Singapore Polytechnic, Monday, 5 January 2009 - A light drizzle greeted the two teams, Temasek Polytechnic (TP) and Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) as they prepare to engage in a touch rugby match. Despite the slippery field, TP was in outstanding form as they dominated the game from the beginning, banking in on their speed and team coordination. In the first half, the score stood at 3-0. The first three scorers were Christine Choo, Siti Nuruhuda and Elizabeth Wong, giving TP an early lead.
The second half spelled more good news for TP. Nuruhuda was on a roll and managed to score three more touchdowns. The TP players ware distinguished by their fast and long dashes towards touchdown, outrunning the tags by NP. TP's speed was an advantage in both attack and defence. Not letting their guard down, TP was aggressive in their tags towards the rival team, not allowing NP to score. Though slightly frustrated with TP's stubborn defence formation, NP did managed to earn a point. But in the end, the final point by TP's Isabel Kok, ended the score at 8-1, led by TP.
One of the spectators, Damian Ngain comments, “It was a good game and both teams played well. I feel that the touchdown by Puisan Lai from NP does deserve special mention for its professionalism.”
Marlina Md Kasbi, coach for TP remarks, “We have been training very hard, so it is a bonus for the team to win this game. I think it was a great game. Everyone played their positions well and most importantly, they played as a team.” Siti Nurulhuda, the player who scored the most points for TP, adds, “We did better since our last game and took note of our past mistakes and improved on them. Our win for this game will boost us to work harder next time. My teammates really motivate each other and I'm thankful for them.”
Angela Zheng, coach for the NP team says, “Both teams can be equal in their training and ability but there are many factors that may affect the outcome of a game, such as the weather and even luck. Not that I am discounting the talent of the winning team, but I feel that at the end of the day, the scores do not necessarily reflect the potential of the players. We will do better next time.”