Story contributed by reader Roving Rugby Reporter

Four institutions played out the second round of the Polytechnic-Institute of Technical Education (POL-ITE) Rugby championship, with ITE sitting out the second round. Temasek Polytechnic (TP) came out of the second round as impressive winners over a much improved Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) side, though TP will have to start controlling the game earlier if they want avoid getting punished. Having started the game badly against NP, TP crawled their way back to record a bonus point victory. For teams that thought facing NP would provide a definite victory, they should now think twice after NP showed what they had in the armoury against a strong TP side.

Singapore Polytechnic (SP) also came out winners over a Republic Polytechnic (RP) side who are proving to be the dark horses of this championship. SP showed why they are the defending champions with glimpses of brilliance with some exciting phase play and good defence. A much more solid performance will be expected from SP if they want to successfully defend their title. RP though looked strong and almost surprised SP at times. If they can continue this rich form, RP will be the team to beat in this year’s POL-ITE edition.

Moving on to Round 3 starting today (Thursday, July 24), it will be an exciting day for spectators to catch some rugby action. The first game takes place at 5pm in which SP will take on Combined ITE. SP are the favourites to win but ITE will be looking to take revenge on the team that beat them by a close margin in the last POL-ITE championship. This will be an exciting and physical game and do not count out on a surprise ITE victory.

The second game at 7pm will be played between Temasek and Republic. This will be another exciting game, with TP looking to continue their impressive form in the tournament. Though TP carry the favourites tag, RP will look to surprise TP like how they did SP.

All games will be played at Temasek Polytechnic.