Mr. Jofre was in fine form this weekend, both on and off the field in Bangkok, and helped the HK Squadron take the 21st 11-a-side Bangkok Easter Tournament.

After a terrible first result, 0-3 against Singapore French(it was 0-0 at half time when Jofre was substituted!!), Jofre played every minute of every remaining match to guide them to victory. The remaining group matches finished as follows:-

1-1 v. Blue Diamond(KL)
1-0 v. British Club Bangkok
1-0 v. Manila Nomads.

Then in the Quarters, HK Squadron faced Bayon Wanderers from Cambodia. With 2 females in the Bayon line up, it could have been embarassing, but Squadron came through as easy 2-0 victors.

In the semi’s, HK Squadron faced a rematch with French Singapore. The match finished 0-0. Then came penalties, and with the score at 3-3, and just one penalty to go, Jofre stepped up and scored the winning penalty, and a fine penalty it was too!!

In the final, Squadron met tournament favourites, Taipei Dragon’s(formerly Inter United who put the Shooters out in Manila 2 years ago). At half time, the score stood at 0-0, thanks to a fine goal line clearance from, yes, you guessed it, Mr. Jofre!! Taipei then took the lead early in the second half. With 5 minutes remaining, Jofre pushed himself forward. This caused all sorts of problems to the Taipei defence, and with the last kick of the ball, Jofre pulled 2 defenders with him to created enough space for Pete Hymns to power in behind, to head the equaliser. Then came golden goal, but after 10 mins, no one could get the winner, although Jofre had a powerful 12 yard header that just scrapped the post with 2 minutes to go. In the penalty shoot out, both teams had scored 3 out of 4. Jofre stepped up, his bottle went, and the keeper made a fine save. Luckily(ala Shooters/Azzurri League Cup final) Taipei missed. Barry Wilson scored with the next kick, and Taipei missed. HK Squadron had won the title, which at 10.30 am on Saturday morning did not look likely. Anyway, the celebrations went onto the wee small hours at Nana Plaza, and a few of the Ho’s will be able to take a couple of weeks holiday for a well earned rest!!!!