One hell of a hectic schedule for NTU Rugby which saw the Boon Lay Warriors played a total of three friendly matches in 10 days pretty much sums up the determination and commitment the western boys are willing to lay on the line.








Game 1 vs St Andrew's Old Boys (5th Jan)
Taking on SAOBA in the first 15-a-side game of the season at their own turf was by all means never an easy feat. With positivity and optimism in mind, NTU Rugby took to the field at St Andrew's Junior College fielding a team mixed with youth and experience. Flanker Emo-boy Nicholas Koh, Vice Captain/Center Sidney Kumar and Lock - The New Dancing Indian Sathish were some of the new signings who were given the chance by Coach Dinosaur Cheng to debut for NTU. Spectators were almost treated to a past vs present game as the SAOBA side consists of several former NTU greats such as Cliff Yap, Tan Lian Teck, Aaron Kong and Ng Chee Keong.

Though the match was played under heavy rain, it did not reduce the intensity of the game as both teams seized every opportunity and attacked with all guns blazing. SAOBA took the lead after breaking through the centers twice but only to concede in similar fashion just minutes after scoring. SAOBA's forward pack made NTU pay for its inexperience by scoring a late try in the 2nd quarter. In the second half, NTU came back fighting, attacked for most of the remaining half. It was only in the dying minutes of the final quarter when a negligent pass was intercepted by the Saints which resulted in a breakaway try.

Despite the loss, Coach Dinosaur Cheng was very pleased with the team's performance. "Very good, Very impressive, although its the first game, the boys executed what I told them to do. Its only a practice game. We will improve from here."








Game 2 vs Bedok Kings (12 Jan)
A week after the game against SAOBA, NTU Rugby made a brave decision to take on undoubtedly one of the strongest club side in Singapore, current Cup and Plate Champions - Bedok Kings RFC
Playing on home turf, the NTU boys turned up in full force with 25 players fit and available for selection. The fact that this may be the toughest opponent the NTU has ever played, Coach Dino Cheng took the safer option and chose experience over youth for the starting 15. Fake Ang moh Peter Walker, Catwalker Tze, Potato Thiam, Undroppable Qing and Babyface Assassin Yik were all set to start.
The travelling Bedok side brought along several players who were featured in last Premier league season includes Prop Norman Sin, Hooker Dan C., Fullback Dallas P., Centers Andy Mac and Steve T. Several players who were also invited to play against NTU were former nationals - Riady P., Marcus T. Some players from rival universities were also on the squad trying to get a piece of NTU. However they shall not be identified for security and confidentiality purposes.

NTU held the vastly experienced and heavier side for a good 15 mins before the resistence was broken. Tries started pouring in as the Bedok side made full use of their huge weight advantage over a much lighter NTU pack. Despite being on the defence most of the time, NTU had their fair share of threatening the break the Bedok's line. NTU took their defence up a notch when they held the 2nd half well and only conceded one try.

After the match, Captain Tze was in good spirits despite the team losing 6 tries to none. "Its good training for the boys, we progress with every game played and by the first game, we will be ready to take on anyone"








Game 3 vs SAJC (14 Jan)
Third game in 10 days, NTU boys were pushed to their physical and mental limits as they take on the A division side of St Andrew's. Retaining most of the side which won the B division a couple years back, SAJC was not to be taken lightly. Playing on the new synthetic field in the Saint's Village, Coach Dino Cheng took the opportunity to let some new players earn their debut for NTU.
NTU were tested early in the game by SAJC as they tried to find gaps in the forwards and the backs defence line. An intelligent quick tap and go, 5m from try line by the SA forward put the Saints ahead before scoring a second try from a set piece move.
Just when all things were starting to be in SAJC's favour, NTU turned up the heat and found their momentum. The team started to string together phases which Coach Dino Cheng was exclaiming in delight. Living up to expectations, Potato Thiam inspired the backs to conjure a series of impressive moves and pull one try back.
NTU drew level in the final 10mins of the game where a simple move sent Centre Sidney Kumar breaking 60m and Potato Thiam finishing what he started.

It was unfortunate that we ran out of time just when the match was beginning to heat up.
Captain Tze and Coach Dinosaur Cheng at the post match interview - "Its really great to see the efforts put in by the team. Many things have been sorted out, much was gained from these three games. The boys deserve a good few days break before heading back to the field and the white board for the final preparations for the upcoming Tri University Tournament."