RUGBY

Polytechnic-Institute of Technical Education (POL-ITE) Games 2007/2008
Temasek Polytechnic vs Ngee Ann Polytechnic
Tuesday, 4th December 2007, 4:30pm, Yio Chu Kang Stadium

Story by Muhammad Hannan. Pictures by Shaun Chook.

Temasek Polytechnic opened their POL-ITE rugby championship season with a 17-0 win over Ngee Ann Polytechnic at Yio Chu Kang Stadium earlier this week.

Temasek vs Ngee Ann Poly

Man of the match Harresh Krishnan of Temasek on one of his penetrating runs. (Photo © Shaun Chook)


Both teams came into the game missing some key players due to injuries. Temasek Polytechnic were missing national players Ben Fong and Gaspar Tan while Ngee Ann were without their national age-group prop Nabil.

The game kicked off with Temasek Polytechnic facing the sun but their disadvantage quickly faded as they took the game to Ngee Ann early on. Heavy pressure by Temasek forced Ngee Ann into their own 22m. Temasek got themselves over the line but the try was not awarded as the ball was judged to be held up.

Temasek vs Ngee Ann Poly

Temasek’s Faiz jumps high in a line out. (Photo © Shaun Chook)

A scrum was then awarded to Temasek Polytechnic 5m out from Ngee Ann's goal line and from the scrum, Temasek’s #8, Harresh Krishnan, picked the ball off the scrum to offload to scrum-half Jansen who was brought down inches from the goal line, setting up a ruck. The quick thinking Harresh then picked the ball and jumped over the goal line for the first five points of the game for Temasek. The conversion was easily converted by standoff Terrence for a 7-0 Temasek lead.

A good restart by Ngee Ann allowed them to camp in Temasek's half for a lengthy period. Their resilience paid off when they awarded a penalty when a Temasek player was found guilty of entering the ruck from the side. However, Ngee Ann's option for the kick at goal failed them as the attempt fell short. Temasek in turn failed to clear the ball and were lucky not to concede a try when a good solo run by Ngee Ann standoff, Brandon, was stopped metres from the goal line by Temasek fullback, Samuel.

Temasek vs Ngee Ann Poly

Temasek captain Baldwin Ng smashes into a Ngee Ann player. (Photo © Shaun Chook)

A good break off the scrum then allowed Harresh and Jansen to link up to bring the ball past the halfway line. Three phases from Temasek gave them more territorial advantage as they surged towards the Ngee Ann line. Hands in the ruck by Ngee Ann then gifted Temasek a penalty which was easily converted by Terrence. Temasek 10, Ngee Ann 0.

Ngee Ann came back strongly, camping in Temasek's 22m for the last 15 minutes of the first half but could not make it count for points and the score remained at 10-0 at half-time.

Temasek vs Ngee Ann Poly

Mark of Ngee Ann rises high to catch the kick. (Photo © Shaun Chook)

The second half started with Temasek once again in control with their forwards attempting to rumble through the resolute Ngee Ann defence. Ngee Ann's attempt to bash through on Temasek's goal line were futile as Temasek's defence stayed composed, not committing many players to the ruck but sill able to force turnovers, much to Ngee Ann's frustration.

Temasek got their second try with minutes to go in the game through substitute back, Madhu. Temasek forwards’ phase play on the right side of the pitch opened the left side for the backs to run. A swing out to the backs gave Madhu a run at the goal line and he bashed through three players before going over. Conversion was again successful by Terrence.

Temasek vs Ngee Ann Poly

Temasek’s Harresh brought to ground by Mark of Ngee Ann. (Photo © Shaun Chook)

Complacency started to creep into Temasek's play after the try as they were once again pinned in their own 22m by Ngee Ann. Temasek however managed to successfully defend their line to emerge 17-0 winners.

Said Ismail Kadir, coach of Temasek Polytechnic:

"The team played to the game plan. The structure, rucking and defence were good. They were composed when defending their line and forced turnovers when it mattered. However we still need to tidy up in our communication."

Temasek's captain Baldwin Ng echoed his coach when asked for a comment and said the team were composed when defending their line.

Man of the Match was Harresh Krishnan of Temasek Polytechnic. Said a neutral supporter: “His hard running at the heart of Ngee Ann's defence gave Temasek a good attacking platform."

Temasek Polytechnic - 17
Tries: Harresh, Madhu
Conversion: Terrence (2)
Penalty: Terrence

Ngee Ann Polytechnic - 0

More pictures in the gallery.