Story by REDintern Gladys Wee

Anglo Chinese School (Independent), Friday, 23rd July 2010 — Raffles Institution emerged victors against defending champions Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) (ACS(I)) as they scored a last-minute try for a 17-12 victory in the second round of the National C Division Rugby Championship.

Both teams came into the match with the same thoughts – to win. Both teams were vying for the top place in Group E, which would mean an easier semi-final match against the runners-up of Group F, but it was Raffles who rose to the occasion.

The first 20 minutes saw countless scrums and change of possession till Richard Kiem (ACS(I) #6) drew first blood with a try to give ACS(I) a 5-0 lead.

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Undaunted, Samuel Goh (Raffles #15) replied with a try moments later. With Park Chung Kyu’s (Raffles #11) successful conversion, Raffles had a 7-5 advantage.

10 minutes later, Raffles were awarded a penalty which Chang Kyu successfully converted, extending the lead to 10-5, marking the end of the first half.

15 minutes into the second half, ACS(I) scored through a maul and with an additional successful conversion by Joshua Chan (ACS(I) #10), ACS(I) led 12-10.

With five minutes left on the clock, it looked as if all hope was lost for Raffles. However, Maverick Lim (Raffles #10) and scored the winning try of the match. Chang Kyu then put the final nail in ACS(I)’s coffin as he converted the try successfully to giving Raffles the 17-12 lead.

Though ACS(I) tried to fight back, Raffles denied all attempts and claimed victory.

On his winning try, Maverick Lim mentioned that he felt very happy to be scoring the winning try. He added: “ACS(I) were worthy opponents. They played very well, but so did we. It was a very close match.”

Raffles now await the winner of the St. Andrew’s Secondary-Anglo Chinese School (Barker Rd) match on Monday for their semi-final opponents.