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The Thailand Tigers retained the Hamilton-Riddell Cup they took from the Hong Kong Dragons in 2006 with an 13 point victory over the visitors in front of a big crowd at the Pattaya polo club ground.
After falling to a five goal deficit, the Dragons stormed home in the second half to get within 10 points of the home side before the final siren sounded in the 14-a-side clash with the Tigers 13 points clear.
The Dragons started with Coz, Troy, Mick and Deano (ruck) in the guts. Backs were Mrad, Mongoose (Hughie), Boges, Lips, Crites. Forwards were Lenny, Wigger (Tom Stonier), Will, Faulks and Ralphie. Interchange was Carl, who played mainly on a wing, Doddsy who was in a forward pocket, Gav, who stepped out in the final seconds but was great support, Marathon Man Sam (mate of Mrad) and Dragon-for-a-day Kev, who played well around the ground. Special thanks to goal umpire Mohammed Mrad.
On a hot day with a two-goal breeze blowing to the northerly end, the Dragons controlled the ball for much of the first quarter but were unable to capitalise uip forward. The Tigers, fielding a taller and bigger squad, won the crucial aerial duels and turned possession into goals. At quarter time, the Tigers led 3.2-20 to 0.2-2.
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The second quarter was a chess match, with both sides unable to convert opportunities. Ralph (four goals) eventually got the Dragons on the scoreboard but the Tigers managed two for the quarter from free kicks. At half time it was the Tigers 5.5-35 to Dragons 1.4-10.
Facing a possible blow-out, the Dragons regrouped at half time and swung key spine players into different roles. Crites and Mongoose went forward, Lenny dropped back, Boges moved to the guts to tag key Thai playmaker Hooie. Also dangerous for the Tigers were Jesus in the guts, Big Cleave (named Tigers BOG) and Aggots (3 goals).
The third quarter started with Mick Finnegan (voted Dragons BOG) roving the Thai ruckman to perfection and slamming down the guts where the Dragons goaled. Deano rucked superbly all day unchanged and was winning his share of tap-outs. With Lips outstanding in his rare backline sojourn, Lenny and Crites firing, Mick dominant in the centre and Will and Cozza manning up well against dangerous opponents, the Tigers were limited to two goals for the quarter. Wigger, who had taken many marks but kicked inaccurately, goaled and Ralphie added to his tally and the Dragons booted four. At the final turn it was 7.6-48 to 5.4-34.
With the scent of a possible upset in the air, the Dragons were as pumped as any team that had preceded it in the navy blue and red. A torrid final quarter saw a couple of flare-ups around the ground. When Bogan, who kept Hooie to a single kick in the second half, snapped a goal (according to the unerring eye of Mohd Mrad) over his head while lying on his back in the goal square, it was down to eight points the difference. But the Tigers struck back straight out of the centre within seconds and the margin would therein only be altered by minor scores. Final score: Thailand 8.7-55 to Hong Kong 6.6-42.
The entire Dragons squad put in a very commendable effort against a Tigers outfit that has definitely stepped up a notch and will be expected to claim some big scalps at the Asian Champs. With other players left behind in the capital for this match, they may well have their sights set much higher. For the Dragons, it was a great chance for a number of players to stake a claim to a spot in the Champs side and brilliant hit-out marked by a gutsy come-back.
A great tour saw the Dragons sing and dance their way through Pattaya before heading to capital for an irreverent Sunday afternoon.
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