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.