Hong Kong claim thrilling last-minute victory over Belgium to clinch series
Super-sub Chris McAdam lands a drop goal in dying seconds to earn home side an 18-15 win
Hong Kong completed a remarkable 2-0 international series win over Belgium after a last-gasp drop goal from super-sub Chris McAdam earned the home team a hard-fought 18-15 victory at Hong Kong Football Club on Saturday.
McAdam, on for the final minutes of a compelling clash, coolly slotted over the winning kick in the last minute of regulation play as Hong Kong completed a stunning series triumph over the much-fancied Europeans, who were at number 25 in the IRB world rankings, four places above Hong Kong. This result will push Hong Kong up the rankings.
The left foot of fly half Ben Rimene had knocked over five penalties and put Hong Kong in position to finish with a flourish and his replacement, McAdam, was up to the task as he knocked over his attempt from close quarters after a sustained period of pressure inside the Belgium 22.
Belgium, down to 14 men for nearly half of the second period, had levelled the score at 15-15 with a try from centre Guillame Piron five minutes from the end. But Hong Kong came storming back and superb continuity with nearly 20 completed phases ended in McAdam’s heroics.
This has put smiles on the boys’ faces for Christmas so I’m happy with that
“The result was good. We struggled to get there but we did. We gutted it out. The last play of 20-plus phases and then we got the drop kick. I think it shows how far we have come as a team,” said elated captain Nick Hewson, who has a 2-0 win record since taking over the captaincy before the series.