HONG KONG SECURE ASIA RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP GLORY

Hong Kong China are champions once again.

Just a week after escaping Colombo with a dramatic last-minute victory over Sri Lanka, Hong Kong returned home and delivered a statement performance, defeating Korea 45-9 to secure their seventh consecutive Asia Rugby Emirates Championship title.

The scoreline may look comfortable, but Korea made the hosts work hard in the opening half. Hong Kong managed only a 12-9 lead at the break despite tries from Sunia Fameitau and Charles Higson-Smith. Korea stayed within touching distance through three penalties, keeping hopes of an upset alive.

But champions know when to strike.

Hong Kong exploded into life after halftime. Their attack became unstoppable as tries from Brendon Nell, Jack Bartlett, Higson-Smith, Dean Roussow and Murray Brechin swept away the Korean challenge.

With Dylan McCann adding four conversions, Hong Kong pulled clear and never looked back.

Bartlett’s outstanding display earned him the Emirates Player of the Match award as Hong Kong celebrated another historic achievement. Seven titles in a row now belong to the region’s dominant force, whose reign at the top of Asian rugby shows no signs of ending.

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