Raffles Institution defeat Pioneer to secure semi-final berth in C Division rugby

Story by REDintern Gladys Wee. Photos by Vanessa Lim/Red Sports

Raffles Institution, Tuesday, July 20, 2010 — Raffles Institution emerged 55-0 victors after struggling in the first half against Pioneer Secondary in the second round of the National C Division Rugby Championship.

With this their second victory, following their 83-0 mauling of Jurong Secondary, Raffles Institution booked their spot in the semi-finals.

Pioneer stopped all attacks from Raffles Institution in the first 10 minutes. However, Kyle Chong (Raffles #12) broke their defence and scored moments after. Park Chang Kyu (Raffles #11) successfully converted the try to make the score 7-0.

Not long after, Wee Zong Rui (Raffles #9) and Maverick Lim (Raffles #10) scored a try each, where Park Chang Kyu converted one of them, extending their lead to 19-0.

Hairul (Pioneer #15) then managed to get close to the Raffles’ try line but was stopped.

The next 15 minutes proved to be fruitless for both teams until Jarod Ng (Raffles #14) scored a try that ended the first half with Raffles leading 24-0.

RI were on a roll during the second half with Marcel Low (Raffles #2) scoring a try within the first four minutes. Afiq (Raffles #13) , Ho Yishu (Raffles #8) and Maverick followed suit, with Park Chang Kyu converting two of the tries, making the score 48-0.

After many failed tried attempts by both Pioneer and Raffles, Park Chang Kyu had the last say by scoring a try and converting it to mark the end of the 55-0 match.

Pioneer’s captain, Md Farhan, believed they could win but he said his team gave up easily and was intimidated by Raffles Institution during the first half and were not able to play up to the expected level.

He added: “We will continue to work hard and learn from our mistakes and hope to get better results in the next match [against Jurong Secondary].”

Raffles will be facing rivals Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) in on Friday, July 23rd. Raffles captain Wee Zong Rui said: “We are actually very excited about the match [against ACS(I)]. We will give it our all, and might even be able to win.”

Raffles play ACS (I) on Friday, 23rd July, at 4.15pm at ACS (I) while Pioneer will play against Jurong Secondary at the same time and date at Pioneer Secondary.

For more information, go to SCHOOLS FIXTURES & RESULTS page

Ed’s note: If you recognise the players, let us know the names and we’ll update the captions. Thanks.