Republic Polytechnic overpower Ngee Ann Polytechnic in POL-ITE Rugby

Story by Koh Yizhe/Red Sports. Photos by Vanessa Lim/Red Sports.

Republic Polytechnic, Thursday, October 15, 2009 - Republic Polytechnic (RP) swept past Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) 38-5 in their opening match of the Polytechnic-Institute of Technical Education (POL-ITE) Rugby Championship.

Daryl Chia was on target throughout the night with his perfect conversions and got things going for RP in the fifth minute with a penalty. Mohammed Naqiuddin then powered his way through NP's defense for a try a few minutes later. No. 8 Alvin Ho then added a hat-trick of tries as well before captain Beam Chan capped off a wonderful night for the hosts with a try of his own.

NP got a consolation try in the closing moments, but it was too little too late for the visitors.

NP had a horrendous start to the season on Monday when they were beaten 24-0 by ITE and things didn't get any better against RP. Daryl Chia got his side's first points as quick as the fifth minute with a penalty kick as RP controlled the early goings with their forwards working tirelessly despite having a size disadvantage.

It was no surprise then, when Naqiuddin scored a try and Daryl Chia duly converted.

NP had contrasting fortunes. After missing a penalty kick, they went on to concede two more tries before half-time, both coming from Alvin Ho. Daryl Chia was on target again with the extra two points for each try.

The second half was much slower for RP with NP finding some belief. Their progress, however, was put to an abrupt halt when their #4 was forced to sit out after being yellow carded. With one man less, NP couldn't withstand RP's speedy play and eventually conceded two more tries, thanks to Alvin Ho and Beam Chan.

It was a 38-0 lead at this point and although they allowed NP a late try, RP held on for the comfortable win.

RP's No. 8 Alvin Ho was a key figure throughout the match and he shared his thoughts: "The match was not bad, but we expected our backline to be better. However, the forwards more than made up for it today. Towards the end of the match, the coach made changes and give other players more experience. That's why we were a bit slow."

"We finished fourth last year," said Alvin. "But this year, we hope to go all the way to the top!"

RP’s Naqiuddin also shared his thoughts about the match: "It's proven that the team that gives a hundred percent wins you matches. Then again, sometimes a hundred percent is never enough. We want more than that from each other. That is the reason why we won this match."

"ITE are our biggest threats," reflected Naqi, as he known. "We are level in every department and they will be really tough to beat. Last year, we drew with them 26-26."

In the other match of the evening, Institute of Technical Education (ITE) beat Singapore Polytechnic (SP) 41-0.

Editors note: If you recognise yourself or your team mates in any of the photos, feel free to leave the names behind in the comments section and we will update the captions accordingly.Thanks!