrne, and after losing the toss, the Dragons were kicking into a very light breeze. However, despite this, the Dragons kicked the first two goals of the game in the opening five minutes, not even allowing the Warriors to go forward of centre.
The big Unit Finchy kicked the first goal, quickly followed by a goal from 45 metres by Besty. The Warriors then started to work together, and kicked the next two goals. The Dragons added a third just before quarter time to take a handy lead of 4 points in at quarter time. Quarter time scores were Dragons 3.1.19 to Warriors 2.3.15.
The second quarter was a close tussle with both sides having approximately equal possession. However, some poor kicking into the Dragons forward line was picked off by the Warriors defence too often and the Warriors added 2.3 for the quarter to just one point to the Dragons to lead at half time 4.6.30 to 3.2.20.
In the third quarter, the Dragons were against the breeze again, but it was apparent that at just two knots, it was not going to be a factor in the game. The Warriors started a little quicker after the long break, and kicked the first two goals of the quarter.
The Dragons rallied and totally dominated the last half of quarter, but were unable to make it count on the scoreboard. Dicko was turning back the clock to 2004 to the scene of his player of the tournament effort by marking everything that came near him. Stuch and Mitch had also lifted and one-quarter wonder Farmer was getting a bit of the ball in the forward line. A return of just 1 goal and 4 points did not justify the effort. The three quarter time score was Warriors 6.7.43 to Dragons 4.6.30.
With just 13 points in the game, and having dominated the latest part of play, the Dragons were confident of a win. However, early goals to the Warriors took the wind out of the Dragons sails and the Warriors were able to run away with an easy victory in the end. The final score was Warriors 11.10.76 to Dragons 4.5.29.
Best players for the Dragons were Stuch, Dicko, Mitch and Shannon.
Goals were scored by the Unit, Besty, Mitch and Adrian (one of the Warrior ring-ins).
Thanks to Mr President Nathan Byrne for organising what was still a great tour and all the tourists. We look forward to reversing the result at the Asian Championships in Bangkok in July.
Michael 'Farmer' Robertson
(Result appeared in Sports Briefs of the Sunday Post)
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