In what can be considered a barren year compared to our illustrious history (To have NEVER won a bronze in IVP competition) , the 2nd half of 2006 finally bore something for us Boon Lay warriors (reason for new name to be revealed in upcoming post) to cheer about.

Amidst all the firewalking, rendang eating and puasa season, Adam 'Mat Solo' Chan of 6 Pack Touch team was crowned the MVP of the recently concluded Touch Singapore League. Apparently his Div 2 season for Bedok Kings was so horrific that he swore off contact rugby for awhile and got in touch with his feminine side playing touch alongside girls on hazy saturday afternoons. Mat Solo remains the only NTU player besides Potato and Undroppable Qing in winning honours this season. Looks like there is some truth to the saying "Its good to be a King". He is in no way linked to the famous Adam Road Satay Stall.

"I was born with Chinese blood so i figured from young that soccer was never gonna be my thing. I am glad that I have excelled in some way and I hope my achievements on the field will be recognised by Mendaki and I will have a shot at the Young Malay Awards held later in the year at Geylang Serai." quipped a bemused Mat Solo.

Our NTU touch counterparts also had good news to share as 2 of those pretty lasses made the World Cup Bound Singapore touch team after months of intensive training at the concentration camp in Northern Siberia. Miss Elite Chan and Miss 1.47m Lay-dee, together with their Coach Ann 'The big bully" roughed it out with all the Singapore's finest and emerged as the top contenders to don Singapore colours for this upcoming tournament.

"I am very happy that 2 of my girls made it to the squad with me. Having already proved myself as a player, what I really needed was credentials in the coaching arena and I guess the selection results speaks for itself." The Bully Ann was obviously thrilled by this piece of good news.

"It comes as no surprise to me, since I am the captain of the NTU Touch Team. Making the squad was never in doubt. My height has never been a problem as we are not talking about basketball here. I am more worried whether my team mates are able to match my skills, wit and fitness. These things are beyond my control and I guess we will have to wait and see" 1.47m Lay-dee stayed cool behind her pair of shades and folded arms as she responded to the media's enquiries.

Miss Elite Chan is definitely thrilled to be given this chance to shine for Singapore. " You know months ago, when I had an accident on Aminurashid ' runs faster than you can say his name' Ash's motorbike, I thought my entire career was over. But then I only had to look back in time and see how Monica Seles recovered from her stabbing incident to continue dominating the tennis circuit. Monica is a close friend and she was the one who got me started on the long but rewarding road to recovery. It is all thanks to her that I am standing here today draped in the Singapore flag addressing everyone."

The Bully Ann also added " We thought we lost her few months back. Now she is back even stronger and fitter. The whole team feels inspired."

"To prep ourselves for this tournament, we will have to spar regularly with quality opponents. The NTU rugby boys are a good benchmark as they are all worldclass touch players, boasting even an MVP amongst their ranks. Its a pity that NTU has stopped recognising their talents."

Tags: MVP, 6 pack touch team, Touch Singapore League, Undroppable, Chan, Lay-dee, Bully Ann, World Cup, Aminurashid

NTU Rugby has refused to deny reports of an imminent merger of the club with NTU Sports Club.

A spokesman for the NTU Rugby would not comment on reports that NTU Sports Club was prepared to offer NTU Rugby a chance of a merger and that idea was put forth to members of the rugby club.

According to reports, several players of the rugby club were at Botok Jones discussing the prospect of joining up with the Sports Club and later in the evening, a special meeting was setup between the rugby club and Sports club representative.

NTU Sports Club is a high profile club in NTU and was officially launched in 1991, with the aim of promoting all kinds of sports activities in NTU. Sports Club is under the umbrella of the Students' Union as a non-academic constituent club, together with other academic clubs belonging to other schools (eg. Accountancy and Business Club, Electrical and Electronic Engineering Club) and 2 other non-academic constituent clubs (Welfare Services Club and Cultural Activities Club).

"Sports Club is feverish about promoting all sorts of sporty activities."

A spokeswoman for the Sports Club confirmed that there has been contact from the rugby club and talks have been going on.

However a spokesman for the rugby club insisted he had no knowledge of whether Sports Club was interested to take in the Rugby Club and could only say that all these rumours are baseless and should be ignored.

He later added that Sports Club "welcome anyone who has the objective of promoting their sports and healthy lifestyle" to be under them.

Tags: Sports club, Botak Jones, Students' Union, Accountancy and Business Club, Electrical and Electronic Engineering Club, Welfare Services Club , Cultural Activities Club

The final whistle for the Cup finals at Yio Chu Kang Stadium last saturday marked the end of this year's SRU National Rugby Championships. It also represents that the transfer window is officially open at 1900hrs (GMT +0800). While players return to their respective schools to prepare for their upcoming school campaigns, several high profilers have already been linked with moves to other clubs.

Stormy Normy

NTU's number 1 prop, Stormy Normy has been strongly linked to league and cup winners Bedok Kings throughout the season. Back in early July, he showed up at Bedok's training ground for a 2-weeks trial stint and was hugely impressive. Stormy then surprised both pundits and his fans by signing a 1 season contract extension with SRC. With the end of the season, speculations arose, strongly linking Stormy to Bedok Kings again. He was seen sitting with Bedok supporters during the cup final and also hanging out with Bedok players at their post match function. An eye witness claimed that he saw Stormy boarding the Bedok's Team Bus.
His agent commented - " Norman is busy preparing for his exams and school training. He will decide his future within the next few weeks"

Emery "Sub 10" Ong

The Speedster from Nanyang Avenue is also linked to Bedok Kings after being spotted with Stormy at a Bedok Kings post match function. Although the move the highly unlikely as Emery had just signed a 3-year contract with SRC, his fellow NTU teammates at Bedok expressed their delight at the possibility of him signing for Bedok.
"His speed is very deadly and it would be great playing with him.He did well this season! The number of tries he scored for SRC this season may be the club's record highest number of tries scored by a rookie"
His transfer may be hindered by recent news of the speedster getting infected with "Dota-litis". Doctors say that he is showing early signs of the disease but nothing is certain as of now.

Starlets Kevin "Salsa King" Ang & Gabriel "Gay Stickman" Loi

After a successful trial session with Champions - Bedok Kings. Both players has been offered a 3-yr contract starting next season. When contacted, Salsa king was busy trying to fight the 'Dota-litis' disease by distracting himself with a new programme known as "Football Manager 2007". But there are rumours that Salsa King is currently considering a change of position from his regular "In center" to a Flanker.
As for Gay Stickman, he could only reply with "huh err err i want to get bigger la.."


Tri-University Championship Updates
Transfer speculations for Mark "Mr Biceps" Lee continues as latest rumours say that Mr Biceps is signing a contract with NTU in January 2007 after accepting the school's offer for a Masters program in communications. The thought of him teamming up with his national/club teammate Rebel Rong in NTU colors would simply scare all oppositions.

Hottest News
NUS Prop/Sausage seller - Mark "Tightfit T-shirt" Koh has also been linked to NTU. Speculations started after the recent NUS 7s where he was seen preparing hotdogs and showed reluctance to play against either of the NTU sides.
However, it could also be a false alarm. Koh may just be linked to NTU because he is one of main bidders for the hotdog stall in NTU Canteen 2.

Bedok Kings capped a tremendous season last night, claiming home the Singapore Cup with a three tries to two, 19-15 win over the Brewerkz Bucks at Yio Chu Kang stadium. The Kings’ defensive screen proved the winner as they completed the coveted league and cup Double, thwarting an impressive but late offensive effort by the Bucks to condemn them to their second successive cup failure against the Kings.

It was an exciting contest between two evenly matched teams and the final margin really suggested a closer encounter than was actually the case.

In keeping with the tension befitting of a cup final, both teams made a jittery start - right from the kick-off when Bucks failed to kick the ball past 10m. Despite early edgy exchanges, Bucks was quick to settle into composure and dominated the forward play in the early minutes, with Ben Wheeler capitalising on sluggish scrum defence to break through, but the Bedok backline was on song to contain the Bucks skipper.

Bucks controlled the majority of the match in the first half as they relentlessly piled up the pressure during the first quarter of the game. Bedok Kings will have winger Andrew ‘Flash’ Kagoro and fullback Dallas Pitches to thank as they kept Bucks scoreless, defending brilliantly and foiling any breaking runs by the Bucks backline.

Flyhalf John Forrester was unlucky not to give Bedok the lead as his 10th minute penalty struck the left-hand post.

An 18th minute penalty were the only points mustered by the Bucks after a long spell of pressure and territorial dominance.

The opening try of the game came shortly through neat phases of play and some quick recycling of the ball by the Bucks forwards. Aaron ‘Juggernaut’ Browne received the ball on the blind side and a strong run took him across the line at the left-hand corner to give Bucks a handy lead of 8-0.

The lead soon evaporated as the Kings regained their composure and in-form winger Flash took centre stage. A breakout in the 27th minute of play from the Bedok forwards saw neat exchanges of passes between brothers Rongy and Rebel Rong. After a quick ball out to the backline, NTU’s Daniel ‘Potato’ Thiam committed the last defenders and breached the Bucks defence before putting Flash through for the Kings’ first try of the game.

A successful conversion by Forrester narrowed the score to 8-7.

Flash would then increase the lead for Bedok in the 34th minute, scoring an inspiring breakout try after a quick, last gasp pass from Thiam, as he outpaced the static covering defence and claimed his second try of the game.

A second successful conversion by Forrester brought the score to 8-14, going into the interval.

The second half had a controversial moment when a collapsed Bucks driving maul from a 5m-lineout was deemed to be due to an intentional player infringement; with Bucks awarded a penalty try just halfway through the second half, edging into the lead at 15-14 after a successful conversion.

Stand-out fullback Dallas Pitches made an incisive run in the 67th minute on the short side as he committed two defenders before sending winger Eric Ng sprinting over for a well-earned try, and established a crucial lead of four points.

Forrester was unlucky with the conversion attempt as he struck the post once more, leaving the score standing at 15-19 to the Kings.

The Bucks had the better of the final ten minutes but it was a story of ‘too little and too late’. Despite pressing hard in the dying minutes and way deep into injury time, Bucks were unable to break through a resolute Bedok defence that stood brave in the face of adversity.

The final whistle eventually arrived and by then the crowd of supporters were already clanging with delight and a pulsating, ear-splitting cacophony to greet Bedok Kings’ second successive cup triumph.

Club captain Gus McKay was in a jubilant euphoria at the sound of the fulltime whistle.

“We’ve worked hard all season and today we played our guts out for each other. And with a crowd like this, how can we not be inspired,” said Gus as he dedicated the victory to the ever-faithful club supporters.

When asked about the length of the injury time played, Bedok boss Tony King unleashed the fury well-known to all, “The referee is a f**king c**t. It’s supposed to be a game of two HALVES, for f**k sake.”

On his two assists of the game, Thiam revealed, “I knew I had to get the ball out wide. And when you have Flash on the outside, a try-scoring opportunity is always there for the taking.”

When asked on his contribution to the build-up for Bedok’s first try, Rebel Rong remains humble, honest and down-to-earth in his own way, “I am damn good. Do you know what my jersey number stands for? I am number one. I am the best.”

Head coach Danny ‘Stone Cold’ Tauroa was unruffled during Bedok’s pulsating catch-up game in the second half and remained cool after the victory.

“We talked about taking the game to them and this was a real pressure game today. To play the way we did showed great confidence and we played really well when we had the ball. When they had the ball, we kept a really good defensive shape and it was an impressive team effort altogether,” said Tauora.

The NRC season 2006 reaches a fitting end with a hugely-anticipated Singapore Cup final between two exciting teams, Bedok Kings and Brewerkz Bucks, at Yio Chu Kang stadium on Saturday; and adding to the excitement is the fact that neither side is a clear favourite. Both teams will battle for the honour of being crowned the Singapore Cup Champions in what promises to be one hell of a game. The Bucks, who edged out SCC in the semis, are 5/6 to take the title.

Is this the golden year for Bedok Kings to claim the coveted Double? The Premier Division champions are (evens) to win, while in-form winger Flash is 5/2 to score the first try.

Aaron ‘Juggernaut’ Browne returns to the Bucks’ starting lineup and is 4/5 to break through the gain line with his first touch.

After splitting open Browne’s chin with a headbutt during last season’s cup finals, Daniel ‘Potato’ Thiam is raring to draw first blood once again. The midfield ace is 20/1 to cut open Browne’s forehead during the upcoming clash.

Bedok Kings prop Rebel Rong has been a major fitness concern in the lead-up to the final after missing out on a crucial training on Wednesday, and is 7/9 to grab the first drink during any random water breaks.

Match Betting
Bucks (5/6)
Bedok Kings (evens)

Handicap Betting
Bucks (0) (5/6)
Bedok Kings (0) (evens)

Bet-In-Play
Thiam to cut open Browne (20/1)
Thiam to trip Browne in a tackle (4/1)
Thiam to duck Browne’s tackle (4/1)
Thiam to lift tackle Browne (8/11)
Rebel Rong to grab first drink (7/9) ----- Value Bet
Rebel Rong to drop goal (100/1)
Mark Lee to fail pre-match drug test (9/11) (Suspended - Katek supervising the test)
Mark Lee to cramp up during first half (16/1)
Mark Lee to cramp up during second half (4/7)
Rongy to fake injury (4/5) ----- Value Bet
Gus to be sin-binned (6/7) ----- Value Bet
Tony King to verbally abuse ANYONE within 10 minutes into game (Suspended - 100% Possibility)

The build-up is underway to Finals weekend for Singapore's top rugby competitions - the NRC Cup and Plate.

The two Finals will all be played this Saturday 21 October, with the rugby feast kicking off in YCK stadium at 3.00pm when Bucks plays SCC in the Final of the Plate. At 5.00pm, the NRC Cup Final between Bedok Kings and Bucks will kick off at the same venue.

All 2 finals will be televised live on NTU e-rugbyNet 1 and NTU Rugby-Net live.

Judging by the positive noises coming out of the Kings and Bucks camps ahead of this coming saturday's NRC Cup final, expect a fast and entertaining game ahead.

Both sides are riding on a wave of confidence, albeit of varying lengths.

Kings's expansive approach has been vindicated bar the occasional aberration, while Bucks, the competition's Jekyl and Hyde character, hinted at shedding their ever-present inconsistent tag when dismantling SCC 26 – 16 during the semifinal.

Weather permitting (low psi and dry), the weekend's clash has the hallmarks of a free-flowing encounter as two powerhouse of singapore rugby fight to become the undisputed Champions of NRC.

It was a gloomy, error-ridden 5th-round encounter, when Bucks inflicted Kings with their only defeat in the league at Turf City. (not that Bucks were complaining).

Since then Kings have stayed true to their exciting mix of style and substance and are comfortably the competition's standard bearers at both ends of the paddock.

Kings have clocked up 370 points in 8 matches, and only letting in 81 points along the way. Bucks are rated second with 357 points scored and 111 points conceded.

Coaches Danny and Tony have sticked to the same starting line-up, making about only 1 or 2 changes (at most) per game -- and this week is no exception as he massages a wealth of talent into his 22.

Whoever turns out for the Kings this weekend will not deviate from their policy; that is, scoring tries from anywhere on the park.

"I hate to be confident... Its not a good way to go in (into the Finals) But man... we have so done the work and they are soooooooooo not going to know what hits them on Saturday! Bring It On!" Captain Gus 'Fatty' reaffirmed at training this week.

Conditions and Buck's collective resolve conspired against Kings implementing that game plan effectively in their last meeting, though Gus 'Fatty' still gleaned positives from the experience.

"It was probably our worst performance of the year. We didn't get any lineout ball, any possession .... and yet we were showing strong character and getting a try back just before the final whistle," he said.

"We'll need a huge improvement on what we did in that game, and they are stronger compared to 3 weeks ago."

"They will be (Bucks' forwards) up there at the breakdowns too. It will be like playing ourselves, they're big guys, they throw the ball around and break one-on-one tackles. BUT, We'll just have to get in their faces."

Midfield is another obvious focal point with NTU's Thiam lining up against A.'The Giant' Browne.

The current Singapore player also predicted an open game with plenty of lateral movement.

"Bucks play a very similar style to us but not as electrifying as how we run it. They have game breakers all over the park but not as dynamic as what we are," Potato Thiam said.

However, Coach Danny did insist there was also method in Kings enterprising approach and they were also content to play the percentages.

"We will try to maintain some structure in our side so that we have a good platform. Ideally, we can play any kind of game."

The preference though, is to give the ball some air.

"We don't want to have a conservative approach," Coach Danny said.

"I've been in teams in the past where you try to limit your mistakes and hold onto the ball."

"We believed (against Bucks) that if we back each other up and use our skills to our utmost, then we won't make mistakes. No Errors."

"When things started happening, everyone got excited. We've got to make sure that we can temper that with some cool heads."

In the academically driven society of Singapore, the cream of rugby players under the age of 25 not only has to cope with life as a professional player, they also have to double up part time as aspiring students struggling to clear their academic units every semester.

From the first day of tearing themselves from the green blades of grass to throd on the cement pavements of NUS, NTU and most recently SMU, rugby players have struggled to adapt to their new environment what with the new setting and the totally new set of regulations.

Where uniformity and team work prevailed on the field, every rugby player donned an identical set of jersey and played to a structured set of game play and phases. For the luckier ones who are backed by rich Ang Moh bankers who double up as mafia hitmen at night, they even get sponsored shorts, socks and underwear. Despite the small discrepancy, all rugby players look to the ones perched right at the top and emulate their success story, be it a well worked backs move, fit forwards who run and tackle all day, or even steamrolling everyone with truckloads of cash(SCC?).

However, in the academic world, it is a whole new ball game. Intellectual property rights are very much enforced and academicians do not condone acts of plagiarism being done right under their noses. In fact, SMU even has a link about academic integrity that warns their students against such acts.

Imagine the editorial board's surprise where we discovered an article in SMU's monthly digest that appeared to be copied word for word right off this blog. The extra goofy photos attached to their version of the article is a half hearted and lame attempt in trying to cover up their lack of respect for the artistic work of our journalists. Apparently these SMU players chose the easiest way out to enjoy instant fame and recognition, and conveniently rubbed salt into the wounds of NTU who are still smarting from the two successive defeats in both finals on Sunday. Click here
for the 'SMU article'

"What they(SMU) did can be described as despicable. It is almost equivalent to copying in mid term exams. They beat us fair and square in the 7s, i respect that. Giants like us (NTU) and NUS are actually using this tourney to develop the younger players. Nobody celebrates winning the inter-toto cup right? The very least he/she could do is to acknowledge the e-rugby editors. There are friends in SMU who are equally disgusted." said Potato Thiam.

"I refresh this page every 5 minutes for the interesting and original articles that are constantly being produced hot from the oven. It is certainly too much for them to just take away all the fun and excitement in the only activity worth cheering about in my life now. What am I going to do if I cant refresh anymore???" said Refresher (NTURugbyNews fan from SMU).

"The sausage is damn awesome laa...that guy over there is my sausage, I can eat him all day and night!!Let me go and sharpen my teeth now" said Rebel Rong, who was eyeing the official sausage man on Sunday Mark "Tight fit t-shirts" Koh and oblivious about the question being posed to him.

This blatant act of plagiarism has hit the editors real hard, the very ones who sacrificed much social life into the development of this young startup. It is yet to be seen if NTURugbyNews can recover from the cheap imitations originating from City hall.

"We are the winners and we can do what we want. I don't have to explain my actions to anyone. We proved ourselves on the field and that's all it matters." SMU Maestro Daniel Marc Chow was in no mood to explain himself as he went up on stage to collect his Lee Kuan Yew Best Journalist Award for his write up on the NUS 7s tournament, proudly confered upon by Straits Times Singapore.

"It is ok to plagiarise. At least give us credit for it. But to show no remorse at all is a showing of poor manners. I pity the poor boy and i wish he finds peace with his soul.." sighed Stormy Normy who has recently taken up a module on spiritual wellbeing.

e-rugby officials confirmed with us at 2357 that they might consider taking legal actions.

e-rugby Exp0sed has discovered a copy of the interview transcript between a SMU Sports Reporter and Amos ‘The Man Who Snubbed NTU’ SIOW.

SMU: Wow, it must have been a great day for you guys. Any comments on winning this tourney?

Amos: Honestly, we didn’t expect to win. But hey, come on. Props to us for rising to the occasion, considering we were playing without Des and Alex Ong.

SMU: Most of you guys had National 7s experience ain’t it? A blessing in disguise perhaps?

Amos: Well… Certainly no blessing in disguise. We’re out in the open man. We’re the REAL DEAL, the other teams just have to live with it. (Editor: ‘live with it’ = ‘suck it’)

SMU: From your point of view, was it a mistake for NUS and NTU to even out their teams?

Amos: I think in terms of winning the tournament, they shouldn’t have even out their teams in the first place. I mean it does them a world of good by bringing in the new faces and all, but who’s bringing back the trophy today? (Smirks)

SMU: You guys have probably fired up some intense vendetta out there today. RUMOUR HAS IT that a certain Rebel Rong can’t wait to get into the thick of action. Word has it that he has in fact, LAID THE GAUNTLET down on SMU.

Amos: Well, WHY DIDN’T HE LAY IT DOWN TODAY THEN?

SMU: We have to ask you this. Given another chance, would you STILL snub NTU?

Amos: I’m delighted to have won my first piece of silverware with SMU and tasted some form of victory today, it does console me perhaps. (Not answering to the question)

SMU: Any prospects of a local exchange programme to NTU then?

Amos: NO. Certainly not in the four years I’m with SMU. From the looks of it today, they STILL have a long way to go.

SMU: Alright, this concludes our interview.

Amos: Eh wait… Btw did you see Thiam’s kick that went backwards? That was AMAZING.

SMU: …

The NUS 7s Carnival was a fruitful event, attracting the likes of reigning national U-20 Champions - Singapore Polytechnic, Combined ITE, NTU, SMU and current inter-university title holders – NUS.

It was an action filled affair with both NUS and NTU dominating in numbers, sending two teams each; with the aim of providing invaluable match experience for the younger players. However, it was SMU, who showed that strength may not necessarily come in numbers, as they remain undefeated in all their matches en route to the finals. Fielding only a single team, their experience in sevens rugby made up for their shortfall in players.

Defeating four teams in total from both NUS and NTU, SMU found a structured pattern of play and played to their strength and weaknesses, putting away tries with devastating effect. It turned out to be a disappointing one-sided affair in the cup finals, as SMU overpowered NTU to claim their first silverware of the season.

Cup Finals
Champions – SMU
Runner-up – NTU

Plate Finals
Champions – SP
Runner-up – NTU

Despite losing out in both finals, the NTU SELECTORS are pleased with the performance from both teams; and are optimistic about the future.

“This is a promising start. The season hasn’t exactly begun, but we’re glad to have a decent showing. It was a good learning experience for the new players as well, and we hope that all of them would have had an enjoyable time out there,” revealed an awesome NTU SELECTOR.

“The 2nds showed solidarity as a team, and it was a strong effort to reach the plate finals. It was a tough final and they displayed promising attitude and aptitude.”

Head coach Lincoln Tan said, “I saw a lot of positive attitude and some brilliance in play. But it was clear that our fitness level was not up to standard yet. No worries, we’ll work from here, and I’ll see you guys on Wednesday.”

SRC take on SCC in the semi-finals of the Singapore Cup after overcoming Bedok Kings in last week’s decider. The local boys are still smarting from a narrow loss to SCC in their first meeting back in August and are 6/1 to win by 6-10 points.

SRC shocked SCC in this year’s Padang Shield, but the tankards will be keen for revenge this evening. Damian Perreira’s side is 4/5 with a 12-point deficit, while the in-form Emery ‘Sub-10’ Ong is 4/1 to score the first try.

Alan Kent is set to make his 68th appearance in SCC colours this evening as they take on SRC (9/4) at YCK. The popular power forward, who is widely known as ‘Juggernaut’, is 1/3 to help lead the SCC to victory.

Match Betting
SCC (1/3)
SRC (9/4)

Handicap Betting
SCC (-12) (4/5)
SRC (+12) (4/5)

Bet-In-Play
Norman to get sin-bin (9/8) ----- Value Bet
Norman to lift tackle Kent (26/1)
Norman to wheel Kent (4/1)
Norman to get first drink during half-time (8/11)
Norman to hand-off Kent (18/1)
Norman to get subbed (3/2)
Emery to taunt defender (2/1)
Emery to drop goal (50/1)
Thai Hoe to play for SCC (12/1)
Thai Hoe to turn up to support Leow (Suspended – 100% Possibility)
Cliff to turn up and play (120/1)
Chad / Todd to support Norman (Suspended – 100% Possibility)

Just a month ago, SRC was languishing outside the playoff zone and struggling to find form. Since then, they have shrugged off their inconsistency and forced their way into a semi-final berth. They have established their credentials and pulled off three solid victories leading into the end of the league phase, displaying a brand of hardworking local rugby.

SCC on the other hand, has always been in contention for the top spot, and led the league for the quarter of the season, impressing their supporters by remaining undefeated for their first four matches. It will be an interesting rematch between the Padang rivals with SCC determined to avenge their loss in the annual Padang Shield.

The SRC backline has notched up stirring tries through the industrious effort from the forwards but they would not expect to roll so easily over the advantage line against a SCC pack more hardened than theirs.

“We’re not going to keep every ball and they’ve got a daunting forward pack. But we have to be very accurate with what we do around the field and minimize turnovers.” said Stormy Normy, predicting a confrontational right from the opening whistle.

The SRC frontman said while his team was entitled to feel good about themselves after dismantling Jap Association and edging out Bedok Kings, they had to remain grounded.

“While we’re really happy with the way we played, the guys have to understand those were past matches. The challenge for us is to duplicate those performances,” Stormy said.

“There’s no reason we can’t do it again. It’s the same players in our team, it’s all there for us,” claimed star winger Emery ‘Sub-10’ Ong.

Leading the SCC forward pack would be none other than the ever intimidating Alan ‘Juggernaut’ Kent. After losing out on a final showdown with Bucks in the Premier finals, Kent is intense in helping his club add some deserving silverware to their collection.

Kent, who will captain the SCC Div 1 team for the first time, reacted to talk about his team’s ‘bullying’ style by allowing Premier players boost up the squad.

“We have not breached any regulations whatsoever. I am here to stay and to win. And I guarantee that they’d be in for some really physical rugby,” said Kent.

When asked on his bruising approach in forward play, the 128kg monster stated, “We don’t show mercy and even less do we ask for mercy. Rugby is a contact sport and our approach has not changed since the club started rugby. We get stuck in to intimidate our opponents, but all within the laws. We will be malicious.”

The NTU SELECTORS would be hoping for a sterling effort from both Stormy and Emery.

“In a final, little things can make the difference between winning and losing. Tactical excellence can be conclusive but that cannot be the only yardstick for victory. Individual performances can turn the game around as well,” said an optimistic NTU SELECTOR.