By Koh Yizhe/Red Sports
Hisham Khalid passes out to a teammate. ITE’s good passing was one of the key reasons why they won. (Photo 1 © Koh Yizhe/Red Sports)
Republic Polytechnic, Thursday, October 22, 2009 - The Institute of Technical Education (ITE) are one match away from the Polytechnic-Institute of Technical Education (POL-ITE) Rugby Championship after overcoming Republic Polytechnic (RP) 12-6 in a thrilling encounter.
Both teams overcame challenges from Singapore Polytechnic and Ngee Ann Polytechnic in previous matches and this match was their hardest challenge in the competition.
"A fantastic match!" said ITE's No. 8 Low Feng Hua after the match. "It was a tough fight between two very good teams."
ITE came into the match firing and immediately kept RP on the back foot with their forwards quickly exhausting RP. However, after settling down, the home side drew first blood when Daryl Chia converted a penalty.
RP were able to hold ITE off till the second half, but ITE's patient game eventually paid off. A lapse of concentration along the left allowed Ahmad to score ITE's first try of the night. Azzeri Ocok made the conversion, giving ITE a four point lead at 7-3.
The home, stunned by the sudden try, fought back and were rewarded when they were given a penalty in a dangerous position. However, instead of attempting a try, they went for the points and Daryl Chia successfully made the kick to reduce the ITE lead to a solitary point at 6-7.
As RP pushed for the winning try, ITE exploited yet another lapse of concentration in the defense. Low Feng Hua was able to find space down the left once again to score a try. Although they failed to convert for the extra points, ITE held off RP's last push to win the match 12-6.
"RP played very hard and it was a great match for both teams," said ITE's captain Azzeri Ocok. "Our forwards were very good and our backs supported us very well. I am a bit surprise that they took the penalty kick instead of going for the try, but tough luck for them."
"This is our year," added a very confident Azzeri. "We have been training very had for this and we are ready for any challenge."
A horde of ITE players attempt to bring Alvin Ho down. (Photo 2 © Koh Yizhe/Red Sports)
Daryl Chia drags an ITE player down. He was the only scorer for RP with two penalty kicks. (Photo 3 © Koh Yizhe/Red Sports)
Haziq catches a throw in under the watchful eye of his ITE counterpart. (Photo 4 © Koh Yizhe/Red Sports)
Daryl Chia clears the ball hurriedly before ITE players can close him down. (Photo 5 © Koh Yizhe/Red Sports)
Daryl Chia braces himself for a hard challenge by an ITE player. (Photo 6 © Koh Yizhe/Red Sports)
Alvin Ho takes a strong hit from an ITE player. (Photo 7 © Koh Yizhe/Red Sports)
Joy for ITE players at the final whistle… (Photo 8 © Koh Yizhe/Red Sports)
…while RP players contemplate what could have been. (Photo 9 © Koh Yizhe/Red Sports)
Ed’s note: If you recognise any players the photos, please leave their names in the comments section and we will be sure to make the changes. Thanks.
the guy who made the pass on the first pic is Hisham Khalid. I was wearing No.10