Story and picture by reader Adnan Mohd Taip

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Montfort’s Lucas Lee beats his opposite number from Jurong. (Photo © Adnan)

SAJC, Tuesday, March 25, 2008 - Montfort Secondary played a well-controlled game to beat Jurong Secondary 26-8 in the National Under-17 Rugby Plate Championship.

The game looked like it would be a closely fought match with Jurong slotting home a drop goal in the early part of the match to go ahead 3-0. But immediately after the 3 points, Montfort struck back after poor tackling by Jurong gave them a chance to score a try down the wing to go ahead 5-3.

A determined Jurong fought bravely back and camped in Montfort’s half for close to 15 minutes. Unfortunately, Jurong’s decision to play a kicking game denied them a chance to retain possession to gain points. Eventually, excellent defending by Montfort led to a turnover ball and a breakaway try by their huge out-center Fenghua (#8) for a 12-3 lead. With confidence growing, Montfort quickly added a simple try and conversion just before the end of the half for a commanding 19-3 lead.

When many would have wrote Jurong off at the end of the first half, the men in black proved that they still had something in the bag. Again they dominated possession and territory but kicking the ball out of hand did not help them convert their chances. A 5 meter scrum from the Montfort line was the closest the team had to score a try. Their persistence eventually paid off when they scored another elusive try through a well-rehearsed forward move to cut Montfort’s lead to 19-8.

Nearing the end of the game, Montfort wanted to end on a high. The team piled on the pressure, causing Jurong to give away penalties in their 22. It was from one of these penalties that Montfort’s huge out-center managed to rumble over the line and score the last try of the game under the post. With a 26-8 lead, Montfort held on comfortably till the end of the game.

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Montfort’s prop Lucas Lee breaking the defensive line. (Photo © Adnan)
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Jurong’s #8 drives through in search of the elusive try while Montfort’s Jason Hong tries to stop him. (Photo © Adnan)
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Strong defence and tackling by Montfort denies Jurong (in black). Jason Hong of Montfort holds on to Jurong’s #21 while his teammate Kian Hao tries to rip the ball out.(Photo © Adnan)
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From the turnover ball, Montfort’s #8 Fenghua goes on a breakaway try. (Photo © Adnan)
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Strong forward play by Jurong allowing them to score their only try of the game. Montfort’s Jason Hong holdes on to Jurong’s #21 while teammate Kian Hao tries to rip the ball out. (Photo © Adnan)

N.B. If you recognise yourself or your teammates, please leave your name in the comments section and we’ll update the captions. Thanks.