Jurong JC stun Hwa Chong to win maiden girls’ touch rugby title

Jurong Junior College, Friday, April 30, 2010 – Jurong Junior College won their first A Division Touch Rugby Championship title after they surprised perennial favourites and defending champions Hwa Chong Institution 4-2 in the final.

It was a fairy tale finish for JJC as they overcame all odds to emerge as champions. Hwa Chong had been undefeated throughout this current tournament and had previously defeated JJC 4-1 in an earlier round match.

Hwa Chong started the game brightly and showed why they have been so dominant in the tournament. They set a quick tempo to the game, moving the ball rapidly forward, attacking JJC’s defense relentlessly. However the JJC defense held their line and stopped HCI forwards from crossing the try line early in the game.

JJC then turned the tables on Hwa Chong by scoring first. Being one goal down, Hwa Chong doubled up their pressure and they equalized after a sweeping move up the field caught JJC off guard. However, JJC’s never-say-die attitude saw them breach Hwa Chong’s defense once more to enter the break with a crucial 2-1 lead.

Heeding their coach’s advice, JJC began constantly harrying the HCI team whenever they had possession in the second half. This tactic forced Hwa Chong to commit unforced errors with missed passes. JJC began to seize these turnover opportunities and they made Hwa Chong pay for their errors. An incisive move by JJC’s Ang Kaisi saw her drive past the HCI defense before passing the ball to Catherine Chng to score.

Down 3-1, Hwa Chong showed their determination to fight on and they managed to pull a try back with less than seven minutes left on the clock. However, a few minutes later, JJC’s Kaisi drove the final nail into Hwa Chong’s coffin when she made a brilliant dive for one more try to make it 4-2. The JJC players then stood firm and held off the Hwa Chong attack till the final whistle to pull off an historic victory.

For the JJC players, they were just as shocked and surprised as their Hwa Chong opponents. They certainly weren’t expecting to win against their stronger opponents, especially in the final. However they more than rose to the occasion and defied all odds to win.

JJC’s captain, Yap Yixin, put down the victory to their strong team spirit and the fact it would be their last game.

“This was our last game together and we really wanted to play our hearts out for each other. Playing on our home ground was definitely an advantage but we still didn’t expect that we could actually win. The reality of our win hasn’t really sunk it yet and we are extremely happy with our victory,” said Yixin.

JJC coach Adam Chan was also extremely delighted with his charges’ performance.

“It’s very unexpected and I couldn’t ask for more. Hwa Chong have been the top team and they have been unbeaten throughout the season. For them to stumble today, they must have been really on their off day. I think my girls capitalized on this chance and they played extremely well under these circumstance. I am really proud of them and the way played today. They stuck to the game plan and they delivered,” said coach Adam.

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