RUGBY

Singapore U-23 vs Hong Kong U-20
Friday, 16th November 2007 at Yio Chu Kang Stadium

Story by Muhammad Hannan.

The Singapore U-23 rugby boys beat a young Hong Kong U-20 team 20-5 last week. The game was played on a wet field due to the downpour on previous days but it ideal for rugby. The Singapore U-23 boys, clad in their traditional red, were up against a Hong Kong U-20 preparing for the upcoming Asian Rugby Football Tournament Under-20 Division 1. Singapore did feature some players who would be involved in the same tournament, as well as players capped at Senior Level.

The game started Singapore putting pressure on the opposition with their quick phase plays. Hong Kong defended well early on before a well worked backs move in open play gave Singapore's #15 a run at the goal line and he easily scored. The kicker missed with the first conversion attempt of the day.

Singapore extended their lead not long after. This time, it was from the forwards. A line-out at Hong Kong's 22m line provided a good platform for a rolling maul. A good take from the jumper started the rolling maul as it fiercely rumbled onwards to the Hong Kong goal line. Singapore easily pushed over their Asian counterparts to record a second try with the conversion missed for the second time.

Singapore continued their relentless attack on Hong Kong and once again got themselves a line-out within striking distance of the goal line. It presented the Singapore forwards with a second chance to put another try to their name. After a good line-out take from Singapore and an equally good rolling maul, Singapore's #4 went over for Singapore's third try just before half time with the conversion just going wide.

At half-time, Singapore led 15 - 0.

The half-time talk by Hong Kong's coach seemed to have little effect on his team as his charges were once again on the back foot from the restart. Singapore's forwards were doing well at the breakdowns giving their backs clean balls to work with.

Singapore were then awarded a penalty and chose to kick for the corner for a line-out 5 metres from Hong Kong's goal line. Once again, the throw connected with the jumper before mauling to the line. Singapore's young #6 broke from the maul to dive over to add another 5 points. The kicker again failed the conversion attempt. Singapore 20, Hong Kong 0.

Hong Kong came back with a late try from their forward when they managed to string a few good passes and phases to break down Singapore's defense. The conversion attempt failed and the game ended with Singapore being pinned in their half for the first time late in the game.

Editor’s note: If you know the names of the players referred to above, please feel free to update us in the comments section. Better still, if you have the team list, please feel free to share it with readers. Thanks.