Singapore Polytechnic, Tuesday, January 6 2009 – It was a slow start at Institute-Varsity-Polytechnic touch rugby game between Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) and Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP). Both teams seemed more concerned in defending their own turf.
SIM stepped up the pace in attacking as the team suddenly broke into a run towards scoring. A last minute fumble by the SIM players caused the opportunity for touchdown to be lost. With some fast footwork by Eudora Yap, NP took the lead. Another touchdown by Natasha Yoo extended NP’s.
During the final minutes of the first half, NP blew away three consecutive instances to touchdown. At half time, the score stood at 2-1, in NP's favour. Despite the fact that it was now starting to rain, NP expedited on their attacks. This resulted in a couple of near-touchdown. The tempo of the game sped up in both teams. An impressive score came from Annabel Woo, SIM, who dashed from midfield to touchdown.
Woo’s growing influence inspired SIM and with her continuing spurts towards touchdown, it soon became a cause of concern for NP. It was a tense situation for NP and they made valiant attempts to score.
However, with SIM’s domination in the second half, NP did not managed to make even one touchdown. The game ends with 4-2, a turn of events by rookie SIM, leading to their victory.
Nur Aisya, coach for SIM, says, “The match was played with a lot of passion, albeit some confusion. It was a constant adrenalin rush for us. We are very encouraged by the win today because, the team was only formed last year.”
Jaryl Ong, spectator from SIM comments, “Considering the fact that we are new on the touch rugby scene, the team is really coming together well.”