Republic Polytechnic secure second place in POL-ITE touch rugby championship after beating Nanyang Poly

Story and Pictures by REDintern Renuka Singh. Photos by reader Marian Poon.

Temasek Poly, the winner of POL-ITE Touch Rugby. (Photo 1 © Marian Poon)

Nanyang Polytechnic, Friday, July 25, 2008 - Republic Polytechnic (RP) secured second place in the Polytechnic-Institute of Technical Education (POL-ITE) Touch Rugby Championship when they won their final match against Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) 4-0.

Clear skies throughout the day turned into a drizzle just before the game started but that didn’t the girls’ spirits. In the opening minute, Dalinah of RP almost scored but was stopped short by an NYP defender. NYP got tagged only twice, but while dumping the ball, the NYP player fumbled, returning possession to RP and giving them another chance to score. But RP let their chance slip away. Su, captain of the RP team, sent a great pass to Siti for a diving touch, but Siti unfortunately dropped the ball.

The RP defence which have been excellent in general, were just not up to the mark in this game, giving their opponents space and potential scoring opportunities. Thankfully, due to RP's fast runners, NYP were denied time and time again. The NYP #2 had a golden opportunity to score when she found a gap in the RP defence but Kaile of RP tagged her before a touchdown could be made.

Siti of RP then scored her team’s first touchdown after a beautiful pass by teammate Shan to give her team something to keep their heads high. NYP had a chance to reply but they missed by letting slip the ball. The NYP #2 had given her teammate #5 a nice pass to run into space, but the latter unfortunately dropped the ball before reaching the try line.

The game was marked by rough play from the NYP players whose tags were so rough that the RP players fell over several times.

In the 37th min, Sophie of RP could have increased the score but the NYP #5 denied her the chance. Similarly in the 38th min, Wathone, the RP vice captain, could have scored but NYP #11 pulled her t-shirt, stopping her just short of scoring. Soon after that Ju of RP intercepted the ball and outran all the defenders. However, she was unable to score when she dropped the ball right before the the try line. Just before the half-time whistle was blown, Amanda of RP ran into space and scored another touchdown after a pass from Shan. RP led 2-0 at half-time.

Eunice Chu of RP scored the third touchdown after another good pass from teammate Shan. Not long after the third touchdown, Dily scored the fourth for RP. She made a fake pass which tricked the NYP defender to give herself the space to score. Nearing the end of the match, the NYP #6 had a scoring opportunity but Amanda of RP tagged her, denying NYP the chance of scoring a consolation point.

With this win, RP finished in second place in the POL-ITE Touch Rugby Championship. RP lost their only game against championship winners Temasek Polytechnic who won all their games. Singapore Polytechnic finished third.

Congratulations and well done to all the teams.