In the early hours of a cold sunday morning, where the other teams, spectators, and some members of the organising committee were still trickling into Yio Chu Kang stadium, our commendable NTU boys were there ready to kick off our 7s campaign. Our surviving reporter is somehow present to bring you the results and updates from the ringEmail SMU 7s Rugby tournament.

Pool Stage
NTU was grouped with teams from Republic Poly, Temasek Poly, SRC Old Farts and tournament favourites/host -SMU A.
NTU started their day with wins over Republic Poly and Temasek Poly with scorelines of 19-0 and 12-5 respectively. They faced their first setback of the day when they met the SRC old farts and lost 7-12 to a last minute try. A NTU alumni was also spotted in the SRC ranks. He is none other than ex NTU prop - Kok Hwee. However, what stood out most was the respect and friendship both teams showed each other throughout the entire tournament. For that, NTU Rugby would like to thank SRC for the support it has given us during the tournament.
Last pool fixture saw a repeat of last year's NUS 7s cup finals. NTU took on tournament favourites SMU A. Fielding a much weakened side, NTU held on well and denied SMU A the landslide victory they were looking for. NTU lost the match 4 tries to nil with 2 tries scored by NTU Snubber turned SMU President- Amos Siow.
With pool stage completed, NTU finished 3rd in the table and were in the Bowl semi finals.

Bowl Semi-finals
NTU had to face the team that finished 4th from the other pool - SMU B. Still haunted by the defeat one match earlier, NTU was hungry for a revenge. The determined NTU side came out victorious in close battle with a scoreline of 12-10, sealing their place in the Bowl finals.

Bowl Finals
In the Bowl finals, NTU took on side well mixed with youth and experienced players - Tamoko Lions which included a player who had just recently joined club of NTU Alumnus - Rubberman Spencer Soh. Desperate for some recognition and silverware, the NTU boys put on a display of true class and team spirit and played out what was undoubtedly their most outstanding performance of the day, clinching the Bowl championship 24-0.

(Yes! The prize presenter was the Snubber himself)

However, the success did not come without any sacrifices. Adding to the long list of injured players, In-Center SK Kevin Ang - Twisted Knee, Lock forward - Sathish - Dislocated Fingers and Center/Winger - Qing - Pulled Hamstring. (Trying to get onto the injury list - Hooker - Bryanboy Yik - Backache).

In the post tournament press conference, player/team manager - Qing commended the bravery and efforts made by the team. "Our boys showed true character and passion. I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation to the team for putting in 110% for this tournament. It is a great start for NTU rugby this season and we can only build on this and keep improving as a team."
The team had also come to a unanimous decision that Alvin "Tigerslayer" Lim was the man of the tournament for them. His work rate and defence was a significant contribution to NTU's success. "We are looking forward to seal a permanent deal with Alvin once we get back to NTU on monday" said NTU Rugby.