Will makes a big spoil (earning himself an Out-of-Character Rising Star nomination)

Manila: The Hong Kong Dragons retained the Manila Cup from a competitve field that included the home side, China Reds and Malaysia Warriors on the weekend (May 30).

The Grand Final was played out between the undefeated Dragons and Warriors, with the blue and reds running out comfortable winners 9.11-65 to 1.2-8.

The lopsided result disguised the unmistakable rise in standard by the Dragons' opponents on the day.

The Dragons had met the Warriors in the first game of the day, with both sides slightly unsettled due to their unusually early Friday night build-up. Both teams imposed voluntary curfews that ensured hangovers weree hard to locate Saturday morning. The Warriors' leaked internal memos made no secret of the fact they were there to knock the Dragons off their perch. But the Dragons had all the answers and a dominant midfield display, tight backline and opportunistic forward line ensured victory.

The China Reds presented probably the highest hurdle of the day, with their player of the tournament Blackie leading a well-honed outfit strong on passion, height and skill.

The Philippines was the last game of the day. The home side had been competitive all day but had lost their other games narrowly. The dragons were methodical in conditions that should have deprived them of such skilful use of the ball. In driving rain, HK strung together impressive unbroken passages of play to run out comfortable winners.

Rentboy earns his contract salary

The Dragons fielded two teams during their successful title defence.

A unique selection policy that ensured every Dragon got to play in the eventual winning side was employed throughout the day. A core of eight players got valuable match time together with the remaining six places in the side rotated evenly throughout the day amongst the rest of the squad.

The second side, the Darkside Dragons, comprised those not in the anointed eight and varied throughout the day. Any thoughts that the Dragons might provide two powerful sides were dashed, with the Darkside failing to register a win but playing hard competitive footy throughout.

Once again it was the intraclub derby that brought out the best in the underdog squad. The year before, the Darkside led most of the match and almost caused a boilover. This year the top side retained control long enough to lead by a couple of goals at half time and to stretch that lead by a similar margin due to a better conversion rate.

Mals and Jonno look goalward in the Grand Final

A thriller and effective preliminary final late in the day in the wet saw the Warriors complete a major comeback to defeat China by four points, with a boundary line snap seconds before the siren getting them through to the big one. But their race had been run.

The evening presentation at Howzat Bar saw Jonno awarded leading goalkicker for his ten-goal haul. Player of the tournament was collected by Malaysia, China took mark of the day against the Dragons, goal of the day was by the Malaysians.

President Boges

NOTE: Photo Gallery, results can be found under Game Write-ups/Photo Gallery section of website.