Top teams prove their worth as HKCC move clear with bonus-point win

The New Year failed to usher in any major changes as the established order picked up where they left off in the Hong Kong Premiership and the top three clubs – Leighton Asia HKCC, Bloomberg Hong Kong Scottish and Societe Generale Valley – comfortably emerged victorious on Saturday.

If the bottom three had hoped to spring a surprise or two they were left disappointed as the leading trio once again emphasised the gap in quality over the rest with Hong Kong Cricket Club in particular making a significant push forward with their bonus point win over Natixis HKFC at Sports Road.

A brace from winger Brad Raper put the Cricketers well on their way to a 38-14 victory over Hong Kong Football Club. Also touching down for HKCC were scrum-half Liam Slatem, inside centre Conor Hartley and fellow midfielder Danny Atamu.

The home team's two tries came from fullback Jimmy Richards and substitute winger Seb Alfonsi.

"We had to make sure we were on the top of our game to come away with a result," said a satisfied HKCC head coach Deacon Manu.

"All sides will be gunning for us now and we can't afford to take any game lightly."