 | | Cheongju Group Photo |
Round two of the Korea Tens was hosted by the Cheongju Knights, at Chungbuk University in Cheongju. Teams from Jeonnam, Gumi, Cheongju, and Seoul (as well as the usual pick-ups) came together for a great day's rugby action.
A 5-team round robin was played out - each team getting four twenty minute games. The first game was Gumi (the main contender for the Survivors' crown) vs. the Killer Bees. An unfortunate navigation problem meant that half the Gumi team went to Jeongju instead of Cheongju - so the Killer Bees thought they had a real chance of upsetting Gumi. The Bees put up a good fight and were leading with 5 minutes to go, until the Gumi scrum-half, Victor, scored off the blind-side of a ruck - teaching the Bees a good lesson in defence. The game ended 12-10 to Gumi.
The next game saw the Survivors A stretch their legs, with a comfortable win over the hosts - Cheongju Knights; 34-5. James Nielsen scoring a consolation try for the Knights. After this, the Killer Bees went straight back into the action with a tough game against the Jeonnam Aliens. The Aliens had a much bigger squad this time, and looked good in their warm-up. The Killer Bees, debuting 3 new players (one of whom in only his second week of rugby), struggled to deal with a well organized Aliens team. Failing to score, the Killer Bees lost 0-17.
 | | David Kim (Killer Bees vs. Cheongju Knights) |
The Survivors A were next up to face the Aliens. In a complete reversal of fortunes for the Aliens - the Survivors completely dominated the game. Scoring six tries and two conversions, the Survivors were comfortable winners; 38-0. The next game saw the Killer Bees face up against the hosts - Cheongju Knights. The Killer Bees were starting to find their stride. Their forwards were starting to gel, and work out their roles and their backs were really building momentum and put the Killer Bees into an early lead. The Knights, however, managed to rally their troops and finish off the game, winning 21-14.
 | | Survivors As vs. Kille Bees |
Next, it was time for the all Seoul game - Survivors A vs. Killer Bees. Both teams were up for this. The As had played two relatively easy games and were looking bullish, and the Bees were starting to really play as a team. The As got off to a good start, putting in a couple of early tries. But the Bees raised their game, with their forwards finally starting to find some momentum and cause some turnovers at the breakdown. With five minutes to go - the game was level at 20 each. The Survivors' decision not to kick for goal looked like it was about to back-fire on them! But, taking advantage of a tiring Killer Bees pack, the As were able to score the last try of the game - finishing 20-25 in favour of the Survivors As.
 | | Steve Ko receives the trophy |
The last game of the tourney was the main event - Survivors As vs. Gumi. Both undefeated - this was always expected to be a tough game, and the spectators weren't disappointed. Gumi got off to a very strong start; pushing the Survivors back and dominating territory for long periods. That pressure finally paid off with an unconverted try to Gumi. The Survivors were behind, for the first time in a long time! Gumi continued the pressure and Survivors looked like they had nothing left. The Gumi tactics of slowing down the game, and infringing at the breakdown were working, and the Survivors were struggling to get good ball to their backs.With barely 5 minutes to go, the Survivors started to string some phases together. The ref finally took control and the Survivors were able to run in two late tries. The Survivors won a very tense final game 10-5.
A great day of rugby! The Gumi Barbarians, with a massive squad, finished 2nd - only losing to the Survivors A. The Jeonnam Aliens, with a lot more players and looking much more organised, finished third. The Cheongju Knights, looking a little depleted - especially for a host team, finished 4th. And the Survivors Killer bees finished 5th.
The Knights also put on a great party! Their host bar, Road King, was packed full of rugby players - with all teams well represented. With special offers on drinks, and fund raising activities put on, everyone was kept well entertained. Survivors A captain, Steve Ko, managed to win his team a bottle of JB by throwing a coin closest to the bottle - although between them, the Survivors probably spent more than the cost of the bottle trying to win it! The night was closed out by a rocking performance by The Big Dispute. |
