usrc 14 sep oct issue

Usrc Members Bi-monthly Magazine september - October 2014

USRCUnited Services Recreation Club

Hong Kongs Best Kept Secret

Mid-Autumn Festival 8Oyster Feast is back 10USRC Jazz Starlight back cover

Chairmans Message 4

General Managers Message 5

Executive Chefs Message 7

Wine & Dine

Mid-Autumn Festival 8

USRC Big Sausage Sizzle 9

USRC Oyster Feast is back 10

USRC Moments

Staff Birthday Party 12

Our New Restaurant 13

Sports Watch

Sports & Leisure Assistant Managers Message 19

Cricket News 20

Football News 24

Lawn Bowls News 28

Rugby News 30

Squash News 32

Tennis News 34

News

Cross Word Puzzle 40

Spot the Difference 41

Club Exchange Reciprocal Clubs 42

C O N T E N T S

1 Gascoigne Road, Kings Park, Kowloon, Hong KongTel: 3966 8600/8611Fax: 2724 0949Email: [email protected]

General CommitteeChairman Joe EngerEmail: [email protected] Felix HartEmail: [email protected] Director K.C. NgProjects Director Les PearceGrounds, Environment & Security Director Zorro YuenSports Director Leo De Ruijter

Membership Sub-committeeK.C. NgPatrick Cheung BBSGeorge ChowLavina AdvaniRob HendersonAndrew Kwan

Sports ConvenorsFootball Vincent DochertyTennis Eddie WuLawn Bowls Irene LeungCricket Ahmed SaleemSquash Chung LeungRugby Fraser Smith

Management TeamGeneral Manager Carsten KjeldmannTel: 3966 8600 Email: [email protected] Marketing & Membership Manager Emile KwokTel: 3966 8618 Email: [email protected] & Administrative Assistant Manager Eva TsangTel: 3966 8628 Email: [email protected] Office Assistant Manager Natalie BandayTel: 3966 8600 Email: [email protected] Controller Felix LeeTel: 3966 8699 Email: [email protected] & Maintenance Manager James LiTel: 3966 8686 Email: [email protected] Chef / F&B Manager Marco VeringaTel: 3966 8652 Email: [email protected] Manager Andrew TamTel: 3966 8650Email: [email protected] Manager Ken KanTel: 3966 8633Email: [email protected] & Leisure Assistant Manager Ilyas GullTel: 3966 8669 Email: [email protected]

InBloom is a bi-monthly publication of United Services Recreation Club.

Advertising To advertise in InBloom, please contact Emile Kwok at USRC. Tel: 3966 8618 Email: [email protected]

3

Dear Members,

SUMMER iS over, day time temperatures are dropping and the evenings are becoming milder. This is arguably the best time of the year to be in Hong Kong. its time for us to get back into our exercise routines and hit the court, the weights or the hill and burn off some of those summer calories!

To help you in this quest the Club offers you many ways to exercise and enjoy sport. Apart from the gym and the swimming pool there are other sports offerings that give you an opportunity to exercise in a social setting. The Club has a number of vibrant sports sections including Cricket, Football, Lawn Bowls, Squash, Tennis and more recently Rugby. Go on, join in. is your favourite sport missing? Then have a chat to our Sports Director Leo De Ruijter.

While we are on the subject of sport remember you can see the finest of world sport in the Gunners Bar.

Members will have noticed that the old Coffee Shop was quickly renovated at the beginning of August into a caf and an Asian restaurant. The Garden Cafe focus is on Western food whilst the Blue Jade Restaurant emphasises Asian cuisines. Significant improvements have been made to the dcor and the acoustics of the room and Members can enjoy excellent Western and Asian dining in a wonderful and relaxing setting. Check them both out and i hope you will be pleasantly surprised.

Over the coming months you will see a number of other improvements around the Club. Using state-of-the-art digital technology sixteen cameras will be installed around the Club. These will significantly improve all-round security with an emphasis on entrances and the car park. Work will begin shortly on renovations the upstairs office. Later in the year the upper car park will be re-surfaced. All these improvements are the beginnings of a revitalised push to improve the Club environment for the benefit and enjoyment of the Members.

i am pleased to inform Members that Felix Hart has agreed to join the General Committee as Treasurer. Felix is a member of long standing and brings to the GC a wealth of experience.

See you around the Club

Joe EngerChairman

Chairmans Message

Leo De Ruijter

Gunners Bar

Garden Caf Blue Jade Restaurant

Felix Hart Felix

4

Dear Members,

WELCOME BACK, in the event you and your family have been away on home leave or a short break overseas to recharge the batteries from Hong Kongs buzz and hectic lifestyle.

Thank you for your support during our refurbishment of the old coffeeshop, it was interesting to hear the many positive comments from Members and in particular on the topic of acoustics and reduced sound levels using the Garden Marquee. Many commented on this and how enjoyable it was to be able to have a conversation not overpowered by background noise.

interesting enough this was one of two important aims for the refurbishment of the old coffeeshop, the other was giving the wonderful structure and heritage roof more emphasis in terms of illumination, we seem to have achieved both.

During the first two weeks of soft opening we have received many positive comments on the upgrade as well as look and feel of the place, thank you very much for this, as it makes all the many hours spend on the project worthwhile.

Likewise some Members have been quick to criticise either due to personal dislikes, their dining preferences or resistance to see the need for change for the benefit of USRC and general progress. Having a dish removed from the menu, surely cant be such a big deal!

Kindly be reminded using less than appropriate language towards our Club staff will not be accepted and it is disappointed to learn that such things indeed take place in our wonderful Club.

We naturally appreciate all constructive feedback and some of these will be evaluated i.e. table sizing for bigger gatherings and menu selection or the mix of these as long as it is feasible from an operations perspective and make sense for the majority of Members.

As you most likely know by now the old coffeeshop has been renamed the Garden Cafe and Blue Jade giving them an identity of a Western and Asian concept and a great addition when dining at the Club.

As mentioned in my May/June message, the General Committee (GC) and management did review the smoking policy and the environment around the pool and in particular tables near the pool edge. it was felt that although smokers might be in the minority, it was very important to strike a balance to accommodate all Members preference; you may ask the poolside staff about these revised rules which mainly affect weekends and public holidays when the Club is busiest and have a large number of Members and kids at the pool and its surrounding areas.

General Managers Message

Garden Marquee

Garden Cafe Blue Jade

5/6(GC)

5

We have had great start to the summer holidays with summer camps provided by our in-house sports instructors with both kids soccer and tennis, upcoming is the ever popular Swimming Gala on 21 September so get your swim-gear on and join us, always a lot of family fun remember to sign up.

With the on-going development of the Club, Im delighted to announce two new senior employees have joined us; Ms Shirley Chow as Human Resources Executive and Mr James Li as our new Facilities & Maintenance Manager as part of striving to help staff development and provide additional support in terms of human resources, training, health & safety and facilities programmes.

As we get into the last four busy months of the year, please continue to support the many exciting events coming up, two of them back by popular demand, the Jazz Night with Tony Carpios 18 piece big band under the stars and the mouth-watering Oyster Feast both scheduled for October, look out for more information in the magazine.

See you at the Club and enjoy everything on offer.

Best regards,

Carsten KjeldmannGeneral Manager

921

Shirley Chow James Li

Tony Carpio 18-piece Big Band

Carsten Kjeldmann

6

Dear Members,

BY THE time you read this, the new restaurants Blue Jade and Garden Cafe should be open and welcoming back all Members to try their new menus. Blue Jade specialises in Asian cuisine, whereas Garden Cafe is a western style coffee shop offering many international favourites.

Both locations have new menus with added choices for Members to choose from.

Please remember the two new outlets are different and so, when making reservations, please indicate clearly which restaurant you have chosen.

Naturally, i am looking forward to your comments and suggestions regarding our new menus and dishes.

Lots of recurring events are just a short while away. The Oyster Feast, which is always hugely popular, will be back, albeit without an a la carte option but with a nice buffet instead. The numbers would be too big to handle otherwise.

The Sausage Sizzle is another event not to be missed and it will feature about 25 sausage varieties all available at rock-bottom prices, some of them created based on recipes made inhouse.

May i kindly remind Members that private events/banquets should be confirmed at least 7 days in advance, and the number of participants advised not later than 3 days in advance. This is required so we can facilitate the ordering of supplies and make staffing arrangements.

Regarding domestic helpers, we regret that we have had to issue reminders a number of times about the rules and bye-laws of the Club. it would be much appreciated if all Members follow these rules, as otherwise it puts both staff and Members in a difficult position.

Hope to see you around the Club the best weather of the year is just around the corner!

Marco VeringaFood & Beverage Manager/Executive Chef

Executive Chefs Message

7

Mid-Autumn FestivalBook now for 8 or 9 September

Available at Blue Jade, Garden Room and Banyan RoomFor reservation, please call 3966 8632 or email [email protected]

Pickled vegetables, pickled young onions, assorted nuts, soya sauce with chili and XO sauce with chili.

A selection of premium teas: West Lake, Bo Lei, Tie Guan Yin or Jasmine tea. inclusive of free-flow soft drinks, juices, beer and selected wines

Menu AAssorted BBQ meat platter with pomelo, steamed chicken, roasted BBQ pork, roast duck and crispy suckling pig served with ginger and spring onion sauce, plum sauce, and hoisin sauce

Crab gelatin and fish maw soup

Wok-fried beef cubes with wild mushrooms and star fruit

Braised cucumber melon with conpoy and golden mushrooms

Wok-fried king prawns with soy sauce

Steamed fresh abalone with Chiu Chow cabbage and water chestnut

Crispy chicken

Fried rice steamed in lotus leaf

Honeydew melon and sago soup

Snow skin mooncake

HK$398 per person

Menu BDouble-boiled pigeon, morel mushrooms

and fish maw soup

Steamed Boston lobster with garlic and vermicelli

Sauted scallops with garden vegetables and water chestnuts

Deep fried golden shrimp balls stuffed with mashed taro

Clay pot soy sauce chicken

Steamed garoupa fillet with Yunnan ham on lotus leaf

Braised beef brisket in supreme soup

Seafood fried rice with pomelo

Taro egg custard

Snow skin mooncake

HK$488 per person

For events with food provisions:Cancellations of event bookings must be made in writing to [email protected] and received no less than 3 working days prior to the event date. In the event of cancellation, 50% of the combined event ticket will be charged to the Members account. No-show: In the event of no-show, an amount equivalent to the combined ticket price will be charged to the Members account accordingly.

Wine & Dine


USRC Big Sausage SizzleSaturday, 13 September 2014Poolside End 18:30-21:30Adults HK$108, Guests HK$125, Children HK$62

Salads and appetizersGerman potato salad, Curried pasta and chicken salad, Carrot, orange and raisin salad, Tomato mozzarella salad, assorted lettuce and dressingsChicken terrine, smoked burgundy ham, Lyoner, Ox tongue and assorted cold cuts

Soupitalian sausage soup

SausagesClassic Nurnberger, English pork sausage, English chicken sausage, Cumberland pinwheel, Argentinian chorizo, Boerewors, Salmon sausages, Thuringen bratwurst, Spicy merguez, Herb pork sausage, Lamb and rosemary sausage, Regensburger sausage, Spicy Swiss pork sausage, Smoked beef sausage, Frankfurter sausage and many more

CondimentsCrispy sausage buns, dill pickles, assorted mustards, curry ketchup, Yeung chow fried rice, creamy gratin potatoes, red cabbage, Sauerkraut, caramelised onions

DessertFresh fruit platters, assorted fruit pies, country carrot cake, bread and butter pudding and apple crumble

For reservation, please contact Amy Chan on 3966 8632 or via email on [email protected]

9


USRC Oyster Feast is back!Friday and Saturday, 24 and 25 October 2014. 18:30-21:30

Thats right, two days of nothing but oysters at the poolside all freshly shucked in front of you.

Please allow our Chefs some time for preparation.

Oyster prices starting at HK$20Australian Coffin Bay Oyster HK$20, French White Pearl Oyster HK$30,

Tasmanian Oyster HK$26, Scottish Rock Oyster HK$36,French Fleu Des Eaux Oyster HK$30, Belon 00 HK$52

We recommend advanced reserving of oysters, but please note due to the special nature of this event, reserved oysters cant be cancelled from one week prior to the event.

No la carte will be available, we will offer a buffet

Only these two nights only, so book now!For reservation, please call Amy at 3966 8632 or email: [email protected]

**in case of inclement weather, the Club reserves the right to cancel the function**

Wine & Dine

10

Oyster Feast Buffet MenuHK$188 per adult members, HK$218 per adult guests

and HK$128 per child

Appetisers and SaladsCured salmon with beetroot, green apple and fried capers

Scallops ceviche with mango and pistachioGalician style octopus

Arugula, sundried tomatoes and cured ham saladGrilled vegetables with thyme

Potatoes, eggs and red onion saladPickled eggplants

Fennel, green apple and assorted nutsTomatoes with buffalo mozzarella and basil

Hummus

SoupOnion soup

Bread basket with assorted whole sliced breads

Main coursePan seared salmon with caper and lemon butter sauce

Fillet of sole filled with spinach and topped with a Mornay saucePork slices hunter style with mushroom and tarragon sauce

Chicken breast with garlic and roasted pepper saucePenne with tomato basil sauce with olives

Sauted vegetable sticksCreamy gratin potatoes

Mushroom risottoLamb rogan josh

Chicken MakhanwalaVegetable jahl frezi

Saffron riceSweet and sour pork

Sauted broccoli and beef

CarvingPork leg with crackling

Apple sauce

DessertFresh fruit platter

Sacher cake, Cheese cake, Pear tart, Coconut tartChocolate mousse, Apple crumble, Bread and butter pudding

Kiwi pavlova

For reservation, please call 3966 863211

USRC Moments

Staff Birthday Party Celebrations A great day of birthday fun was celebrated in the second quarter of 2014.

More than 30 staff-members attended the Staff Birthday Party at the Garden Room on 30 June. This was held to celebrate the birthdays of staff-members whose birthdays occurred during April to June which included our Clubs General Manger.

The GM gave a short, informal welcoming speech, and offered birthday greetings to all the birthday celebrants. He also thanked staff for their on-going contributions in making USRC a great Club and providing improved services for our Members.

All participants had fun, taking part in the enjoyable game, Paper-Scissors & Rock before an array of finger food and drinks provided by the Food & Beverage department was served to the delight of all.

Everyone was thereafter wished good health, future success and many happy returns of the day, a great big birthday-cake was cut by May, our F&B lady staff-member followed by Red Lai-See handouts to all. Time fly when having fun, it was again time to get back to the daily duties.

12

Our New Restaurant The refurbishment of the Coffee Shop was completed on schedule on 15 August 2014. It was overdue for an uplift having last been renovated 7 years ago (how time flies).

The new concept (creating new dining outlets with separate entrances and different menus in each) is the brainchild of our Chef and General Manager who between them know a thing or two about restaurants.

The feedback from Members has been (almost universally) positive.

The refurbishment included replacing the furniture (all of it), adding an acoustic wall to reduce ambient noise, improving the lighting, adding booth seating and a private dining area complete with its own fireplace. The aim has been to create a more intimate feel to the main venue and a contrast with the modern European style of the adjacent Garden Cafe.

New menus, a new staff uniform and a new name (Blue Jade) have all helped to consolidate the concept. Equally importantly, we hope that the project enhances the working environment for our excellent staff.

These projects do not happen by themselves. We had a great team led by GM Carsten and Chef Marco and including the designer Bennet Lo, the Contractor Chi Shing and many others who have worked hard to bring it all together on budget and on programme.

A traditional Chinese opening ceremony was held on 25 August 2014.

We hope you enjoy the new experience.

Les PearceProject Director

Before

After

13

SEPTEMBER2014

Whats On

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY

Social Tennis (Ct 3) 3 - 7 pm, (Ct 4) 3 - 8 pm Social LB 10 am - 7 pm (all members) Football YYL game

7


14

Social Tennis (Ct 3) 3 - 7 pm, (Ct 4) 3 - 8 pm Social LB 10 am - 7 pm (all members) Football YYL game USRC Swimming Gala 2014

1:00pm - 6:00pm

21


28

Pilates group 4 pm Mid-Autumn Festival

8

Pilates group 4 pm

15

Pilates group 4 pm

22

Pilates group 4 pm

29

Playgroup 9:30 - 11:30 am Social LB 2:30 - 9:00 pm (all members) Marine Divers

Juniors 4 pm, Adult 7 pm SCUBA Swimming Tests Juniors 4 pm, Adult 7 pm

Brazil Top Skills (from 2 Sep to 16 Dec 4:30pm - 6:00pm, 3-11 yrs)

Day after Mid-Autumn Festival

9




16




23




30

HigHligHts Club F & BMid-Autumn Festival Menu8 or 9 September available atBlue Jade, Garden Room and Banyan Room USRC Big Sausage SizzleSaturday, 13 September at Poolside End 18:30-21:30 SportsUSRC Swimming Gala 2014Sunday 21 September 1:00 pm 6:00 pm USRC Cricket Coaching Program30 Aug 25 Oct (Every Saturday)Junior Cricket (U-13) 10:00 am 11:30 am (Net)Junior Cricket (U-11) 11:30 am 1:00 pm (Net) USRC Gunners Coaching Program30 Aug 25 Oct (Every Saturday)Boys & Girls 7 to 11 yrs old 11:00 am 1:00 pm(Multi-purpose Court Soft Balls) Brasil Top Skill Autumn Program2 Sept 20 Dec Junior Tennis Program Autumn TermSaturday, 23 Aug Friday, 17 Oct




2 Pilates group 4 pm

1

14

Whats On

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

Social Tennis (Ct 3) 3 - 7 pm, (Ct 4) 3 - 8 pm Pilates Classes, 9:15 - 10:15 am,

10:30 - 11:30 am, 1:30 - 2:30 pm Basic Snorkel Diver (Juniors) 9 am Squash afternoon 2:30 - 5:30 pm (Ct 1 & 2) LB 2:30 - 7:00 pm (LB Section Members Only) Brazil Top Skills (from 6 Sep to 20 Dec, 8:00am -

9:30 am, 6-11 yrs; 9:30am - 11:00am, 3-6 yrs) USRC Cricket, 10:00am - 11:30am U-13 (net)

11:00am - 1:00pm (boys & girls 7-11 yrs) 11:30am - 1:00pm U-11 (net)

6





13





20





27

Social Tennis (Ct 1 & 2) 9 - 11 am Social LB 2:30 - 7:00 pm (all members)

LB League Team Practice 7 - 10 pm Pilates Classes 7:30 pm Squash Team Practice (Ct 1&2) 6:45 -10 pm Football Training night Basic Snorkel Diver (adults) 7:00 pm

10



17



24

Bridge 9:30 am - 12:30 pm Social LB 2:30 - 7:00 pm (all members)

LB League Team Practice 7 - 10 pm Senior Cricket 7 - 9 pm Experience SCUBA (adults) 7 pm Brazil Top Skills (from 4 Sep to 18 Dec

4:30pm - 6:00pm, 3-11 yrs)

11



4:30pm - 6:00pm, 3-11 yrs)

18



4:30pm - 6:00pm, 3-11 yrs)

25

Playgroup from 9:30 - 11:30 am Pilates group 4 pm Football Legal League games

12


19


26



4:30pm - 6:00pm, 3-11 yrs)

4 Playgroup from 9:30 - 11:30 am Pilates group 4 pm Football Legal League games

5 Social Tennis (Ct 1 & 2) 9 - 11 am Social LB 2:30 - 7:00 pm (all members)


3

15

OCTOBER2014

Whats On

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY


5


12


19


26

Pilates group 4 pm

6

Pilates group 4 pm

13

Pilates group 4 pm

20

Pilates group 4 pm

27




7




21

HigHligHts Club F & BUSRC Jazz Night 18 October, SaturdayPoolside 6:30 pm till late Oyster Feast at Poolside 24 & 25 OctoberFriday & Saturday, Poolside 18:30 pm 21:30 pm SportsUSRC Cricket Coaching Program30 Aug 25 Oct (Every Saturday)Junior Cricket (U-13) 10:00 am 11:30 am (Net)Junior Cricket (U-11) 11:30 am 1:00 pm (Net) USRC Gunners Coaching Program30 Aug 25 Oct (Every Saturday)Boys & Girls 7 to 11 yrs old 11:00 am 1:00 pm(Multi-purpose Court Soft Balls) Brasil Top Skill Autumn Program2 Sept 20 Dec Junior Tennis Program Autumn TermSaturday, 23 Aug Friday, 17 Oct




14




28

16

Whats On

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY





4





11





Jazz Night (6:30 pm till late)

18





25



8



15



22



4:30pm - 6:00pm, 3-11 yrs)

9



4:30pm - 6:00pm, 3-11 yrs)

16



4:30pm - 6:00pm, 3-11 yrs)

23


10


17


24


3



29 Bridge 9:30 am - 12:30 pm Social LB 2:30 - 7:00 pm (all members)


4:30pm - 6:00pm, 3-11 yrs)

30 Playgroup from 9:30 - 11:30 am Pilates group 4 pm Football Legal League games

31

Social Tennis (Ct 1 & 2) 9 - 11 am Social LB 10:00 am - 8:00 pm (all members) Pilates Classes 7:30 pm Squash Team Practice (Ct 1&2) 6:45 -10 pm Football Training night Basic Snorkel Diver (adults) 7:00 pm National Day

1 Bridge 9:30 am - 12:30 pm Social LB 10:00 am - 8:00 pm (all members) Senior Cricket 7 - 9 pm Experience SCUBA (adults) 7 pm Brazil Top Skills (from 4 Sep to 18 Dec

4:30pm - 6:00pm, 3-11 yrs) Chung Yeung Festival

2

17

sports Watch

Classes & Activities at the USRCAqua ExerciseAbra tsuiEmail: [email protected] $450 Private lesson $250 Semiprivate lesson Members onlyRefer to instructor for schedule

BridgeKentTel: 9020 3269

JuliaTel: 9830 7131Thursday: 9:30am 12:30pmNo charge (must call before attending)

FootballAlan UrmstonTel: 9422 6484Wednesday: 7:30 9:00pmKings Park$50 per 90 minutes playtime (adult)

gym FamiliarisationContact Reception 3966 8600/611First and third Tuesday of each monthAt 7:30pm 45 minutes lessonGroup lesson $75 Private lesson $100

PilatesJM Pilates studioTel: 9194 5856 Email: [email protected]

For Members onlyGroup classes $150 per classGroup classes are held:Monday 4pm, Wednesday 7:30pm, Friday 4pm, Saturday 9:15am, 10:30am and 1:30pmPrivate Lesson $600Duets $700 per class for 2Please contact [email protected] for guests pricing.

PlaygroupNicola BargussTel: 9775 4944Tuesday: 9:30amFriday: 9:30am$50 for the first child (member)$88 for the first child (guests)$35 per additional child or parent

scUBA DivingMarine Divers (BSAC School 388)ginger Ayres (instructor trainer)Email: [email protected]

For ages 12 upAble to swim 200m comfortablyAvailable all year roundBeginner to First Class Diver / InstructorRefresher courses for qualified diversFor USRC members and guests

FREE Try-SCUBA in pool by arrangementExperience SCUBAOcean DiverUpgrading courses, Sports Diver etcSkill Development courses: Boathandling etcMarine Divers Sub-Aqua Club Members Rates:For membership contact [email protected] Nights: 1900 hrs Tuesdays at USRCPrivate Lessons flexible programme$400 per hour for 1 to 4 peopleGroup Lessons fixed programme$100 per hour per person

snorkellingMarine Divers (BSAC School 388)ginger Ayres (Advanced snorkel instructor)Email: [email protected]

For ages 6 upAble to swim 50m comfortablyAvailable summer months onlyBeginner to Open Water snorkellerFor USRC members and guestsBasic Snorkel DiverUpgrading courses: Snorkel Diver etcMarine Divers Sub-Aqua Club Members Rates:For membership contact [email protected] Afternoon: 1600 to 1800 hrs Tuesdays at USRCPrivate Lessons flexible programme$400 per hour for 1 to 4 peopleGroup Lessons fixed programme$100 per hour per person

squashMuhammad i. gullTel: 9421 4741Email: [email protected] Lesson $350 per hour (member)$375 per hour (guests)Group Lesson (minimum 2 to 4 persons)$700 per 1 hour (member)$850 per 1 hour (guests)Juniors Private Lesson$300 per hour (member)$350 per hour (guests)Juniors Group Lesson (minimum 2 to 4 persons)$150 per hour (member)$175 per hour (guests)USRC Juniors Squash ProgramGirls under-15 girls training every Saturday 5:30 pm to 6:30 pmBoys & Girls Age 8 to 10 every Monday 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm Member and guests are welcome!

cricketMuhammad i. gullTel: 9421 4741Email: [email protected] Lesson (including) Beginners, Intermediate & Advance Cricketers

$350 per hour (member)$400 per hour (guests)Group Lesson (minimum 2 to 6 persons) $700 per 1 hourTeam Training (minimum 2 to 6 persons) $800 per 2 hours Juniors Individual Lesson$300 per hour (member)$350 per hour (guests)Juniors Group Lesson (minimum 2 to 4 kids) $600 per 1 hoursJuniors Team Training (minimum 2 to 6 persons) $700 per 1 hours (Beginners or any age kids are welcome)

tennisRob PentecostTel: 6271 3734Available Monday to Saturday. Please refer to the instructor.$530 per hour for private lesson$280 per person for semi-private lesson (2 persons)$220 per person for group lesson (3 persons)$200 per person for group lesson (4 persons)$180 per person for group lesson (5-6 persons)$280 hour for private lesson

chris HuntHKTA Qualified Coach, Licensed Level II.USRC Junior Tennis Teams Captain (Under 14s and Under 18s). Tel: 9316 6191/2550 5094 (evening till midnight)Saturday: 10 11am (child beginners)Saturday: 11am 1pm (junior intermediate)Thursday: between 5 8pm (junior intermediate)

By appointment: One private hour $470Personal Group2 persons $280 per person3 persons $220 per person 4 persons $200 per person5-6 persons $180 per personJunior Group:Child Group Hour (Casual Drop In)$160 per child per hour

YogaJesse tongTel: 9488 5869Friday: 10:30am 12noon$160 per lesson

Personal TrainingPia HaymanTel: 9171 4860HK$500 per lessonSchedule: refer to the instructorAdam RizwanTel: 9721 5959HK$475/per lessonSchedule: refer to the instructor

18

sports Watch

Dear Members,

WelCoMe to the September/october issue of In Bloom. I hope you all enjoyed your summer vacations. If you are a parent, as I am, you probably are making back to school preparations. While our childrens studies are of paramount importance, I would urge you to consider sport as a key ingredient for our children to become well-rounded adults.

to help them along this path, individual or team sports can help children learn discipline, enjoy camaraderie, get general exercise and learn the value of fair play. Please keep an eye out for the excellent youth development programs we offer at USRC across all our sports.

Around the world, sports play an increasingly important part in peoples lives and can also offer excellent career opportunities. From playing professionally to fitness training, sports management or even sports psychology, there are an ever increasing degree of roles and global employment avenues.

Dont forget about yourself either! Whether its sports at a social level or the desire to push yourself to the limit, we are sure we can accommodate you.

Id like to welcome the DeA tigers or more accurately, the now USRC tigers RFC to the Club. As one of the leading Rugby Union Clubs in Hong Kong, this is a very exciting venture. Im sure it will provide many opportunities for Members on a playing and social level. It strengthens the long-term goal of promoting USRC as one of Hong Kongs premier sports and leisure clubs.

Please do not miss the ever-popular Annual Swimming Gala on September 21. this is a wonderful family event combining fun family races with recognition for our serious swimmers. entry application forms are available at reception and the deadline for entries is September 15.

our cricket and squash seasons commence in September (Cricket Awards Night, September 13, Garden Marquee) and Id like to wish everyone involved good luck for the new campaigns.

Also, congratulations to the Football Section on their outstanding season, including winning the Yau Yee league.

We are always looking to improve and develop our sports offerings. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any ideas or suggestions.

Play well!

Ilyas GullSports & leisure Assistant Manager

Sports & Leisure Assistant Managers Message

19

sports Watch

Cricket News by Ahmed Saleem, Cricket Convenor

These are exciting times for USRC Cricket. Our senior teams are looking forward to the season with high expectations our playing squad contains FIVE HONG KONG NATIONAL PLAYERS. These are the guys who helped put HK cricket back on the International cricket map with their performances at recent ICC events as a result Hong Kong has regained full ICC One Day International Status! Theyre now training hard for the new domestic season with USRC Cricket and are also hoping to represent Hong Kong at the 17th Asian Games in September.

Our National players depart for a training camp in Sri Lanka early September, prior to which they joined us for pre-season cocktails August 29th at the USRC Cricket Awards Cocktails.

The guys are also anxious to help develop the next National players and will attend our Coaching sessions throughout the campaign.

Our junior section is thriving too. Last season the USRC Junior Gunners under 16s won the HK Cricket Association League title and our Under 11s were runners up in their age group.

Cricket is a terrific introduction to the genre of team sports for both boys and girls of all ages (our starting point is under 11s). Its a recreational activity that builds and enhances athletic prowess, hand to eye co-ordination and general motor skills. It also in-troduces the concept of a team environment, where you play your part to help your team mates, develop your leadership skills and learn the importance of sportsmanship (having respect for each other,both team mates and opposition). Youll also have the chance to improve your maths skills as you get to understand the intricacies of the scoring system. Thats a lot to gain!

In cricket as in life, there are rules and regulations to abide by, standards to obtain and maintain. Learning discipline is a key part of our development. Be on time, listen to your Coach, your Cap-tain, play the game fairly and safely. As you learn about cricket you so will learn about life too!

At USRC Cricket we take our coaching very seriously. Were looking tothe future of the club by nurturing future Hong Kong national players. Each Junior Gunner will be allocated a dedicated coach upon the completion of enrolment. Our coaches under-stand success as they have tasted plenty of that on the field. The four member strong coaching team is led by a highly acclaimed former Hong Kong national player, Ilyas Gull (coach profiles can be found on the cricket and general sports notice boards). They all understand the huge responsibility they have in being part of a youngsters development, as well as their health and safety. They also understand you cannot win every match or always be the star player. Win or lose, you must represent yourself, your team and respect the game itself with dignity. If you can do that, then even if the match is lost, you leave the field having gained self confidence.

Boys and girls, come along to enrol at our entry level Junior Gun-ners (7 to 11 years) every Saturday between 11am and 1pm at the multi-court located next to our world-class cricket training facility which is used by the Hong Kong national side. Meet Ilyas and his team and let them tell you more about the sport. Upon enrolment, you will receive your USRC Junior Gunners hand-book which will give you details about your dedicated coach, the course you will undertake, and our player Code of Conduct. At the end of your programme, there will be a graduation day with a certificates and prize giving ceremony.

UsRc cricket Junior gunners.Play the game to gain!

Other age group and Seniors practice times:-

Under 11s: Cricket training every Saturday from August 30th 11.30am to 1pm cricket nets Manager Michael Caves, Coach Ilyas Gull

Under 13s: Cricket training every Saturday from August 30th 10am to 11.30am cricket nets Coach Asif Hussain

Under 15s, Under 17s and Under 19s: Cricket training every Friday 7pm to 9pm cricket nets Coaches Ilyas Gull and Asif Hussain

Seniors: Cricket training every Thursday 7pm to 9pm cricket nets Coaches Ilyas Gull and Asif Hussain

Junior Gunners Course runs every Saturday from August 30th to October 26th

Pre-season Cocktails, August 29th, 7:30pm, Poolside

For further information, please contact USRC Sports & Leisure Assistant Manager, Ilyas Gull on 9421 4741 or email [email protected]

Womens cricket at UsRc 2015/16As part of the planned expansion of the USRC Cricket section we will be launching both age groups and Senior Womens Cricket in the 2015/16 season.

Currently we encourage both girls and boys aged between 7 and 13 years to join our Junior Gunners - Play the Game to Gain! Youth Development Programme on Saturday mornings (contact Ilyas Gull via email [email protected] for further information).

The Womens game has grown rapidly in the previous decade and is fully supported and promoted globally by the International Cricket Council, regionally by the Asian Cricket Council and locally by the Hong Kong Cricket Association.

The Hong Kong Womens National team (picture c HKCA) recently finished third in the ACC Womens Premier in Thailand playing games against the hosts, China, Bhutan, Iran, and Nepal.

The HKCA has been organising cricket games in Hong Kong since 2001 and now has a well-established League structure

20

UsRc Pre-season cocktails and AwardsAugust 29th, Poolside, 7.30pmThe cricket season is nearly upon us and our age group and Senior players are attending net practice most evenings to re-move some off-season rustiness. That said, for our National Senior and U19 players it is an all year round season with overseas tours, strength & conditioning sessions and training camps.

To welcome the season USRC Cricket hosted a Pre-Season Cocktails and Awards evening August 29th, Poolside. We invited Hong Kong Cricket Association Head Of Cricket Charlie Burke and other special guests. Many members of our Junior Gunners age group teams including the HKCA Under 16 League Champions and the HKCA Under 11 League runners up also attended.

including a T20 League. Wed like a USRC Womens Cricket team to be part of that league for the 2015/16 season (September to February).

So were looking girls of all ages and back-grounds to help us create this new venture. Whilst player recruitment, development and coaching are our primary aims, were also looking for off-field leaders to assist with the planning and development and maybe even take part in coaching courses.

Well be contacting members shortly via email with details of an Open Day and the full future programme. In the meantime, anyone who is interested should contact Ilyas Gull at the club.

We were absolutely thrilled that our Senior National players also attended as they prepared to depart for a training camp in Sri Lanka armed with their personal trophies from recent International Cricket Council global events including Irfan Ahmed with his ICC Player of the Tournament award from the ICC World Cup Qualifier during which Hong Kong regained ODI status.

It was a wonderful evening hosted by our Convenor Captain Saleem, as we payed tribute to USRC Crickets players and Coaches for last seasons efforts and look forward to building further progress at age group and Senior cricket in 2014/15.

21

Venue : USRC Cricket Net

Program : every Saturday

(from 30 Aug - 25 oct)

Age : U-13 & U-11

time : 10:00 am 11:30 am for U-13

11:30 am 1:00 pm for U-11

Course details:

Attendingoutdoormatches Batting&Bowling(challenges) Funfieldinggames(competitions) Learnadvancedbowling&batting

(techniques)

EndofCourse:Prize,Awards&Certificates

USRC Junior Cricket Coaching ProgramAugust October 2014

Play the Game to Gain

!

Enrollment form available at club lobby

22

Venue : USRC Multi-purpose Court

(Soft Balls)

Program : every Saturday

(from 30 Aug - 25 oct)

Age : Boys and Girls 7 to 11 Years old

time : 11:00 am 1:00 pm

Course details:

Attendingoutdoormatches Batting&Bowling(challenges) Funfieldinggames(competitions) Learnadvancedbowling&batting

(techniques)

EndofCourse:Prize,Awards&Certificates

USRC Gunners Coaching ProgramAugust October 2014

Play the Game to Gain

!

Enrollment form available at club lobby

23

sports Watch

The USRC Football Section has never been in better shape!

I am, indeed, fortunate and honoured to take the helm as Convener after our recent AGM (see details below) and following last seasons unprecedented levels of on-field success under Leo de Ruijters stewardship. Those successes included two divisional league championship wins (one from the Clubs First Team and one from USRC Experience), a third-place finish from USRC Power and an amazing run to the Final by USRC in the superstar-studded Masters Tournament of the HK International Sevens.

I am convinced that with ex-professional player Eder Ferreira as our Football Manager, the coaching skills, playing ability and aptitude in attracting and retaining footballing talent he has, will deliver another strong performance from the Clubs First team in 2014-15.

Our two Legal League sides are also well-placed for contin-ued success with the newly appointed dynamic duo of co- managers, Laurence Rudge and Steve Cairns, overseeing USRC Power theyre both as adept from the touchlines as they are on the pitch. I am also delighted that assistant managers Rick Leone and Ciarian Fay will continue to help me coach USRC Experience.Football Section Secretary and Club stalwart Alan Urmstons invaluable knowledge and tireless contributions will help both players and managers navigate the open waters of football leagues in Hong Kong Alans presence is another welcome continuation from previous seasons.

The year of 2014-2015 will be filled with excitement with regular Wednesday training sessions at Kings Park Sports Ground focused on skills n drills and semi-regular over-35s veterans games available for willing and able Club members as well as a host of kids football classes. We hope there are more trophies but most there will definitely be football fun at USRC.

Keep a close eye on our Sections noticeboard outside Gunners Bar (where else?!) for details on how you, your family and friends can get involved.

Football News by Vince Docherty, Football Convenor

With both USRC Legal League teams now in Division One, our Friday night boys were looking forward to the traditional end-of-season sun and fun event in June: the Legal League 6-a-side tournament. Well, maybe the fun but certainly not the sun and the 35 degrees of heat for five hours!! Leo de Ruijter and Dave Kirby report

With USRC Power finishing a highly creditable third in the League, the 6s tournament was Powers last chance for silverware after reaching last seasons quarter-finals. Hopes were high as a strong team of regulars including Andy Mitchell and Sam Ellis with the addition of new boy Fela Bankswere drawn against the bottom two teams from Division 1 and a team from Division 2. Things were looking hopeful after three games as Power topped their group and progressed into the Cup Competition.

After another easy 4-0 win against J-Bulls, Power was once again in the Cup quarter-finals with only the veterans team BDTD standing in their way of a semi-final place. A victory here followed by two more and another trophy would be heading its way to the Gunners Bar. Unfortunately, this was not the case,as a determined BDTD performance plus some uncharacteristic USRC mistakes saw Power rather harshly defeated 2-1. As Dutch foot-ball legend Johan Cruyff is often quoted as saying,Its all very simple: if you score one more than your opponent, you win.

Power will undoubtedly learn their lesson and be back next season where they will be in it to win it once again! Leo de Ruijter

On the back of winning Legal League Division 2, USRC Experi-ence lived-up to their name and fielded a VERY experienced team in their group. The emphasis was clearly on giving everyone as much game time as possible, playing hard, drinking GALLONS of water and having a lot of fun.

Experience opened with a solid 1-1 draw against Soho Casuals but could not build on this. Experience had to settle for the knock-out phase of the Bowl Competition. Highlights of the win-ner takes all stages were Ian Wisharts 20-yard screamer against Discovery Bay, (a team fielding a few ex-USRC players!), some outstanding goalkeeping from Edwin Fong and USRC legend Ed-die McCallion rolling back the years to score the cheekiest and most delicate of back-heel goals in a narrow loss to a young, quick Team Underdogs.

Despite the relentless heat, it was a great day out and drew a close to a fantastic season for the Men in Green. Dave Kirby

The next issue of In Bloom we will focus in detail on the exploits on our top flight amateur Champions from the Yau Yee League led by Eder. In this editions round-up, Laurence Rudge and Rick Leone highlight some key themes for our Legal League teams for the season ahead USRC Power, with both myself and Yau Yee League midfield

24

dynamo Steve Cairns, who is thankfully making a great recov-ery following serious injury at the helm. is looking to build on last seasons third-place finish while simultaneously getting some re-building work under way. As is often the case in Hong Kong football, a number of players have left town, moved on to veter-ans football or moved (down!) to other teams over the summer. As a result, the challenge for Power involves recruiting for several key positions including a regular goalkeeper after Sam Ellis retire-ment from competitive football. The good news is that we have already identified a few key targets.

In addition to success in the Legal League 6s tournament, as men-tioned above by Leo, our other aims for the season include a good cup run in the Champions League and victories over our in-house friends and rivals USRC Experience in our two league meetings!

Laurence Rudge

Having won Division 2 last season, USRC Experience now fac-es the enormous challenge of having to compete in Division 1 alongside Power, who did a marvellous job last season competing in a very strong pool of 12 teams.

Although Experience has kept the bulk of last seasons squad, some bright and new talent may be needed as is the case across all three competitive teams in the Section. Eder, the team manag-ers and the new Convenor Vince Docherty will be working to-gether to recruit and figureout where those players will be best suited for the new season.

Whatever happens - win, lose or draw - USRC Experience will be getting together after the matches to celebrate in the Gunners Bar, to keep William and the bar staff entertained and to discuss the great talent that is playing across the whole of the USRC Football Section. Rick Leone

An exhausted USRC Experience team brought down the curtain on the season of 2013-14 at the Legal League 6s in Sandy Bay. Back row, L-R: Gilly Nkouagne, Derek Long, Vince Docherty, Eddie McCallion, Edwin Fong and Eric Edholm.Front row, L-R: Dave Kirby, Michael Daniel and Ian Wishart.

The Football Section held its Annual General Meeting & Awards Dinner in the Garden Marquee on the 13th of June.

The Annual Awards to players who contributed to a raft of on-field successes in 2013-14 are as follows:

USRC ExperiencePlayer of the Season Michael DanielMost Improved Player Gary MonaghanGoal of the Season Rene EtheridgeGolden Boot Rene Etheridge (16 goals)

USRC Experience Player of the Season Michael Daniel (left) receives his trophy from Vince Docherty

USRC PowerPlayer of the Season Musa TahiruMost Improved Player Travis BuntGoal of the Season Humberto ToscanGolden Boot Musa Tahiru (10 goals)

USRC Power Most Improved Player Travis Bunt (left) receives his trophy from Leo de Ruijter

USRC First Team (Yau Yee League)Player of the Season Djair MachadoMost Improved Player Thomson YungGoal of the Season Bruno CannavanGolden Boot David Jordan (21 goals)

USRC First Teams Goal of the Season went to Bruno Cannavan (right) pictured receiving his trophy from Andy Mitchell

Prior to the Awards, the Section held its AGM. It was decided that the structure of the Section will remain unchanged for the 2014-15 season with the USRC being represented by one team in the Yau Yee League Division One and two teams, Power and Experience, in the Legal League Division One. The USRC will also run a Veterans team that will play semi-regular friendly matches. The structure will be reviewed at the end of the season ahead.The sub-committee of the Section for 2014-15 is as follows: Convenor Vince Docherty Secretary Alan Urmston Treasurer vacant* Football Manager and First Team Coach Eder Ferreira First Team Manager vacant* Power Managers Laurence Rudge & Steve Cairns Experience Manager Vince Docherty *These positions will be filled once suitable candidates are identified.

Thanks went to the outgoing committee members, Leo de Ruijter, who will now concentrate on his role as Sports Director of the USRC, and Kenneth Chiu and Andy Mitchell for their sterling work in giving us our most successful season to date on the pitch.

25

Eder is a Brazilian coach with 8 years experience coaching boys and girls in Hong Kong.

He played professional, first division football for 13 years in 5 countries: Brazil, Mexico, Portugal (where he

was coached by Jose Mourinho), China and Hong Kong (South China).

Contact:Tel: 9810 1840 (Eder)Emai: [email protected]: brasiltopskills.com.hk

Venue:USRC Multi-purpose Court1 Gascoigne Road, Kings Park, Kowloon, Hong KongAges: 3 - 16 (boys and girls)

Students to bring owns boots or sports shoes, shin guards and a drink

All students of USRC Soccer Program will be covered by medical insurance

Brasil Top Skills

Skills and technique development training

Students qualify to play tournaments

All Brazilian qualified coaches

USRC SOCCER PROGRAMLearn to play the Brazilian way!

September December 2014

For 1 class per week, $200 per class ($3,100)For 2 classes per week, $170 per class ($5,340)For 3 classes per week, $150 per class ($7,100)

26

POOL RULES

Date: Sunday, 21 September

Time: 1 pm 6 pm Entry Fee:Member $60 per eventGuest Member $70 per event Special Package:Member $150 (unlimited individual events +

1 family relay)Guest $180 (unlimited individual events +

1 family relay) Entry form available at reception or download the

form from Club website Application Deadline: 15 September

Programme includes: Swimming Races Family Relay Raft out Relay Inflatable Water Roller Prize presentation

27

Sports Watch

Lawn Bowls News by Irene Leung, Lawn Bowls Convenor

Summer arrived finally! Our league games had a mid-summer break from July 6 to mid-August, 2014.

Members were busy making full use of the green before it closed for maintenance. A series of activities took place, which I am delighted to share with you all!

Qualifying Competition to Represent USRC for International Classic Competition 2014As mentioned in the last issue, the International Classic Competition 2014 will be held in November this year. USRC, as usual, is eligible to participate in the International Classic Ladies Pairs (eligibility is confined to bowling clubs with Division One Teams only).

Therefore, an in-house competition for ladies pairs was organized to decide who would be qualified to represent the Club and join this event.

A total of 5 teams registered and the competition kicked off on May 15, 2014. We are pleased to report that Ms. Angela Chau and Ms. Candy Ng won the competition and will represent our Club during this competition.

Moreover, Ms. Angela Chau was also selected to represent the HK Team in the Ladies Classic Single 2014.

Congratulations to both Angela and Candy!

Friendly Game with CdeR on July 1, 2014This year, we invited members of CdeR to play a friendly game with us on July 1, 2014.

All 6 rinks were used and our games started at 2:00pm. Refreshments were served at around 4:00pm and the game ended around dinner time.

Everybody had a great day. We enjoyed ourselves very much and our guests expressed great satisfaction, particularly about our refreshments! We were lucky because just after our competition ended, heavy rain poured down nonstop for over an hour.

CdeR will invite us to play in their in-door green on August 9, 2014. We all look forward to this event and I am sure it will be another enjoyable activity for our Members.

If availability of green allows, we will try to arrange more friendly games with other clubs to enhance our bowling skills, make more friends with other clubs, and promote harmony!

In-House Training Program on June 29, 2014Aside from the training course held on June 16, 2014 mentioned in the last issue, 2 more training courses were conducted on June 29, 2014 (they were originally scheduled for June 22 but were deferred due to inclement weather forcing the green to be closed). The following courses were offered: Use of umpire kit Learn to be a lead player

Special thanks must be given to Dr. Annie Yeung and her husband Dr. Howard Lai for helping to conduct the courses in the midst of the scorching sun. We all gained lots of input and concepts about techniques which are very useful for improving our skills.

Mid-Summer Break Dinner on July 5, 2014 July 5 was the last day of league games. After which, there was a mid-summer term break, so we chose this date for our mid-summer break dinner. All Members, family and friends were welcome to participate.

We had almost 40 people participating and it was really a big party full of joy and laughter!

We had a prize presentation to distinguished Members, which included:

Trophy Award:1. USRC 2013 Mens Club Single Mr. Dicky Wong2. USRC 2013 Ladies Club Single Ms. Angela Chau

28

Sand-Laying on July 12, 2014Each year, we lay sand to preserve and maintain the green, so this year, the sand-laying party was held on July 12, 2014.

The weather was indeed very good! We had a clear blue sky, scorching sun, and humid and hot weather, yet our Members were enthusiastic and supportive. They all arrived promptly and started to work speedily. With the help of the administration staff, we accomplished the task within 2 hours.

Thanks also to F & B for offering everybody who helped in this function with plenty of drinks and snacks. The food was particularly delicious after 2 hours of sweating and hard work! We enjoyed ourselves for the rest of the afternoon by sitting down leisurely and lazily chatting with each other until we all had cooled down.

This event was very meaningful to us. We will particularly treasure the green after this day of hard work!

Red Wine Award:1. USRC 2013 Premier League Best Player Mens Team: Mr. Leung Kin Hung, Mr. Calvin Chan & Mr. Stanley Wat Ladies Team: Ms. Helen Lo2. USRC 2013 Winter Triple League Best Player Mens Team: Mr. Franko Foo Ladies Team: Ms. Fanny Fernandes & Ms. Winnie Wai

Lets provide a big hand for these Members hard work and achievements!

Green Closed for MaintenanceAfter laying the sand, the green was closed until mid-August! No Member is able to have any activities until the green opens again!

Many Members made use of this break period for travelling or other social activities with family and friends!

I am sure we all look forward to the green re-opening again and are eager to play with our fellow Members and start practices to prepare for the league and national games ahead!

Improvement Project in Areas around the GreenRequests had been raised to the administration office to improve the condition of the area around our green, such as by add-ing umbrellas on the side of the bank along Gascoigne Road, replacing the refrigerator in the stone hut, refurbishing the stone hut, adding storage shelves, paving in front of the storage hut, etc.

We were told that some of these would be done during the break period too!

We look forward to a new and nicer look upon the opening of green!

Cheers and Happy Bowl!

29

Sports Watch

Rugby Newsby Fraser Smith, Rugby Convenor

Im glad to announce that we have seen tremendous support for the new USRC rugby section over the past few months. It is apparently that rugby is a popular sport amongst members; hopefully, our rugby community will continue to grow.

July saw the start of pre-season training for all senior squads and August and September will welcome the start of the season for the mini and youth sections. After a very successful season for the mini and youth squads in 2013/2014, we hope for even more support in the coming season to build on our success. The in-troduction of professional coaches for all mini and youth teams should help enhance the skill level and game knowledge of all the clubs aspiring stars. The seniors look forward to continue their success at the development level while the Mens 1st XV are anticipating a number of new players will help push them up the league table. As always, we expect the Womens 1st XV to be leading by example at the top of the table.

For those of you wishing to join the USRC Tigers, please see details below and come and join the training. This is available both for yourself and your children.

Seniors section (19 and above)Training - 1st July 2014 15th March 2015, every

Tuesday and Thursday 7:30pm 9:00 pmMatches - Every Saturday starting on 6th SepSign up at - http://www.usrctigers.com/Subs - HKD 1,500 including all kit and full season

trainingContact Person - Chris Davies ([email protected])

Youth Section (13-19)Training - 19th August 2014 15th April 2015 - U14 Boys/Girls Tuesday 6:00pm to 7:30pm

and Sunday 10:00am to 11:30am - U16 Boys/Girls Tuesday 6:00pm to 7:30pm

and Sunday 11:00am to 12:30pm - U19 Boys/Girls - Sunday 11:00am to 12:30pmMatches - Every other SundaySign up at - http://www.usrctigers.com/Subs - HKD 1,300 including all kit and full season

trainingContact Person - Terry Mulrooney ([email protected])

Youth Section (5-13)Training - 7th September 2014 15th April 2015Matches - several tournaments throughout the year

(Tigerfest 2nd Nov)Sign up at - http://www.deatigersrfc.com/en/Joining

(note: different to senior and youth)Subs - HKD 850 for 1st child and HKD 450 for 2nd

child including kit and trainingContact Person - Marcus Naumann

([email protected])Furthermore, we would like to invite all members to come down and support all USRC Tiger teams on match-days.

I hope you are all as excited about the coming season as I am!

USRC TIGERS Press Release DeA Tigers Rugby Football Club and the United Services Recreation Club (USRC) are delighted to announce an affiliation commencing June 2014. As part of the agreement, DeA Tigers Rugby Football Club will change its name to USRC Tigers for the 2014/2015 season and beyond. The decision by the boards and senior management of the two sporting clubs follows six months of negotiations, and aligns the strategic goals of the two clubs, both of which are excited by the potential of this collaboration.

DeA Tigers Chairman Marco Cassandro says, The collaboration with the USRC is the result of the vision of the USRC General

Committee and also of a lot of hard work. The committee has been very supportive throughout the period of our integration and the General Management has also given its full support and coordination. The new Rugby Sports Section will form part of the other core sports at the Club including Lawn Bowls, Squash, Tennis, Football and Cricket, the members of which have also been incredibly enthusiastic about this collaboration. This was a natural integration, with many DeA Tigers members already members of the USRC and we felt that the partnership would be an easy and seamless transition. It will provide benefits for the USRC through related events and significantly enhance our competitive position within Hong Kong Rugby.

30

The USRC Chairman says, We are delighted to announce an agreement with DeA Tigers Rugby Football Club to form a Rugby Sports Section within the USRC and are satisfied that this is a significant step forward for the Club. It will allow us to expand sports within the Club through a high profile sporting activity, and is consistent with our long term goal of promoting the USRC as both a sporting and a leisure Club.

Both clubs have long histories. The USRC opened in 1911 to cater for the growing military presence in Hong Kong follow-ing the leasing of the New Territories to the British. The Club was established to provide a recreational haven for officer-level personnel and their families. The USRC has a proud sporting history which continues to be maintained and it competes for honours on the Hong Kong sporting scene much as the mili-tary teams did in years gone by. DeA Tigers RFC was formed in September 2002 from the amalgamation of two existing HK clubs, DeA RFC (est. 1988), a senior club, and Kai Tak Tigers (est. 1978), a club offering both mini and youth rugby. Upon the merger, the club became the DeA Tigers Rugby Football Club and created only the second club in HK at that time to cater for rugby at all levels.

History of USRC TigersDeA was formed in 1988 by a group of local students and teachers, as part of the Duke of Edinburghs Award Scheme, with many players coming from Po Leung Kok. In 1995, when DeA won the HKRFUs Team of the Year Award, it had barely 15 members and played in the 5th Division. However, by 1997, DeA boasted five teams playing in the mens leagues, including the Premiership, and also a womens team.

Kai Tak Mini Rugby Club was established in 1978, taking its name from the location of its training ground, adjacent to the old air-port.

At the time of the handover, the British Forces rugby team, the Tigers, moved out of Kings Park leaving behind a facility, includ-ing the Tigers Clubhouse, that HK rugby subsequently made its own.

At that time, Kai Tak Mini Rugby Club relocated to Kings Park adopting the name Kai Tak Tigers and a few years later, in 2002, merged with DeA whose teams, by this time, already played at Kings Park. DeA had become a natural filter club for Kai Tak Tigers and, as such, the two teams had developed a close association.

The new club was called DeA Tigers.

Upon completion of this merger, DeA Tigers had become one of the largest rugby clubs in Hong Kong with men, women, boys and girls of all ages, nationalities and skill levels playing rugby for the Club, in over 20 rugby teams every weekend of the season. DeA Tigers was only the second club in Hong Kong to cater for rugby at all levels.

This new merger with USRC opens a new chapter in the develop-ment of rugby for all, under the name of USRC Tigers!

- USRC201462014/2015 6

1911 2002 9 - 1988 1978

198819955151997

1978

-

2002

20

31

Sports Watch

Squash NewsChung Leung, Convenorarticle written by Gary McAuslan

The winter season is now well and truly over. Following our Club Champs AGM and Annual Dinner, we topped off the Grand Finale of the World Masters at Hong Kong with the HK Squash Awards presentation. This was followed by a couple of quiet months, during which we were building for the pending Winter League season in October.

USRC Chairman (ex) Ross presenting World Squash Champion (ex) Geoff Hunt with a USRC plaque

A few of the lucky ones who enjoyed the evening with Geoff Hunt

The good luck worked for Dale against Scotland

2013-14 HK Squash Annual Dinner / PrizegivingUSRC was well represented and looked the part decked out in our USRC sports shirts.

We had another successful season, with 3 teams out of 6 rep-resented on the stage, and we had an enjoyable evening with a nice dinner (and decorations, which were also well looked after).

World Masters SquashWell done to Ken, Dale, Kermit, Mike and Julian as well as those who got down to show their support. The photos tell it all and it sounds like it was a very well-organized and enjoyable experience. Mike also came close to collecting some silverware well done.

32

USRC in good spirits enjoying the season-ending awards dinner

Club Opening HoursClub House 7:00am Midnight (Friday, Saturday and Eve of Public Holidays 7:00am 1:00am)Club Shop 9:00am 9:00pmReception Operation Hours 7:00am 11:00pmSnooker Room 10:00am 11:00pm (on one-hour intervals)Squash Courts 9:15am 11:30pm (on 45-min. intervals)Swimming Pools 8:00am 8:00pmTennis Courts 7:00am 11:00pmCricket Nets 8:00am 10:00pmMulti Surface Court 10:00am 10:00pm

Dining OutletsGarden Cafe 8:00am 11:00pmBlue Jade 11:00am 11:00pmPoolside Kiosk 10:00am 9:00pm (subject to weather conditions)Gunners Bar 12 noon Midnight (Friday, Saturday and Eve of Public Holidays 12 noon 1:00am)Upper Lounge 12 noon 11:00pmFirst Floor Restaurant Lunch: 12 noon 2:30pm Dinner: 6:00pm 11:00pm

Last orders for food is 10:15pm and half an hour before closing for drinks.

Summer LeagueWe have a good showing at the summer league with 5 teams in the short format (PAR 11) of the game and 10 teams in the game ball kicking.

2014-15 Winter League TeamsWe have entered 5 Main Leagues and 2 Masters, and we cur-rently are appealing to HKS for our victorious M1 team to stay in the Masters 2 Division to avoid being promoted for the second year running to the heights of Masters 1, in which the standard may be a step too far.

Practice / TrainingTurnouts on Saturdays have been steady and we have had new players show some interest in joining.

There has been a suggestion to provide some structured train-ing with drills as well as strategy and refereeing support. A draft proposal is currently under preparation for the sub-committee to review and assist in the implementation.

We welcome any suggestions or comments regarding the squash section, which you can pass to Ken, Dale, Gary or Chung, who will follow these up.

Chung, our convenor, is doing a great job from afar sorting the Winter League Teams for 2014-15, sending out the weekly prac-tice emails and keeping in contact with the sub-committee by email and Whatsapp, and is currently battling away with the HKS for our Winter League Team selections.

We could do with some representation at Hong Kong Squash to support our club and would like to hear from any members who have an interest to fly the flag for USRC.

New MembersWe would like to welcome new members Julian Ragless (Team 2 Div 4), Farhan Farooq (Team 2 Div 4) and also Junior member Mansetz Kit (Team 2 Div 4).

Squash Tour We are currently looking to tee up a squash tour in Macau and will be looking for participation in the coming months from those who are keen for a change in the squash scene and on socializing with players from different leagues.

33

Tennis News Eddie Wu, Tennis Convenorarticle wirtten by Ashley Hazell

The 2014 Summer League The Summer Mens and Ladies league ended recently with all USRC teams enjoying a joyful and successful season. We continue to be a strong club within the local competition and congratula-tions to all captains and players in these teams. Well done! We are proud of your efforts for the Club.

Tennis Section RegistrationIf you would like to be an official member of the Tennis Section, please sign up at the reception. This will allow you to take part in the Winter League and join our Club tournament.

Re-election of Captains 2014-2015Re-election of team captains was carried out in August 2014 and all team captains for our teams have been elected as agreed in the captain/Tennis Sub-Committee meeting. The election is organised amongst the players of each team in a fair and trans-parent way. Sam, Pragnesh and Sunny, continue as Mens B, C and E team captains respectively. Linda has been re-elected as Lady A+ team captain and finally, Lina and Brian are newly elected as Lady A and Men D team captains.

Congratulations to our fellow captains!

Sports Watch

From left to right: Eric, Derek, Barry vice captain, Lina, Linda, Eddie, Sam, Martin, Brian and Sunny.

New uniform for the Winter LeagueWe are now in the process of getting the team uniform made, so that we can wear it for the upcoming tennis season beginning in September. The design of the uniform is shown here in the pictures and committee members and some team captains have given their comments and suggestions on the design. Personal name is to be printed on the sleeve And a special thank you to Katy who is responsible for the co-ordination of this project.

Congratulations to Steven LeeSteven Lee enjoys tennis, golf and swim-ming. He is a keen and avid player hav-ing competed in various junior tourna-ments and together with Zoe; has just had a baby girl called Christy, who is now 4 months old. We heard she is already look-ing forward to learning to swim at the USRCpool.

Steven, Zoe and baby Christy

Resurfacing of our Tennis CourtsThe resurfacing of our Tennis Courts 3 & 4 is still outstanding due to the poor workman-ship. The club management is urged to follow up with the contractor to get the courts up to standard before the Winter League.

Padding for LamppostsThe remaining padding on the lamppost was completed thanks to the club management and Mr. Gull. Thank you for your help.

34

Congratulations to Kyle TangKyle is one of our outstanding junior players who won his Little Mo Inter-national U12 boys singles title with great performances in California recently. Also he reached the finals in the boys U12 doubles and mixed doubles. Therefore, please join us to congratulate him and share his championship experience and happiness with his parents, Kevin and Karen Tang.

Kyle receiving his trophy at California

Veteran League and HKTA League 2014trophies were awarded to our captain, Linda Tong and the team members by the HK Veteran Tennis Association on 28 June 2014.

Mix-and-Match Social Day on 1 JulySpecial thanks to Dennis Ng and Eddie Kwan who sponsored an ad hoc mix-and-match social tennis day on1 July, which was HongKongSpecial Administrative Region Establishment Day.Members had an enjoyable time with plenty of good tennis, food and drink.

HongKongSpecial Administrative Region Establishment Days Tournament Group

Best of luck to all the Winter League players!The 2014 Winter League will get under way as of September and the committee wishes all league players the best of luck in all their matches. A total of six teams including Mens B, C, D, and E, and Ladies A+ and A have registered to take part.

USRC PlaygroupWelcome to USRC play group! We are an international group of mums and dads who meet twice a week for an unstruc-tured English speaking playgroup in the beautiful Club grounds at USRC. Our children range from new born babies up to those about to start full time school. We have a wide range of toys and outside play equipment for all ages, with our most loved item being our much treasured train table! Playgroup holds parties throughout the year to celebrate various festivals ego Easter, Christmas, Chinese New Year etc., plus arts and crafts sessions. We offer a free play environment, where parents can enjoy the company of other parents whilst their children can safely explore the playgroup. It is well recognised in many countries that this free play environment helps children to build confidence and independence, a much needed skill prior to starting school.

Whether you are new to the Club or a new parent, why not come along and try out of playgroup and make some new friends! Please ask at Reception for more information.

Every Tuesday & Friday morning 9:30 am - 11:30 am:-

Fee as follows: - Member - $50 per child Guest - $88 per child $35 per additional child or parent

35

Our junior tennis programme has been developed for players aged 4-12+ years and uses specialised balls that ensure faster learning and a safer environment (see description of each group below):

Tots: for players 3-5 years and played on mini courts using foam tennis balls (slow, large and soft bouncing).

Red: for players 5-7 years and played on mini courts using red balls (still slow and slightly harder than foam balls).

Orange: for players 7-10 years and played on mini or half size courts (depending on student ability) and using orange balls (slightly faster than red balls).

Green: for players 9-11 years and played on full size courts using green balls (slightly faster and harder than orange balls).

Yellow & Squad: for players 11+ years and played on full size courts using regular balls.

USRC Junior Tennis Programme Autumn Term 2014Saturday, 23 August to Friday, 17 October

TOTS(4 - 5 yr)

Red(5 - 7 yr)

Orange(7 - 10 yr)

Green(9 - 11 yr)

Yellow(11+)

SquadTraining

Monday 4 - 5 pm 4 - 5 pm 5 - 7 pm

Tuesday 4 - 5 pm 4 - 5 pm 5 - 6 pm

Wednesday 3 - 4 pm 4 - 5 pm 6 - 7 pm

Thursday 4 - 5 pm 4 - 5 pm 5 - 6:30 pm

Friday 3 - 4 pm 5 - 6 pm 6 - 7 pm

Saturday 10 - 11:30 am 11:30 am - 1 pm

Note 1: Term dates Saturday, 23 August 2014 to Friday, 17 October 2014.

Note 2: 8 week term Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Note 3: 7 week term Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays (public holidays on 9 September, 1 and 2 October).

Note 4: Group coaching will be billed per term from the date you commence lessons.

1 to 1 HK$300 pp (30 mins)

1 to 1 HK$450 pp (45 mins)

1 to 1 HK$580 pp (1 hour)



1 to 4/5/6 HK$220 pp (1 hour)

Tennis Coaching Pricing for 2014(Effective from February 2014)

Contact No: +852 6271 3434Email: [email protected]

Website: www.bouncesports.com.hk

36

The Sixth Sense ProprioceptionSight, sound, taste, smell, and touch the five senses are no strangers to us. What if there is another sense that we are not aware of? But there is, Proprioception, the sixth sense, and its waiting for us to discover it!

What is Proprioception?Proprioception, also known as mind-body awareness in Pilates, is the sense that allows us to perceive our body position and movement in space. If it does not function well, we may have difficulty locating our body parts or even have trouble with our body ownership.

Does this make sense to you? If it doesnt, lets play a little game and see what happens. Play it by yourself, or even better, have fun by playing it with your family and friends! The only thing we ask is please complete the whole process. Dont stop. Dont give up.

Play with your senses!1. Raise your arms with your left index finger pointing out.2. Touch your nose. Return arm to outstretched position.3. Touch your right thumb. Return arm to outstretched position.4. Touch your nose again. Return arm to outstretched position.5. Touch your right index finger. Return arm to outstretched position.6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 with the next finger until you reach your right pinky.7. Not difficult at all? Good! Now switch to the other arm.8. With your right index finger pointing out, close your eyes and repeat the whole sequence.

How did you do? Did you find it more challenging with your eyes closed? Perhaps it turned out that sensing your own body was not so trivial at all!

Although scientists have confirmed that proprioception is the only sense necessary for the brain to detect body movement and location, vision often helps. Only when there is no assistance from sight can we truly focus on our cognitive awareness of the body in space.

Why does proprioception matter?Apart from having fun locating our noses and fingers in a game, proprioception is vital for us to function properly in daily life. You may have had this experience: you wake up in the dark, get out of bed and stand up without the light on. Ever wonder how you achieved this without falling over? Well, thats your proprioception at work! And when you eat, thanks to proprioception, you dont need to consciously locate your mouth in order to put the food safely in it rather than hitting your nose with the food instead.

Having good mind-body awareness also helps us maintain proper posture and stay away from the mishap caused by bad posture. Apart from making us look bad, poor body alignment can result in degenerative joints, pains and injuries.

The proprioceptive function plays such an important role in our daily life that, when compromised, the re-sults can be devastating. There is evidence to show that proprioception deteriorates with age, as impaired proprioception has been found to be the culprit for poor balance which increases the chance of harmful falls, especially amongst the elderly.

How can we improve our sixth sense?Just as with the other senses, we can sharpen our proprioceptive ability through training.

To begin with, exercise regularly. Studies show that regular physical activity can attenuate age-related decline in proprioception. In addition, pick the right workout. Those which focus on building mind-body awareness, such as Pilates, should be at the top of our list.

Pilates is recognised for its scientific approach, through which we can sharpen our proprioception, tone up muscles and build up core strength effectively and all at the same time. USRC houses one of the few fully-equipped Pilates studios in Hong Kong with four professional instructors to choose from. Look no further, book a session and experience the power of Pilates today!

(Pilates) mind-body awareness

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 457. 8.

About the Author Jacklynn is a fully certified STOTT PILATES instructor at USRC. She is energetic and likes to deliver fun workouts to her clients. Jacklynn offers private and duet sessions, and teaches group classes at 7:30 pm on Wednesday and 1:45 pm on Saturday. Jacklynn also arranges private group classes for small group of friends on request.Jacklynn STOTT PILATES Jacklynn7:301:45Jacklynn

July & August Cross Word Puzzle drawn by Sports & Leisure Assistant Manager, Ilyas Gull

Congratulations to July & August Cross Word Puzzle Winner, Mr. Tsang

Cross Word Puzzle

News

Submit your answer to Marketing

Department or fax 2724 0949 on or

before Friday, 3rd October 2014. All

correct entries will be placed into a

draw. The Winner will receive one

new arrival USRC Polo Shirt (value at

HK$278). Good Luck!

Name:

Membership No.:

Contact Tel No.:

Please note only one entry will be accepted per Membership

ACROSS

1. ruck ; bag to carry supplies on the back

4. selects actors for a play9. in the past10. defeated contestant: hyph. word12. make by machinery 13. small piece or quantity14. evergreen tree15. VI16. expert in the scientific study of

bodily structure19. damage20. mildly alcoholic drink22. crush into bits 24. terminated26. grade; class28. sixth tone of the musical scale29. one time; each separately: 2

words30. month of the year 33. become worse35. delightful place36. if you want a thing well done,

it yourself. 37. donkey

DOWN

1. Brazilian dance2. moreover; besides3.

usrc 14 sep oct issue

Documents

cricket news

football news

squash news

tennis news

rugby news

lawn bowls news

manager andrew tamtel

manager ken kantel