Hong Kong: The 2nd Annual Pacific Basin Soccer 6s took place on Friday at the Hong Kong Football Club. The event, organized by the Young Professionals in Shipping Network (Hong Kong), saw some 180 participants including 160 players representing 16 different teams from within the shipping industry taking part. There were a variety of teams from Wallem Ship Management Ltd, Fleet Ship Management Ltd, Univan Ship Management Ltd, MOL, NEPA, maritime law firms Ince & Co and Holman Fenwick Willan and the sponsors, Pacific Basin vying for the Bowl and the Plate.
This year saw a repeat of teams from last year as well as some new teams from Arrow Shipbrokers and a team from the P&I Clubs. The ladies in shipping were also out in force with teams fielding female players as well as cheerleaders!
Despite the scorching summer heat, teams maintained their cool despite some controversial calls by referees and the odd suspect tackle. Sportsmanship prevailed and the participants came away with a strong sense of camaraderie within the industry, a sentiment echoed by Mats Berglund, CEO of Pacific Basin during his speech at the end of the event.
The winners of the night were NEPA, winning the Cup in a nail biting final decided by a penalty shoot out against the eventual runner ups, maritime law firm, Howse Willams Bowers. The Plate was won by law firm, DLA Piper, with maritime law firm Ince & Co as runner-ups. It seems the lawyers were giving their clients a run for their money – we wonder what that will do in terms of instructions! Perhaps the tide will turn next year!
The night ended with a well deserved dinner and drinks. [03/06/13]
