Story and pictures by REDintern Tan Chor Theng

Clifton Lee of ACS(I) after his K1 1000m race. (Photo 1 © Chor Theng/Red Sports)

MacRitchie Reservoir, Friday, July 11, 2008 – Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) won their first-ever A Division National Inter-School Canoeing Championship title at the expense of six-time winner National Junior College last week.

It was a two-horse race for the Boys A Division championship title between ACS(I) and NJC with both schools well represented in the various finals. However, dark horses Meridian Junior College and St. Andrew’s Junior College stamped their authority in the Boys’ C2 500m and K4 500m respectively and played a role in determining the eventual championship winner. The first-place finish in the K4 by SAJC was particularly crucial as their boys fought tooth and nail to beat NJC to the finish line by a whisker. That cost NJC their seventh consecutive title and the championship eventually went to first-time winners ACS(I).

The final day started with the Girls’ K1 1000m A Division final, with Koh Xiao Ting of National Junior College coming in first, with her teammate Nina Lee, second.

In the Boys’ K1 1000m A Division final, it was a close fight and few expected Clifton Lee of Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) to emerge the winner when he edged out fellow teammate Daniel Ang, Joseph Goh of Catholic Junior College and Muhammad Aiman of NJC.

While ACS(I) ruled the Boys ‘A’ division, the NJC girls displayed their dominance, sweeping seven gold medals and they managed to defend their title despite facing tough opposition from Anglo-Chinese Junior College, MJC and SAJC.

NJC were unable to transfer their success in the Girls A Division to the B Division, with Temasek Secondary taking top spot. Meanwhile, the boys from ACS(I) were not satisfied with settling for just one title and also took home the B Division Boys championship trophy, with a comfortable lead over second-placed Hwa Chong Institution. Third overall went to St. Joseph’s Institution.

In the C Division, even with double gold medallist Brandon Ooi leading the charge, ACS(I) were powerless to stop SJI from claiming the C boys’ crown. SJI won with a one-point advantage, forcing ACS(I) to settle for second place with HCI in third. Crescent Girls’ School were C Division champions with Temasek Secondary in second, followed by CHIJ Katong Convent.

RJC flags flying high. Rafflesian supporters came in full force and made their presence felt. (Photo 2 © Chor Theng/Red Sports)

Koh Xiao Ting of NJC, after winning the A Girls T1 500m race. (Photo 3 © Chor Theng/Red Sports)

The SAJC K4 boys winning the 500m by the narrowest of margins to cost NJC their seventh consecutive title. (Photo 4 © Chor Theng/Red Sports)

SAJC supporters showing their appreciation for their K4 heroes. (Photo 5 © Chor Theng/Red Sports)

Ooi Ming Sheng (left) of ACS(I) neck and neck with Jansen Her (right) of NJC. Jansen came in 1st. (Photo 6 © Chor Theng/Red Sports)

Ming Sheng and Jansen sharing a light moment after the race. Ming Sheng’s canoe capsized after he crossed the finishing line. (Photo 7 © Chor Theng/Red Sports)

Brian Khoo of ACS(I) crosses the finishing line in good time… (Photo 8 © Chor Theng/Red Sports)

…before losing control of his kayak. He was already assured of 1st place though. (Photo 9 © Chor Theng/Red Sports)

Joy for the Temasek supporters as their K2 came in 1st for the B Girls 500m race. (Photo 10 © Chor Theng/Red Sports)

Temasek Secondary supporters shed tears of joy at clinching the B Division Girls title. (Photo 11 © Chor Theng/Red Sports)

Ho Hin Yang and Samuel Chin of HCI are dejected after having to settle for second place. Colin and Fredrick (top left) of MJC were not far away, finishing 5th. The MJC boys had a good showing at the championship finals, coming in third overall. (Photo 12 © Chor Theng/Red Sports)

More pictures in the gallery.