RUGBY
SEA Games 2007
Story contributed by Red Sports reader Nicholina Chua.
Korat, Thailand, December 12th, 2007 – The women's 7s team's bid for Sea Games glory started many months back. With trainings as often as three times a week and sometimes even during the weekend, the girls worked really hard in the lead-up to the tournament. And while the journey has since ended, the girls are still on a high from the once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The final day of the tournament was filled with tension and excitement. The Suranaree Army Stadium, packed with over 200 local supporters, was bustling with activity. After winning the semis (vs Laos 26-0) earlier in the day, our girls were all ready to face the speedy Thais in the finals.
The final score between Singapore and Thailand was 5-19, but by no means was that an accurate reflection of the team's abilities. Thailand, making full use of their speed, broke through twice in the first half and at half-time, the score was 12-0. A lapse in concentration from the Singapore defence after half-time resulted in another try by the Thais.
Singapore's Jeslyn Lim created a 2v1 situation with Derelyn Chua towards the end of the game and Chua ran down the touch line to score a consolation try. With two minutes left on the clock, Lim went down with a knee injury and the girls had to defend with only six men on the field.
Although the team has reached the end of the road for this Sea Games campaign, the friendships forged and the camaraderie built during the trip are precious gifts that all of them will treasure, and the girls have promised to keep on fighting for greater glory for the nation.
Lastly, the girls hope that more young kids will be exposed to rugby through schools and clubs and be inspired to take it up and bring Singapore rugby to greater heights!
Team against Lao PDR: Serena Yeoh (1 Try), Wang Shao-Ing, Kristy Teh, Aslinda Abdullah, Eunice Tay (1 Conversion), Jeslyn Lim (1 Try), Derelyn Chua (1 Try), Leung Waimun (1 Try) (S), Ang Weiyi (S), Angela Zheng (1 Try) (S)
Team against Thailand: Serena Yeoh, Wang Shao-Ing, Kristy Teh, Aslinda Abdullah, Eunice Tay, Jeslyn Lim, Derelyn Chua (1 try), Leung Weimun (S), Ang Weiyi (S), Angela Zheng (S).
“the girls had to defend with only six ‘men’ on the field” confusing and sexist statement..
The extreme right man in the last row is the coach of the team, his name is Gene Tong and he is also the coach of St Andrew’s Junior School, Secondary School & Junior College rugby teams, he is an old boy and he is one of the main person responsible for the Saints Rugby Revival in recent years.