Ally Maclays tales of the east

I actually can't believe 5 months has gone by having returned from the epic K2K trip in Africa and literally heading straight out here. The first couple of months were a bit of a blur, getting to know people and finding my feet around the city, something I'm continuing to do. But being such a transient place people are very welcoming, as most have been in the same situation when they first arrived. That made everything so much easier.

The rugby has been great. We swept the board this season, not losing a game winning all competitions. Reminded me of Hawks a few years back. There's only 6 teams in our league and the standard isn't the greatest. Bit like the SPL, there are 2 teams who dominate, Tradition Valley (my club) and our close rivals Hong Kong Football Club. Both who could compete in Prem 1 but the other teams involved are thin with quality players so struggle to keep up. Our team was mostly made up of boys with New Zealanders but the Scots were the next with 3, myself, Ross Armour (formerly GHA) and Jonny Elliott (formerly a Nail), nice to play with some familiar faces. But all in all a great club, 5 mens teams, 1 womens team and 5/600 mini and midi rugby players! Last weekend, I was invited to the Manila 10s in the Philippines! . I was with the CS Larrikins a blend of players from HK and the UAE, one of which, Charlie Keenan who was playing in Boroughmuir, now based in Dubai who coaches the Arabian Gulf 7s. I was lucky enough to be playing alongside Jeremy Paul and Frank Bunce, two legends of world rugby. We played teams from around the world, The Black Watch..army boys living in Inverness and the Singapore Baabaas our competition! We eventually won the tourney which was great so the winning streak continued.

This week is the season finale, the Hong Kong 10s and the Cathay Pacific 7s! I'm featuring in the HK Baabaas, a collection of players who are all HK based...we should have a decent team but we'll see. There's the NZ legends and a South African team with Bobby Skinstad so competition will be hot. Looking forward to playing versus some top players! I met the Scotland 7s boys last night ata reception Was great to see Scott Forest as the last time I saw him was him lying face down on the turf in Anniesland looking at a year to 18 months out.

Besides all that, the opportunity to travel and do lots of exciting stuff is always available here. It's a great place for one to do the whole, work hard - play hard and I've been very fortunate to be given the opportunity. I have no ambition to come home for the forseeable future. However, I will be home in May for the club ball and to see friends and family so I look forward to catching up with one and all. I'm looking forward to seeing how it pans out especially with Brecko running the show!

This article was originally posted on 24-Mar-2009, 08:16 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by on 24-Mar-2009, 09:26.