Valley must be ‘at their best’ to beat Hong Kong Scottish
Grand Championship holders aim to be the first team this season to win at The Rock
Defending grand champions Societe Generale Valley have been called upon to produce their "best game this season" if they are to storm The Rock in the semi-final against Bloomberg Hong Kong Scottish on Saturday.
The Shep Kip Mei fortress has been unassailable this season, Hong Kong Scottish winning all their home games as they finished runners-up to Leighton Asia HKCC in the league. The hosts hope it will remain so in what will be a bruising battle.
We like playing at home where we haven’t lost all season and that will be a huge incentive for the guys as they will want to keep it that way
"We like playing at home where we haven't lost all season and that will be a huge incentive for the guys as they will want to keep it that way," said Hong Kong Scottish head coach Craig Hammond. "Everyone is fit apart from [winger] Dave Whiteford, and we are looking forward to the challenge. We have a lot of respect for Valley."
Hammond's counterpart Jack Isaac said: "The boys are billing this game as one of their toughest tests for a couple of seasons. The only way to break their winning streak at home is to produce the best game we have played all season. It's as simple as that."
Valley will be missing Andrew Kelly and Adam Campbell up front but will welcome the return of No 8 Ben Davey who comes back from a foot injury and will start on the bench. Their forwards will need to bring out their "A" game if they are to provide good ball to their dangerous backs led by winger Dave Vainqueur, who is the top try-scorer in the Premiership with nine tries.
The other semi-final will see League champions Hong Kong Cricket Club host Natixis HKFC at Aberdeen Sports Ground (6pm). HKCC will be missing a ward full of players including three who figured last week; fullback Rowan Varty, lock Adrian Griffiths and hooker Andrew Dailly.
"Our squad has been decimated and our resources will be stretched to the maximum against a quality side like Football Club," said HKCC head coach Deacon Manu.
