The 50th anniversary celebrations went up a notch at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens on Saturday, with the Vengaboys nearly lifting the roof off Kai Tak Stadium and the heroes of 1976 in front of 41,457 fans.
During the traditional March Past featuring mini rugby players from all over Hong Kong and some of the game’s biggest names past and present, some of the trailblazers who took part in the very first Hong Kong Sevens back in 1976 saluted the raucous crowd.
DJ Hanna kept the vibe going later in the evening, while earlier the Cathay Pacific dance troupe entertained the crowd as the company celebrates an anniversary of its own – 80 years.
Taking centre stage in front of a jam-packed South Stand which was swiftly declared to be at capacity, the Vengaboys sang their biggest hits as well as a swag of catchy covers.
One of the pioneers soaking up the celebrations was Peter Duncan, 79, who was coach of Hong Kong in that 1976 Hong Kong Sevens and has done stints as chairman and president during a storied association with Hong Kong China Rugby.
“Looking back, the first tournament is a very good memory because I was the coach and we won the Plate. There are several highlights and certain milestones,” he said.
“Players and spectators make the tournament and right from the start we’ve had brilliant players and fantastic spectators. But if you were sitting in the stadium in 1976 and you’d asked me ‘where is this going to go?’, you couldn’t have envisaged anything such as this.”
“I think we’ve reached some sort of pinnacle as far as the game is concerned.
“I’m very, very proud of the development of rugby in Hong Kong and without the Sevens we would never have been able to do that.
“You can see looking around the stadium today how much it means to the local people of Hong Kong.”
On the pitch, Hong Kong, China’s women suffered a 24-12 defeat at the hands of Thailand. Their chances of making the Melrose Claymores final now hangs in the balance following their draw with Denmark on Friday.
Julia Mibuy Mba Oyana and Haruka Uematsu were the try scorers for Hong Kong. For the latter, it was her first ever try for Hong Kong, China.
Hong Kong, China’s men also came unstuck, falling 14-7 to Japan, however their bid for a third consecutive Melrose Claymores crown remains alive by virtue of their 36-14 thumping of China on Friday night.
While the scores were level 7-7 at half time thanks to a try from Hong Kong, China captain James Christie, the home side couldn’t quite finish the job and must now regroup before Sunday’s finals.
Fans were loving the energy of the stadium, which had its roof closed for the second consecutive day. In the stands, Englishman Tony Barrett from Singapore was lapping up what he thought could be his 10th Hong Kong Sevens, with the 55-year-old regularly making the pilgrimage to Hong Kong.
“There’s simply nothing like Hong Kong and I think the event has gone up a notch with the move to Kai Tak,” he said.
“I couldn’t make it last year so this is all new for me, and it’s brilliant. To make the 50-year milestone is very special and to be a part of the Hong Kong Sevens celebrations is something I won’t forget in a hurry.”
The Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens is proud of being an “M” Mark event that helps enhance the image of Hong Kong as Asia’s sports event capital. The “M” Mark awarded by the Major Sports Events Committee, symbolises intense, spectacular and signature events in the territory’s sports calendar.