NTU.Rugby
{Friday, July 13, 2007 . The Unveiling - Pioneer Number 3}



This week's Man of the moment, the 3rd Pioneer in our groundbreaking series is a one of a kind 'pocket' dynamo, where he fits the pocket in length but not in width. Was there ever a doubt that Potato Thiam, the name commonly chanted in the rugby stadiums across Singapore, was not part of this ensemble? For a dude deemed one of the last true St Andrews legends of MODERN rugby (Chris Dinosaur Cheng is not modern rugby), it seemed only fitting that Potato would roll down the road less travelled by those before him to try his hand at blogging. And what a smash hit it has become indeed.


For the uninitiated, Daniel Potato Thiam is a true rugby superstar of NTU, known fondly by the china, indian and vietnamese fans in NTU as the King. He is now recognised as one of the best first-fives in the history of NTU rugby (self proclaimed) but his modest demeanor off the field is in contrast to his presence on the pitch (meaning his lack of height covers lengths of the field). Debuting for the NTU Rugby team in 2003, he became a star that same year, displaying huge talent at the tender age of 21. He was a member of the title-winning NTU squad in the 2003 season and top-scored for NTU. The highlights of his first-fives performances are his patented, famous, heart-stopping 'niao niao' kicks for the Champions Bedok Kings last season. There was early confusion in the community as Potato was often 'spotted' masquarading as a touch player for NTU, where it all turned out that he just looks alot like someone in the touch team.

Within the Boon Lay GRC, King Thiam is as arrogant as NTU's new signing Rebel Rong.


"I am the King. I can do anything I want. The field is my stage. The spotlights are on me. This is my yard, so buzz off"






Quotes like this can be heard day in day out when he is caught illegally parking his car in NTU and for being caught peeing outside of the urinal cubicle by the elderly cleaning lady. Indeed, he believes that his aura and presence extends into a realm beyond that of the boundaries of the field. Clearly he is mistaken, hence his more commonly known nickname of Potato.

Potato possesses a dynamic array of physical and mental skills, including respectable pace (for 84kg man), deceptive strength and a dangerous side-step. Although Potato is not a reliable goal-kicker, he is an astute tactician and a calm backline general.On the pitch he wow his fans with his FM a-like tactics, masterminding many victories over the past 4 years. He tried his hands on rugby management in 2007 where he engineered a famous victory for Hall 6 over Hall 1 in the inter hall rugby competition. Despite achieving a C6 for GP during his 'A' levels, he stepped up to the call of duty and dived straight into the blogging world. A true master tactician as he comes up with countless headlines that draws as many as 100 viewers per day during this blog's heydays.

Potato was the Director of the Photography Department, demonstrating extreme resourcefulness in locating compromising pictures of individuals who never even knew those pictures existed. Currently bumming around after graduation, he expressed extreme disappointment at the current crop of young editors whom which he personally handpicked to carry on the torch.

' I can understand if you are young and you make mistakes. But by not updating at all, you are throwing away the chance to learn the art of news creation. I am extremely disappointed with the lack of updates, given mine, Stormy's and Awesome Kiat's previous dedication towards this site. I personally appeal for more of the youngsters to step up and demonstrate their abilities. Everyone has a chance to be part of this.'


NTU Rugby blogged on 6:05 PM


In the 2nd of a 4 part instalment, we will continue presenting the highly anticipated identity of yet another pioneer who shook the rugby world when they created an account in this blogspot community, bringing their ocassional shenanigans in the passe yahoo groups to light to the millions who clamour for such updates.







Today's pick of the week is none other than Norman, or more fondly remembered by everyone as Stormy Normy. Stormy Normy hailed from the then wastelands of rugby, CJC and promptly fell in love with the game, even though he got his ass whooped every tournament. Signed to a major institution NTU, his luck fared no better as he perenially finished with a silver medal in every tournament he featured in, be it 15s, 7s or touch.








He finally struck gold when this blog was started, as it soon became clear that NTU has finally found a winner in this. To enhance his already proven writing credentials, Stormy signed up for module AAE208 Creative Writing in NIE, undergoing painful wednesday afternoons trying his best to stay awake to learn the art of writing. Again, it is the jumping of the counter and the rave reviews of loyal fans that really kept him going during the difficult period of his life.








Never one to shy away from controversies, Stormy Normy believes strongly in the freedom of press and is never one to backoff from a difficult assignment. He is solely responsible for all the controversial articles that has created quite a stir among the community, especially for his accurate but shocking portrayals of the other varsities. It is his no holds barred attitude that finally earned him the respect of hardened refreshers like Curious, Confused, Refresher and Fan, just to name a few.








" The fans have a right to know and I have a right to report. If you don't like what you see, stop jamming up the bandwidth because there are millions out there who cares.." Stormy famously said to a fellow reporter once, when asked about the spillover effects that his harsh words would create.








Now a veteran in the writing scene, Stormy has begrudgingly given up his role in this successful startup due to his graduation from NTU. "I would love to stay on forever as this is my baby. Everyone can see NTU are very strong in the blogging department at the moment. There are a lot of world class writers there and most of them are younger than me, have their best years ahead and will get better and better."








Having spent the best of his 3 years in NTU, Stormy has expressed regret in not competing for top honours in the Blogfest against the likes of Xia 'photoshop' Xue and Dawn 'Plastic" Yang. "The failure to secure the gold in the IVP has already been a fact and considering the quality of the opposition we faced, we have no more complaints. But this blog is really something and could have gone places beyond we ever imagined, if only we even dared to dream..."


NTU Rugby blogged on 2:51 PM

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{Tuesday, July 03, 2007 . The Unveiling - Pioneer Number 1}




This pioneer we are going to reveal today is one of the last few surviving NTU warrior to have tasted gold medal success in the IVP rugby scene, winning it when he was only Year 1. Sad to say, his career hit a plateau when he tried repeatedly but failed to secure all 3 colours Gold, Silver and Bronze to add to his cabinet of trophies. He is none other than Tang Chong Kiat aka AWESOME.




Born in 1982 and 2nd in a family of 2 brothers, Awesome Kiat took up rugby in Raffles Institution after he has been there and done that captaining the RI under14 basketball team to glory. 'I need a new challenge..' he said and promptly took up the robust sport despite lacking in size. His natural all-round sporting ability ensured that he quickly broke into the first team as a flanker and in years to come, cemented his place in the Raffles legend book as the calm headed flanker you could count on to get the job done.




Nobody knows when Awesome's penchant for writing really developed, but during his younger days he was known for his sporting prowess rather than his penmanship. A nasty knee injury sustained during the 2006 NRC Division 1 game between Bedok Kings and SRC effectively forced Awesome Kiat out of the picture for the IVP championships. Never having fully recovered (due to lack of immediate attention with an SRC cum SMU cum ex Raffles hooker turned flanker opting to unsportingly play on instead of dishing out medical aid) from his career threatening knee injury, Awesome Kiat walks with a limp up and down the cloud covered hills of NTU just to reach the high-speed internet connected library to bring you fans the latest updates of the blog (while icing his knee at the same time).




In his own words, 'Sometimes i feel like just giving up, given my condition. However, the amazing jump of the counter really digs deep into my soul and gives me the strength and passion to carry on being part of this historic act. My dream is to be recognized by the blog feast committee. '




Despite his injury, Awesome Kiat's talents were not unnoticed by the now defunct SRU, who praised him repeatedly for being a nippy winger who made up for his lack of speed with deceptive side-steps and change of pace. His reputation and experience is immense and is sorely missed by NTU. Despite only featuring on the coaching panel this recent IVP, he was still very much a threat in NUS's mind as they repeatedly sent prop Mark 'Sausage' Koh to hang on the wing just in case Awesome Kiat suited up for the game.




Awesome Kiat is the director of our Match Reports division. As he is busy protecting the country and the army camp's numerous canteens on a full time basis now, his nature of work over at the blog is of a very specialized nature (meaning he rarely updates).




Give a round of applause to Pioneer Number 1 Awesome Kiat who has certainly entertained you guys with his many accurate match reports and pre-season updates.


NTU Rugby blogged on 11:47 AM

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{Sunday, July 01, 2007 . NRC 2007 Pre Season - Transfer Window Round-Up}

The countdown to the new season officially begins. With 21 days to the start of NRC 2007,our NTU Rugby reporters are out and about to bring you the latest updates on recent transfers and players to watch out for this coming season.

Transfer Window Round up
Bedok Kings
The reigning premier league and cup champions have further strengthened their squad by snapping up 2 players from SRC - NTU star prop/hooker - Stormy Normy & Speedy Winger - Emery "Sub 10" Ong. Stormy put pen to paper immediately upon return from his europe escapade after agreeing to personal terms with the club.
The Kings are also looking to secure the services of NTU legend - Chris "Dinosaur" Cheng on a short term loan deal from University of Queensland. However, negotiation has stalled as the club is refusing Dinosaur Cheng's request to play in his original Second Five Eighth position.
Meanwhile, Potato Thiam, Awesome Kiat, Undroppable Qing and Rebel Anthony Rong has further committed their future to the club by signing a one year extension to their contracts.
Players whose future with the club is certain includes Division 2 star fly half and Summer touch MVP - Adam Chan, One training wonder - KKK.

Singapore Recreation Club
After losing 2 key players to Bedok Kings, SRC stepped up in the transfer market and secured deals to sustain their bid to compete for top honours in Division 1. Contracts were offered to current players - NTU Starlet - Sidney Kumar and NTU Veterens - Aminurashid, and Hafiz "The Arab".
Rumours has it that they are in negotiations to secure deals with "Catwalker" Tze and "Dancing Indian" Mitran. Catwalker Tze's last minute decision to sign with SRC instead of Bedok Kings was disclosed in a private interview. "I think I will be better off with SRC, their bathing facilities with clear glass doors allow me to get a full "understanding" of my teammates."

Brewerkz Bucks
Last year's league and cup runners-up are also working on a deal with ex/to-be NTU player - Arjun "Show It" Pandey. But will he "show it" at Bucks is still a question to be answered. The player is unreachable for an interview.

Singapore Cricket Club
The Padang Giants have once again gotten "Baby Face Assassin" Yik to commit his future to the club for a third year running. It was considered to be the Deal of the Century as inside sources revealed that SCC has to offer was ice cream and provide shorts and socks in exchange of the schoolboy Star Hooker's signature on the contract.

Other Players who showed intentions of playing club rugby but has yet to make a move as listed as follows:
"Everything Just kick" Lao Ying - Reported Missing
"Salsa King" Kevin Ang - Too busy with "work"
Darren "Druggy" Hoe - Trying to get in French Rugby Union, Offered by French Gay Rugby Club
Gaybriel Loi - Going wherever Darren is going
Andy Prakasa - Trying to buy over a Bali Rugby Club to be named his own.
Fake Ang Moh Peter Walker - Still trying to force his way into a "All Ang Mohs" Club
Real Ang Moh Zak - Refused to play for "All Ang Mohs" Club

Stay tuned for more updates as we draw closer to kick off!


NTU Rugby blogged on 3:16 PM

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