Republic Polytechnic secure 2^nd placing in POL-ITE Touch 2008

The POL-ITE Touch 2008 was held from 21^st to 25^th July at Nanyang Polytechnic. Team RP comprised of Captain Suryanti Suryono, Vice-Captain Ma Aye Wathone Oo, Siti Nurazyan, Yong Shan Ning, Juriani Saini, Dilys Goh, Chin Kaile, Faezah Radiman, Dalinah Latiff, Sophie Gollifer, Eunice Chu, Denise Ang, Claudia Chng and Amanda Bernadette.

The mood was set straight when the first match saw RP defeating NP 6-2. To welcome the tournament, the girls played remarkably with precise attacking set plays and defensive lines, ever ready to challenge whichever team that was willing to deter them from their main aim. The win in their first match had spurred the team to thrive well in their other matches.

Due to the hunger of winning this championship, RP pummelled ITE astonishingly with the score of 22-0 in their second match. Their good defence, communication and teamwork on the field did not give any chance for ITE to touchdown. The team took into account that the game would prepare them for the following match that was to be decided with Singapore Polytechnic, an equally capable team.

RP continued their march to glory after beating SP, 7-1. The RP defence line held firm to force a turnover after SP failed to score. Good overlapping runs and quick recycling of the ball by RP saw their team captain Su score the first try in the opening minute. The game saw good team work by Wathone Oo, Juriani Saini, Shan Ning and Siti NurAzyan. The defence was remarkably held by Dilys Goh, Sophie Gollifer and Eunice Chu.

The highlight of the tournament was the long awaited match; face off between rivals - TP and RP. The heavy downpour had dampened the mood, putting both teams’ capabilities to a test. The match proceeded despite the heavy downpour. The ball was exceptionally slippery, causing players on both sides to drop the ball frequently. RP fell short of winning the match, after conceding touchdowns by TP on the inexperienced players. Touchdowns by RP came from both Siti Nurazyan and Shan Ning. Final score stood at 4-2 to TP.

Despite the defeat, RP refused to give up, they continued playing their final match with pride and much determination against NYP. Final score was in favour to RP, 4-0 and the team secured their position in POL-ITE touch rugby championship as runners up.

Well done Team RP!

Final results of the POL-ITE Touch 2008:

2^nd: Republic Polytechnic

3^rd: Singapore Polytechnic

For more information on the matches: http://redsports.sg/category/touch-rugby/

Words by Suryanti Suryono, Ma Aye Wathone Oo, Renuka Singh and edited by Sabrina Lim (OSG)