SCC 7s: ACS(I) defeat Greenridge 34-0 to win U-16 title

Story by Ethan Lou/Red Sports. Pictures by Chua Yueda/Red Sports and Van Lim/Red Sports

Padang, Sunday, November 7, 2010 — The Anglo Chinese School (Independent) (ACS(I)) emerged as the Under-16 champions at the SCC 7s after they defeated Greenridge Secondary School 34-0.

ACS(I) had beaten the Australian International School 10-7 in one semi-final to secure their place in the final while Greenridge saw off Raffles Institution 29-5 in the other semi-final.

The match was dominated largely by ACS(I), who scored their first try just two minutes into the game. Greenridge on the other hand, were held back in their half of the field and hardly had any chances to attack.

Subsequently, ACS(I) Captain Samuel Teo (#10) put in two more tries for his team. Both conversions did not go in and the first half ended with ACS(I) leading 17-0.

The second half mirrored the first and ACS scored through James Morgan (#3) only 30 seconds into the game. Greenridge seemed helpless against the onslaught and minutes later, the ACS #18 gave his team the final try of the game to conclude the match 34-0.

“First of all, I would like to thank God for winning this match. I also would like to thank coaches and those who supported us in one way or another. Parents most of all. I think it’s a great opportunity for us to win this SCC 7s and give us great confidence to progress on to the B division final next year. So, it’s a confidence booster for all of us,” said vice-captain Aldrin Harvey Mercado, 15.

The road to victory was not easy for ACS(I).

“We had our exams about at the end of October, so we had about like two weeks of intensive training and then we built up to this competition. It wasn’t everyday, but it was about three to four days a week,” said captain Samuel Teo, 15.

“In terms of preparation, I think most importantly we kept mentally prepared and I think being physically prepared also. We had an ice bath yesterday just to get the sores out and everything. We tried to keep our composure and also try to get the complacency out and get out there and just play a simple game of rugby.

“In the game of rugby, everything is expected. 14 minutes out there in the field, where there are no mistakes at all. Even a team like Greenridge, they can also come back anytime like that. Just to keep our composure well and go out there and play a game of rugby,” said Mercado.

Remarking on Greenridge’s performance, Teo said: “I guess Greenridge played very well today and they were relatively tough. They gave us a good fight. So, I just want to say good game.”

Greenridge’s captain Shaamiym, 15 echoed his sentiments, saying: “(I’m) happy, (but also) quite sad, We could have won it. Shall work harder next time. (However, I’m) satisfied. For the past few years, they didn’t make it this far, but this year, my batch, we came this far, so, I’m happy. (Training was) hard, but I think we can work harder to win this final.”

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