Team NTU continued preparations for its Inter-University campaign and completed its second pre-season match in positive style with a 14-5 win over a youthful and spirited ACJC side, who played with desire but fell down in its execution of finer points of its game.

Head Coach Lincoln Tan (who was sporting a trendy baby-blue polo T) gave starting debuts to a host of Boon Lay Warriors’ promising talents and tinkered with the starting lineup, confirming moves to a more expansive game-plan that should see them prosper against future tougher opponents.

The rotation policy was put to a stern test with ‘Mat Solo’ Adam taking the helm at fly-half for the opening exchanges of the game.

In blustery, chilly conditions, the debutants were keen to impress and the early commitment and passion showed. The early anxiety from the forwards was inevitable, but they soon settled their nerves and started to piece together some effective rucks and mauls. However, the early lineout play was disappointing with poor throwing resulting in several costly turnovers. The presence of ‘Babyface Assassin’ Yik was sorely missed as he was away due to compassionate reasons.

The backs were unable to put the finishing touches to several areas of their play and prospective chances went begging, especially after some fine line-breaks by ‘Zeus’ Tze; and strong running from wingers Andy ‘No Show’ Prakasa and Khim Hock.

Starting full-back ‘Lao Ying’ was given a tough assignment as he was made to multi-task throughout the match, following a concurrent personal tutorial enforced by Coach Tan.

NTU lost their way during a costly five minutes before half-time; a lapse in defence allowing ACJC to make full use of numbers out wide to score the opening try of the match at the corner. A misdirected conversion attempt left the schoolboys with a slim lead going into the interval.

A 0-5 score line at the break left the three ardent supporters (Kiat, Sebastian and Jed) rightfully expecting more.

‘Tinkerman’ Coach Tan introduced changes to the lineup and the second stanza started in a frantic fashion as a fresh mix of players took on the field.

While the Warriors’ effort became a little ragged towards the end of the first-half, the introduction of bench players infused more control and resulted in a fine, and deserved, try to centre ‘Undroppable’ Qing who snatched an opportunist try as he pounced on a loose ball over the line for a five-pointer just after the break.

Daniel ‘Potato’ Thiam was proficient with his ‘Niao Niao’ kicks and looked content to plug the corners, turning the opposition around.

Winger Emery Ong nearly stole the game with the play of the day after using his pace to step past his opposite number and surged 60m down the flank, but was unfortunately stopped by an enthusiastic cover defence.

‘Mat Solo’ Adam added a second try after peeling off an excellent backline move and rounded off a 30m break by barging over the line just under the posts; the try having its origins off commendable forward phases.

With ten minutes remaining, forward-specialist player-coach, Rebel Rong was brought for his debut since his transfer to NTU seven months ago. He marked his presence with barnstorming, individualistic runs that had Coach Tan shaking his head in unease; with rumours of Coach Tan’s earlier refusal to play Rebel Rong in his dream position at fullback.

The NTU SELECTORS cannot be more pleased with another fruitful outing and are looking for sterner tests in the near future.

NTU started their 2007 pre-season campaign with a neat 12-0 win over an ever-sporting SAJC team at Potong Pasir last evening.

Although Head Coach Lincoln Tan was looking on the bright side after guiding the Boon Lay Warriors to their first win under his helm, he certainly wasn’t reading anything too much into last evening’s victory. Coach Tan’s mind was more focused on the improvements and adjustments he would be making during the next training after declaring himself satisfied with yesterday’s game.

“It was a good hit-out, we wanted to have a look at some combinations and some of the new players, and obviously everything is still building up for the Warriors,” Coach Tan said.

“It’s about trying things so that we can pick it to pieces later, analyse it and make changes,” Tan said.

Coach Tan gave each of his troops at least 20 minutes on the paddock and was most pleased by the efforts of back-rower ‘Tiger Slayer’ Alvin.

“Alvin had a solid game, he still has a bit to learn but he’s getting there,” Coach Tan said.

The delay in transportation, torrid weather and pungent pitch probably played a part in leading to the sluggish start, with NTU stuck in first gear for the early part of the match.

It wasn’t hard to tell that the match was the first of the year, as the Warriors struggled to find any momentum on attack during the opening exchanges.

The Saints forwards showed commitment at breakdown situations and displayed a tenacious effort in stopping larger juggernauts in ‘Hairy Mal’ and skipper Arjun ‘Show It’ Pandey. Their inside backs were equally a standout in defence, thwarting several breaking efforts from ‘Potato’ Thiam and ‘Mat Solo’ Adam. Despite launching decent waves of attack, the Warriors were unable to penetrate a well-organised blanket defence.

The early urgency was lacking and attacking moves were riddled with handling errors throughout the match. The first half ended in a stalemate, with the men in black marginally the better team, their physicality and experience making a telling difference.

However, the pace and skill picked up slightly in the second half. Positives for the Warriors included a solid forward effort, setting the platform for the backs to capitalise with more precision on a phase switch, with Thiam sending ‘Lao Ying’ diving over the line for his debut try of the season and his first for NTU.

NTU finally ran away with the opening pre-season encounter in the last 10 minutes by scoring the second unanswered try. A break by ‘Mat Solo’ Adam off a well worked backline move led to 'Amino Acid' Ash muscling over the line for a five pointer.

“It was nice to win, but certainly we’re looking more at patterns, combinations and individuals,” said forward-specialist player-coach, Rebel Rong.

When asked about his decision to sit out of the pre-season opener, Rebel Rong revealed, “There’s no point for me to hurt these kids. They are just school boys. Even though I’m DAMN good, I’m not going out there to destroy young boys. I’m saving everything for the actual IVP.”

The NTU SELECTORS were pleased with a wining start to the pre-season and the rotation policy that enables playing time and exposure for everyone.

“We can confirm that further matches are in arrangement to ensure this continuity and preparations for the upcoming IVP,” said the NTU SELECTORS.

The power of the NTU Rugby's brand is continuing to grow worldwide with the announcement that Ex-Capt of NTU Tan Lian Teck a.k.a Ah Lian has become the team's newest international sponsor.

'Niao niao' Pte Ltd will be an Official Sponsor of the warriors with rights to associate with the team worldwide, as well as being naming rights sponsor for the Feb Test Series with SMU, NUS and UWC, which will now be known as the Inter-Varsity Cup.

“This new sponsorship agreement demonstrates the global interest in, and support for, the NTU Boon Lay Warriors and the strength of the its brand globally,” said Capt Arjun 'Show it'.

“Ah lian and the NTU share many common values and it is these values which Lian has identified as being relevant to its principles, its virtues, and his beliefs.”

NTU coach Lincoln Tan and AWESOME Kiat were also in attendance for the launch event which was attended by engineers, business students and the media from NTU.

“The team is grateful for the support of Mr. Ah Lian in what will be a key year in our rugby history,” said Coach Tan.

The details of the sponsor will be sorted out later this week when the players meet Ah Lian at SAJC. There will be a friendly between the Saints and NTU kicking off at 530pm.

After a terribly long period of rugby drought, the Rugbynet reporters are finally back in action!
In less than 24 hours time, a group of boys from the far west of Singapore will once again put on the BLACK jersey for the first time this year and play their first ever 15-a-side match together at St Andrew's Junior College at 1730hrs (GMT +0800 ).

The match will see our boys pit their skills against a youthful SAJC side which just recently won the 'A' Division. Although it is predicted by local bookmakers that it will be a tough match for the boys in black, NTU is looking rather comfortable and going into this match brimming with confidence.

Our Rugbynet reporters were present to cover NTU's public training session this afternoon. In the light drizzle coupled with a few lightning flashes, about 30 players were present along with both coaches.
Forwards displayed solid, explosive hits, doing rucks, muals, lineouts and scrums while the backs impressed the crowd with precise execution of every move from the play book. The NTU selectors who were present also agreed that the Team is looking very good at this moment.

An additional highlight to the match will be the unveiling of all the new signings made over the summer after completing the trials back in September last year. Gaybriel loi, "Catwalker" Tze,"Eyes Shut" Kim Hock, "Lao Ying", "Fake Ang moh" Walker are some of the starlets who will be given a chance to display their talents tomorrow.

Furthermore, this fixture will be a trip down memory lane for some of the boys who were previously from the opposition's team before they made the switch to the west side. The oldest amongst them, Daniel 'Potato' Thiam commented,

" I wanna hear the crowd chanting my name again"

Together with him was "Salsa King" Kevin Ang who unfortunately will not be playing in tomorrow's fixture as he was unable to pass to late fitness test for his pulled hamstring (the other hamstring).

Coach Tan was hesitant to provide his own predictions for tomorrow's outcome during the short press conference.

Coach Tan: "I saw them train during the week, i think we have a good chance of beating them."

Rugbynet Reporter: "You mean you went and watch them train? Isn't that unethical?"

(Rebel Rong in background: What they talking about? I am the Ethics!)

Coach Tan: "No lah, i was just driving down the road and i managed to watch them practice their lineouts, scrums, team runs and fitness drills."

Rugbynet Reporter: "........driving around the field?"


Thats all for our match preview! Stay tuned for live coverage of the friendly match between NTU vs SAJC at SA village 12 Jan 07 at 1730hrs (GMT +0800).