Story by Pink. Photos by Vanessa Lim/Red Sports

B Division Rugby Round 1

An RI player going down as Thad Soh of ACS(BR) tries to steal the ball. (Photo 1 © Vanessa Lim/Red Sports)

Raffles Institution, Friday, March 5, 2010 – Raffles Institution beat rivals Anglo-Chinese School (Barker Road) 10-0 in the first round of the National B Division Rugby Championship.

This match meant a lot to both schools. For Raffles Institution, it was a chance to see if they have a meaningful shot at getting the gold while for ACS (BR), it was a chance to prove that skill, not age, was what counted.

In the first half, Raffles Institution had greater possession of the ball compared to ACS(BR) and after many scrums and line-outs, Raffles Institution managed to pull off a try in the last few minutes just before half-time. A successful conversion gave them a 7-0 lead at half-time.

In the second half, ACS(BR) gained possession and did everything in their ability to get a try. However, their efforts were futile.

ACS(BR) went further behind when Raffles stole possession and in their attempt to score a try, were awarded a penalty which they did not waste. This gave Raffles a 10-0 lead and eventual win.

"Be Patient!" was what the ACS (Barker) coach had told his players but Raffles proved worthy of the win, showing they not only had the skill but the patience as well.

B Division Rugby Round 1

Jae Yeob of ACS(BR) tries to stop an RI player. (Photo 2 © Vanessa Lim/Red Sports)

B Division Rugby Round 1

So close yet so far for Tan Yan Jie of ACS(BR) who pushes through the RI defense but just fails to get to the try line. (Photo 3 © Vanessa Lim/Red Sports)

B Division Rugby Round 1

An RI player trying to take down Thad Soh of ACS(BR). (Photo 4 © Vanessa Lim/Red Sports)

B Division Rugby Round 1

An RI player tries to keep the ball safe as players battle for the ball. (Photo 5 © Vanessa Lim/Red Sports)

B Division Rugby Round 1

Haziq scores RI’s first try. (Photo 6 © Vanessa Lim/Red Sports)

B Division Rugby Round 1

An ACS(BR) player (left) looks to hand off the ball to his teammate as he is being taken down. (Photo 7 © Vanessa Lim/Red Sports)

B Division Rugby Round 1

RI’s Ivan Koh keeps pushing through even with Howard Chan of ACS(BR) and a teammate hanging on. (Photo 8 © Vanessa Lim/Red Sports)

B Division Rugby Round 1

RI players trying to block a kick by Jeremiah Png of ACS(BR). (Photo 9 © Vanessa Lim/Red Sports)

B Division Rugby Round 1

David Lau of ACS(BR) gets ready to take possession of the ball. (Photo 10 © Vanessa Lim/Red Sports)

B Division Rugby Round 1

Darryl Levy of ACS(BR) getting ready to pass the ball. (Photo 11 © Amanda Chan)

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!

For more photos of the match, go to the Gallery.

Go to the SCHOOLS FIXTURES & RESULTS page for more information.