In September, the Beijing Bombers and Shanghai Tigers Aussie Rules football teams combined to form the China Reds, representing mainland China at the Asian Championships in Malaysia. Shanghai-based expatriate Ben Talbot shares his experience.

BEN TALBOT, SHANGHAI

I’ve been living in Shanghai for three years. The first night I landed in Shanghai I attended an end-of-season function for the Shanghai Tigers – the Australian Rules footy team here – and immediately made a circle of mates here that have played a prominent role in the nucleus of my life in China. It’s also been a great opportunity to have a run around the park, purge any ‘China’ frustrations and also a reasonable excuse for a post-training beer or two! Each year, the Beijing Bombers and the Shanghai Tigers come together to form the China Reds and compete at events including the annual Asian Championships. This year the Asian Champs were held in Malaysia.
Dubai Heat were back-to-back premiers again this year. We won two games and lost two but the highlights of the 2008 Asian Champs were many and varied. Being so close to toppling long-time competition heavyweights, the Singapore Wombats and the Bali Geckos was highly notable, as well as the selection of Grant Bell in the All-Asian Team for his outstanding performances during the tournament.
We are looking forward to taking the next step up as a team in 12 months time when the 2010 Asian Champs will be held on home soil in Shanghai on Saturday October 16, 2010. This will be the first time the event has been held in mainland China and will coincide with both the Shanghai 2010 World Expo and an AFL exhibition game. ■

For more information on Australian Rules Football in China:
SHANGHAI TIGERS:

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W: www.shanghaitigers.com

BEIJING BOMBERS:

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W: www.beijingbombers.cn