The first-year squad, who used to play under the Hong Kong Cricket Club banner, had already clinched the fourth and final spot in the men’s rugby Premiership play-offs for the Grand Championship but signed off with a win, squeaking out a 29-28 win over Kerry Hotel Kowloon Rugby.

Sandy Bay finished in the fourth and final spot behind league champions Hong Kong Football Club, second place Scottish and third place Societe Generale Valley.

Sandy Bay coach Brett Wilkinson said his team battled hard all season, coming back from a dismal start to clinch a play-off spot. The squad looked down and out in the first half of the season, but went on a winning tear in 2019.

“It was a tough game and pretty scrappy with the rain bucketing down at times, but it was the kind of game that we needed. It was good to get the win again obviously and it’s something we can build on for next week.”

HKFC tied Valley 27-27, but it did not matter as the squad had clinched the regular season last week with their win. Head coach Jack Wiggins said he is very happy with the result after the team was trailing 13-3 at half-time. Scottish led the league for the first half of the season, but have faltered in 2019.

“Seven league titles, it was a great day for the entire club,” said Wiggins. “We are lucky to have such a good club behind us and the strength in depth has shown this season. There was nothing on it today, so it was one of those banana skin games, but I think we came through unscathed and I’m proud of the boys.”

Last season Valley beat the Tigers in the Grand Championship for their sixth title in a row, while the Tigers won the regular season title. The play-offs start March 2.