Story by Jiexin Neo/Red Sports. Photos by Lim Yong Teck and Clara Yuan/Red Sports

National A Division Rugby (Plate) Catholic Junior College Jurong Junior College

Nuris Irfan (CJC #8) tries to break free from a JJC tackle. CJC won the game 19–0. (Photo 1 © Lim Yong Teck/Red Sports)

Physical Education and Sports Education Branch, Thursday, May 8, 2014 — Catholic Junior College (CJC) defeated Jurong Junior College (JJC) 19–0 in the National A Division Boys Rugby Championship to emerge third.

Possession was even from the start as both teams went in search of the first try. JJC looked to reach the goal-line on a few occasions, but were stopped by CJC’s defence. On the other hand, Muhamad Zuhaily (CJC #12) led his team’s offensive game with good runs one after another. At one point, he was clear from the crowd to score a try, but JJC defenders eventually caught up and brought him down.

Following a scrum near CJC’s goal-line, Aaron Hor (#10) broke through to slam the ball down beyond the line to put CJC 5–0 up. Thereafter, CJC morale went up and they secured more possession. Towards the end of the first half, JJC’s (#7) and (#12) registered a couple of good runs but did not manage to score, as they were tackled by their defenders just in time.

CJC led 5–0 going into the halftime break, but due to the lightning alert, the second half only resumed an hour later.

When play resumed, a determined run by Zuhaily (CJC #12) saw him get past three defenders before swinging the ball sideways to his teammate Roderick Lim (CJC #14), who successfully grounded the ball to score the second try. Andrew Tan (CJC #9) followed up with a long-range conversion to give CJC a 12–0 lead.

JJC were desperately looking for a try, and Benjamin was the one player who kept trying on the pitch, looking for a breakthrough. However he was unable to go past CJC’s defence time and time again.

After a few impressive runs throughout the game, Zuhaily (CJC #12) finally scored the third try for CJC with his swift, determined drive. CJC led 19–0 with Andrew’s (#9) conversion. CJC’s third try proved to be the final offensive attempt by both teams, as the game ended 19–0. CJC emerged winners to clinch third, also registering their first win of the season.

CJC captain, Zuhaily (#12), said, “We played much better than how we did during the whole season, so overall it’s a great improvement for our last match. For us it’s a huge achievement because most of us are not so experienced. There are only two players in the team who used to play rugby. We hope to nurture the J1s, make sure that they are comfortable with rugby, so that they will learn from our mistakes.”

JJC vice-captain, Zichao, said, “It was definitely a disappointing outcome for the boys. They gave their all for the game but the opponents wanted it more and played harder than us. However it was a good effort from the boys and I’m proud of them. Although we did not get the win today, I’m still happy for them as they put in their best effort.”

Scoring by Period
CJC vs JJC
1st half: 5–0
2nd half: 14–0 (19–0)
Final score: 19–0

Try Scorers
CJC
Aaron Hor (#10) – 1 try
Muhamad Zuhaily (#12) – 1 try
Roderick Lim (#14) – 1 try

Catholic Junior College Roster
Hans Ivander (#1), Michaelphilip Dimalaluan L H F (#2), Shawn Lee Jia Jun (#3), Cheong Yin Min (#4), Russell Tan Tian Jie (#5), Jovan Lim Guan Soon (#6), Goh Zheng Xian Bradley (#7), Nuris Irfan B Ismail (#8), Andrew Tan Yi Shan (#9), Hor Bingqian Aaron (#10), Yeo Wei Kiat Braven (#11), Muhamad Zuhaily B Hamran (#12), Owen Lim Xin Sheng (#13), Roderick Lim Shi Yang (#14), Jarrell Tan Chuan Yu (#15), Goh Ming Xi Brandon (#16), Wang Yaofeng (#17), Marcus Er (#18), Navnek Singh s/o Harnek Singh (#19), Lee Kai Shuen Royce (#20), Vivian George (#21), Wee Woon Wayne (#22), Kevin Radinal Tjendra (#23), Chai Jie Ian (#24), Joshua Tan Jia Xuan (#25), Loh Kai Hong Matthew (#26), Timothy Joseph Thong Wai Hong (#27), Goh Ying Hao (#28)

Jurong Junior College Roster
We asked for, but have not received the names of the players. If you recognize any of them, please leave a comment and we will update the post. Thank you.

A Division Boys Rugby Championship — Fixtures and Results

N.B. If you recognise the players, please let us know their names in the comments section and we’ll update the post. Let us know the photo number too. Thanks.

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