Junyuan lose but make ACS(I) work for win in B Division rugby

Story by Koh Yizhe/Red Sports. Photos by REDintern Derek Quah

Anglo-Chinese School (Independent), Tuesday, March 2, 2009 - Rugby powerhouse Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) needed all the time on the clock to beat Junyuan Secondary 44-0 in the National B Division Rugby Championship.

ACS(I), who finished second to St. Andrew’s Secondary in the final, were expected to run away easily with the match in the Group D clash, but Junyuan Secondary, a neighbourhood school from Tampines, pushed their host all the way.

"We played better today as compare to our previous match against Bedok Town," said Junyuan's teacher-in-charge Alsagoff. "During that match, we were a bit nervous as it was our first match. This is an improvement from last year - we managed to halve the score this time. But in the first half our boys didn't really perform."

ACS(I) looked to have the better of the opening, with Winson Yung, Geoffrey Lee and Shi Cheng Hao getting tries within the first 20 minutes while James Morgan converted the first try to give ACS(I) a 17-0 lead. Junyuan barely threatened the ACS(I) try line and even struggled to break out of their own half at times.

James added another himself just before lightning warnings ended the first half.

After the poor start in the first half, Junyuan came out the stronger side in the second half as they constantly stripped ACS(I) of possession and even went close to putting points on the score sheet, leaving the ACS(I) defense looking shaken and unsure of what to do at times.

Although ACS(I) scored another four more tries through Yisheen Lim, Marah, Dryn Sit and Joshua Foo, Junyuan were the happier side at the final whistle.

"In the first half, our boys didn't really perform," commented Alsagoff after the game. "Our boys are slow starters and they take some time to warm up to get into the groove of the game. We knew we had to get a response from them after the half-time team talk. All they needed was that little kick in the behind.

"In the second half, we started playing and I know we caused them some discomfort. Generally, our boys played to expectations during the second half."

On the ACS(I) performance, he said, "The pressure was more on them as they are seeded and the hosts. I am glad we gave them a little hassle and did enough to rattle them."

"We definitely did not play up to our standards and we will have to improve if we want to win the B Division title," said ACSI captain James Morgan. "We didn't have time to prepare after school for this game. Usually, we get some rest before playing and so we were not prepared. Also, in a way, this is a trial game for some of our fringe players but they didn't perform up to the level that they can. They know they can play better, but maybe due to time constraints, they didn't play well."

"Our rucks and communication between the forwards wasn't good today,” added James. “Some calls by the referee didn't go our way as well, but of course, we can't blame him. We will have to improve on our communication as well as being prepared for every game."

He continued: "The pressure is on us to get the title back this year! We are the best and we want to show everyone we are the best, but we can't underestimate our opponents. They are in the nationals for a reason."

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