Temasek Polytechnic beat Republic Polytechnic in POL-ITE Touch Rugby Championship

Story By Renuka Singh, Pictures by REDintern Vanessa Lim

An RP player gets past a TP player in the pouring rain which made the game tricky for players as they struggled to hold on to the ball. (Photo 1 © Van/Red Sports)

Nanyang Polytechnic, Thursday, July 24, 2008 - Temasek Polytechnic (TP) continued their journey to POL-ITE glory after beating Republic Polytechnic (RP) 4-2 in a Polytechnic-Institute of Technological Education (POL-ITE) Touch Rugby Championship game. The TP victory came just after they thrashed ITE 22-0 the previous evening.

This was a highly anticipated match between two previously unbeaten teams and supporters from both schools turned up in full force. The match proceeded despite the heavy downpour, creating an extremely muddy field. The ball was exceptionally slippery, causing players on both sides to drop the ball frequently.

RP did not play to their usual standard. Aside from dropping the ball, their passing often ended with the ball going just beyond the catcher’s reach. TP on the other hand, demonstrated a wide range of skills and scored their first touchdown by faking a pass and running through the RP defence line. They used the same technique to score the next try to send their supporters into ecstasy.

Team RP had many opportunities to score but these chances slipped past them as they lost possession due to the wet conditions. After numerous tries, RP eventually scored through Siti, to the delight of RP supporters. The first half ended with TP leading 2-1.

Another touchdown was scored by Nicole (#14) from TP to make it 3-1 and the crowd rose to their feet to cheer their team on. After a few minutes, RP replied with another touchdown by Eunice, who dived to the try line after receiving a pass from Su.

Despite that, RP could not close the gap and when the final whistle was blown, TP emerged 4-2 winners. It was a jubilant moment for TP and their supporters while evident despair was on the faces of the RP side.

RP set up their defensive line against TP. (Photo 2 © Van/Red Sports)

A TP player on the attack while RP try to prevent them from getting through to score. (Photo 3 © Van/Red Sports)

TP players celebrate after beating RP 4-2. (Photo 4 © Van/Red Sports)

RP players cannot hide their disappointment after their loss to TP. (Photo 5 © Van/Red Sports)

A TP player tries to get past RP’s defense. (Photo 6 © Van/Red Sports)

TP players form a defensive line against an RP attack. (Photo 7 © Van/Red Sports)

Other scores:
SP 5 NP 0
NYP 13 ITE 0