What a weekend ! Two Grand Final wins for the SCC and one runners-up spot. A great day of rugby for everyone involved with the club.
The SCC Growlers lifted the Conference Grand Final trophy after an epic victory against what was an excellent ACS Old Boys outfit. Its always good to see a Growler grinding away for 80 minutes and this was certainly the case as they edged a speedier, more skilful and more youthful ACS team by 33 points to 29. The match started well for the Growlers when swarthy veteran Chris Metcalfe caught the ACS napping and penetrated the soft folds of the defence after just two minutes. Ex-ACS boy (from sometime in the 1980’s), Dave Phua potted the conversion.
ACS quickly hit back with a well-worked backline move and edged ahead with two tries to make it 12-7, with ex-SCC player Blandon Tan dominant in the ACSOBA backline. He had a great game all afternoon and it was a pleasure to see the skills, hard work and talent that was developed in the SCC Junior Section shine through.
The SCC Growlers forwards put in a superb performance. Hard hitting, aggressive and physical rugby, straight from the 1970’s textbook. Old school. And quality rugby. With Kiwi warrior, Aaron Cameron to the fore, and skipper Robbie Wilkins nothing short of feral in the loose, the Growlers pack, marshalled superbly by scrum half James Daniels, was like a dog at a beetroot at the breakdown. Stirring stuff indeed. Perhaps it was the rare Thursday night training session that did it, but the Growlers lineout worked well, with Marc Leaver leaping like a salmon at the front and generally getting around like an extra-back rower, and also getting on the end of nifty pass from James Daniels on a blindside break to score a lovely try in the corner.
But it was the backline defence that won the match for the Growlers. Though there were multiple line breaks, there was always some one there to scrag, scramble and tackle the supporting attackers with Goh Hattori, Sam Randall and Marcus Yeo putting in some crunching tackles to stop certain tries. With ACS persistently offending at the breakdown, in the face of a continuous Growlers onslaught, they had one man in the sin bin during which the Growlers scored two tries. Half time 19-12 to the Growlers with many believing that the margin was probably not enough bearing in mind the youth of the opposition and the seemingly tired old legs of the SCC.
An inspirational half-time team-talk by Shoe had half the Growlers in tears, and the other half frothing at the mouth raring to go. Most believed that whoever scored next would win the game, and when ACS scored twice to take the lead 22-19, most in the capacity crowd at Yio Chu Kang thought it was all over, red rover. With the SCC looking tired and bedraggled and with blood pouring from head-wounds it wasn’t a pretty sight (after all, only those with the strangest proclivities like a bloody Growler) but the SCC picked themselves up and put in a momentous last 20 minutes. ACS couldnt get out of their own half as the Growlers pounded the line and eventually, numbers appeared out wide and fullback Nick Francis scored an easy try. Another huge assault on the ACS tryline which involved 16 consecutive “pick and go’s” from a full 5 metres out, eventually brought the SCC to within a whisker of the try-line before wing Seb Milgram scored a cheeky try from three inches. Unbelievable stuff. The Growlers were ahead with 10 minutes to play.
ACS cut loose for the last ten minutes but just couldn’t score. Scrambling defence, last ditch tackling and passes going awry, the Growlers were determined to hold on to their lead and despite another length of the field try by the speedy ACS backs, the Growlers held on. It was nailbiting stuff for the last few minutes with the Growlers out on their feet, drawing on every last ounce of energy to hold on. But hold on they did, to record what was a magnificent victory, 33-29, a momentous performance from the old veterans of the SCC Growlers and a credit to the club and to the sport of rugby. Grrr.
Championship league winners, the SCC Tankards took on runners-up the SCC 3rd XV in the all SCC Championship Grand Final at Yio Chu Kang. The Tankards, unbeaten at the Championship level for two years now, started as hot favourites though the 3rd XV were quietly confident of reversing the 17-3 defeat they suffered at the hands of the Tankards on a muddy Dempsey Field before Christmas.
It was first blood to the 3rd XV as semi-final hero Amos Siow slotted home a penalty to give the 3rds an early lead after just two minutes but the Tankards hit back quickly with a good try by Kevin Loo in the corner ans went further ahead when Melvin Tan outpaced the midfield defence to put the Tankards further ahead. With the 3rds forwards starting to make their mark on the game, a series of good forward plays, led to hooker Matt Cheong going over for an excellent try to pull the 3rds back into the match and give them a real confidence boost.
With a quarter of them match gone, an outrageous rainfall downpour affected the game, and with visibility down to about 5m, the match degenerated badly with neither threatening the try-line until five minutes before the break. When the rain stopped, it was still anybody’s game and a lovely break by Kohei split the defence before he offloaded to Tankards skipper, Rusty Chalon who was charging through the gap like an angry buffalo to score under the posts. Half-time 21-8 to the Tankards.
The second half also began well for the 3rds with influential skipper No. 8 Jon Reeve barging over to bring the score to 21-13 to the Tankards. The Tankards sensing a possible 3rds comeback, suddenly changed gears as they have been able to do when under pressure all season and from then on, it was a different story with the Tankards totally dominating proceedings, the introduction of Murray Wyllie having a major impact at No.8, the big sweatie going over for two trademark tries, one after a great charge-down and the other form the base of the scrum. With Kohei Sakurai totally running the game at No.9 for the Tankards, they controlled the second half well and further tries from Justin Lum and Zaki put the Tankards out of sight, eventually running out 44-13 winners.
It was a match played in a great spirit, yet competitive throughout, and it really was very close at half-time. No doubt the 3rds will rue some missed opportunities which may well have put the Tankards under pressure in the second half but the Tankards are a great side, when playing with confidence, and have back-row talent in abundance most notably Jon Lee, Andrew Starkey and Tim Harris, all of whom have been fantastic this season. So the season ends with the SCC trophy cabinet bulging and the Championship finishing with the SCC dominant in first and second place. A terrific season for the 3rd XV in their first year after moving up a league, a great blend of youth and experience, all of which bodes well for the future.
3/8/2010
Black and Gold Day for the SCC
Last weekend’s SCC rugby at Yio Chu Kang had it all. Tremendous fightbacks, last minute drop goals, three victories and a heartbreaking loss for the 1st XV.
The weekend got off well for the SCC with a hard-fought Growlers victory over a young Wanderers 3rds XV under the hot sun. Wanderers certainly made the SCC work hard and though many delight in the scene of a young boy (or several for that matter) getting stuck into an old Growler with some relish, we all know that it’s inevitable that experience always counts in the end. And so it was on Saturday, when despite having less possession and territory, two tries from Sam Randall lead the way to a deserved 20-12 victory and a Conference Grand Final against ACSOBA next weekend on the concrete car-park of a paddock at YCK. The Shoe’s experienced team of battlers will have to be on song, to beat a team whose average age is 25 years younger than the gnarly veterans in the black and gold.
The 3rd XV match against a much bigger Wanderers 2nd XV was tighter than a gnats chuff. Great defence by both sides, especially by the lighter 3rd XV forwards meant there were few opportunities for either side, and at half time there was only the one penalty of five scored, that separated the sides, the 3rd XV going into the break 9 – 6 ahead. It looked like Wanderers had clinched a Championship final place when they scored a try midway through the second half, and with another penalty exchange the score was Wanderers 2nd XV 14 – SCC 3rds XV 12 with the clock ticking down. Youngster ""Famous Amos"" Siow, who had kicked well all the day, then scored a magnificent drop-kick in the last play of the day and the ball sailed through the posts to take the 3rds to a memorable victory and to a Chmapionship final place, just one season after moving up a division from the Conference. Credit must go to coach Jarrod Howe and captain Jon Reeve for organizing and leading the 3rd XV squad this season, recording just one defeat to a non-SCC team throughout the year. A splendid achievement indeed.
The SCC Tankards once again proved their quality with a fantastic last quarter fightback against a resilient Bucks 2nd team. Seemingly dead and buried and 13-5 down with just twenty minutes to play, the Tankards seemed to lack motivation, fight and inspiration. Somehow, spurred on by the words of skipper Rusty Chalon, they produced twenty minutes of stunning rugby, No.8 Murray Wylie to the fore, supported by a tireless and inspirational Andrew Starkey and a rampant Jon Lee in the back row, giving plenty of quick ball to centre Melvin Tan who produced a game winning performance in the last 10 minutes. Three tries followed including great scores from Kevin Gibbens and a brilliant run by young Melvin who sprinted 80 metres and exchanged passes before scoring under the posts. With the 25-13 win, the SCC Tankards move onto to yet another Championship Grand Final next Saturday against the SCC 3rd XV who will be determined to avenge their 17-3 defeat last time out. Two SCC teams in the same Grand Final for the second year running which shows the strength and quality throughout the club.
The 1st XV started superbly against a fired up and resurgent Wanderers side who had flown in two “ringers” from Australia for the play-offs. The SCC dominated the first forty minutes, played some brilliant rugby at an intense and fast pace and scored after ten minutes, skipper Tom Burns smashing through the defence to score under the posts. However, some great defence by Wanderers in their own 22, as well as numerous knock-ons, forward passes and dropped balls with the final pass prevented the SCC going further ahead and Wanderers must have breathed a huge sigh of relief to go in at half-time only 7-3 down. With half the regular SCC 1st XV backline missing due to injuries, weddings and other unavailability, it was unfortunate that the SCC were really unable to capitalize on the opportunities or recreate the stunning form which had seen them finish unbeaten in the league season, league winners with maximum bonus points.
The second half continued to be very very close. The SCC dominated the lineout and stealing much of Wanderers ball, and putting their big scrum under a lot of pressure. The forward pack was on song, with Petts totally dominating the line-out and Matty Head and McFeely superb in loose play so it was disappointing to concede a try after ten minutes of the second half when the full back went over in the corner. The game changing moment happened with 20 minutes to go when the ball was turned over deep in the Wanderers half and the fly-half expertly hoofed the ball down the park a full 70 metres for the chasing speedy full back to score his second try of the match. The SCC heads went down for a few minutes and after a rare fumble in the lineout, the Wanderers scored again. So 20-7 with 10 minutes to play.
The last ten minutes was all SCC and a great try by Pete McFeely set up a grandstand finish. The SCC hammered the Wanderers try-line and despite conceding numerous penalties held firm to win the contest. A tremendous rugby match, played at a huge intensity throughout and in a great spirit, both teams showing enormous charcter throughout the game.So Wanderers having just won three games all year in the regular season they progress to the Premiership Grand Final on great form, backed by a vocal and vociferous crowd, and we wish Wanderers skipper Matt “Rhino” Roberts and his squad the best of the luck in next week’s final.
So the 1st XV season ends in some disappointment though we should remember that we have truly raised the bar for Singapore rugby this season, going unbeaten in the league, scoring a massive number of tries and playing the game as it should be played. The club is in fine form and we hope that we can have a great turnout for next weeks Growlers Conference final and the all-SCC Championship final at YCK before heading back to the club to celebrate another great season for the SCC Rugby.
3/3/2010
All four SCC teams march on the semi-finals
Three great performances by the SCC saw the Tankards, 3rd and Growlers progress to the Guinness Rugby play-off semi-finals, last weekend at YCK though the SCC 1st XV came a cropper against Bucks when they lost their unbeaten record. Having finished the league season unbeaten, on maximum points and top of the table, the league winners never really got going against Bucks, though have a another chance in this weekends semi final against Wanderers.
The Growlers showed what a good team they can be, when seeing off Bedok Kings 3rd XV on a incredibly hot day at YCK. Whilst we can all say that nobody likes a sweaty Growler, the boys worked their socks off all afternoon and came away with a deserved 36 -12 victory, once again James Daniels, Dave Phua and Goh Hattori the pick of the bunch in the backline and Swarthy Chris and big Aaron both having good games upfront. A Conference semi-final against Wanderers 3rd XV is up next this weekend with another unbearingly hot afternoon in prospect with a 2pm kick off at YCK.
The Tankards too were in imperious form as they continued their magnificent winning streak, thrashing bottom dwellers Bedok Kings 2nd XV, by 82 points to zip. The backs ran riot and the forwards ran riot and there were tries aplenty for everyone. It was especially good to see the Tankards back on track after the previous week's narrow win against SRC but on last weekends form, it is going to take a very good team to stop Rusty Chalons side. The Championship semi-final is at 5:15pm at Yio Chu Kang against Bucks Vandals.
The other Championship semi-final will be between Wanderers 2nd XV and the SCC 3rds, who defeated a decent Police side, 38-10 in a good team performance. An opening try by scrum half Fergus Murray edged the 3rds ahead, and though Police defended resolutely they had little answer to the bullocking runs of big John Reeve and Jake Stein, the guile of Liam Pepper and the polo boy good looks of Paul Foster. A final score of 38-10 sets up the 3rds with a chance to avenge their only defeat of the season (by another club) when they play Wanderers this Saturday at YCK at 3:30pm.
After winning the league in superb style, the SCC 1st XV came a cropper against a determined Bucks side, who at least turned up to play this time after last months pub team no-show. Despite a few key players out due to injury and work trips, a fair degree of complacency had clearly crept into the squad, and despite dominating the opening 30 minutes only had a penalty to show for their efforts. A head injury to big Jon Petts early doors affected the balance of the team, and with Etho also sustaining a calf injury, it became a hard day at the office. Some poor communication in defence enabled Bucks to score in the corner despite the final pass being two metres forward. It was just one of those days. Some good line breaks would end up in knock-ons, forward passes and dropping the ball in the tackle and we were also treated to some novel interpretations of the laws of rugby by the referee – free kicks for crooked line-outs, 5m scrums for the ball being kicked dead by the attacking team, and drop goals awarded when the ball goes UNDER the posts. Wrong game, sir !. A dropped ball, a lucky bounce and Bucks had scored again and despite SCC playing all the rugby, we never really threatened the whitewash in the second half, and the match ended 21-3. Good to get a game like this out of the system and everyone should be raring to go for this weekend’s semi-final against Wanderers at YCK at 7pm for a place in the Grand Final and the opportunity for the SCC to win a unprecedented Singapore Rugby treble.
A big weekend ahead ! Bring it on.
2/22/2010
SCC 1st XV and Tankards end season as unbeaten league winners
The SCC 1st XV completed the Guinness Singapore Premiership league program with an efficient 34-0 win over Wanderers to leave them top of the table, with maximum points. It is an achievement never attained by any side in recent Singapore Premiership history. The SCC Tankards also completed an unbeaten season to finish top of the Championship for the second successive year. Impressive stuff.
It was another good weekend for SCC Rugby as the Tankards held off a strong challenge from Padang rivals SRC to win 18-14, the Growlers defeated a spirited and youthful Wanderers 4th XV, 36 - 26 at Dempsey Road but the 3rd XV came a cropper going down 25 - 8 to Wanderers 2nd XV though still managed to finish runners-up in the Championship table behind the unbeaten Tankards.
The 3rd XV got off to a bad start against Wanderers 2nd XV. Already knowing that they would finish runners-up in the Championship, there seemed to be a bit of complacency that crept into the 3rds squad that has been a real revelation this season, and though that was rectified in the second-half, the 3rds still went down 25 – 8. On the positive side, it serves as a wake up call for the 3rds who are determined to make it an all SCC final in the Championship and avenge their mid-season lost to the Tankards. The 3rds play off in the Championship quarter-finals against Police at Yio Chu Kang at 5:15pm this weekend.
The Tankards made hard work of their narrow 18-14 win over SRC and it took a standout performance from fly-half Mohd Ridzuan to make the difference between the two sides. The first half started well for the Tankards but despite some great line breaks by wings Kevin Loo and Bryan Ng, they just couldn’t seem to score, with knock-ons and forward passes aplenty and several try scoring opportunities going begging. Against the run of play, the referee made his mark by awarding a ridiculous penalty try against the Tankards. The Tankards hit back following a great run from outside centre Kevin Gibbens but a harsh yellow card for a slightly late but legitimate tackle by bad-boy Ash Hill put the Tankards under a bit of pressure and the SRC scored again in the corner just before half-time.
The Tankards turned round 14-5 down but the second half was a different story and with Ridzuan pulling the strings and controlling the game, a pushover try from a lien out catch and drive and two penalties eased the Tankards to a deserved victory. The Tankards still unbeaten in the Championship league fixtures since 2007, now play Bedok Kings in the Championship play-off quarter-finals on Saturday at 3:30pm.
Meanwhile, at Dempsey Field, the Growlers ended their league campaign with a solid six try victory over Wanderers 4th XV, consolidating their second place finish in the Conference for the second year running. A brace by of tries by swarthy Chris Metcalfe at No.8 and a hat-trick by James Daniels at scrum half led the mighty Growlers to a 36-26 victory in an end to end contest. So the Growlers look forward to a Conference quarter final battle with Bedok Kings 3rds at Yio Chu Kang this Saturday at 2pm.
SCC 1st XV absorbed a ferocious opening 20 minutes from Wanderers 1st XV who came out of the blocks fired up like men possessed. However, the defence held firm with Andy Bourke in particular putting in a gritty display at the breakdown. After a resilient first quarter, the SCC started to put their mark on the game and the great running lines from the backs, and support play from the back row, lead to a wonderful try from wing Harry Woods, who outpaced the defence to score in the corner after a superb 40 metre run down the line. Fly-half Tommy Burns missed the conversion but made amends a few minutes later when he edged the SCC further ahead with a penalty kick. Wanderers roared back and despite numerous infringements by the solid SCC defence, were unable to get points on the board and missed three kickable penalties. Just before halftime, a great line break from full back Euan Kenworthy opened up the Wanderers defence, and with lumbering prop James “Robbo” Robertson in support exchanged passes to score an excellent try. Halftime 13-0 to the SCC.
The SCC picked up the pace after halftime and with the workrate of McFeely, Petts and Matty Head in the back row and ‘extra back-rower” Andy Bennett weighing with a great performance, the 1st XV upped the pace and extended their lead with wing Alex Chew on top form scoring another hat-trick of tries. With Tom Burns back in form with the boot, all second half tries were converted and the match ended 34-0. A fantastic league season by the SCC 1st XV. Nine wins out of nine. Maximum bonus points. Cup Winners, Premier League Winners and with the Premiership Play-offs to come we could be in for unprecedented success. The SCC 1st XV now play Bucks in the first of a new-fangled Premiership play off system, next Saturday at 7pm at Yio Chu Kang.
2/12/2010
SCC canter home in low key affair
The SCC 1st XV recorded another win over the 2009 league winners Bedok Kings last night in a low-key 35 – 0 victory, leaving them clear at the top of the Singapore Guinness Premiership. With eight wins out of eight, and with maximum bonus points, the 1st XV now face Wanderers in the final league match of the season on Feb 20 with the opportunity to finish the league season unbeaten, a feat unsurpassed in recent Singapore rugby history. It won’t be easy against a resurgent Wanderers side but its very possible.
Last night’s match under the lights at St. Andrews Secondary School artificial pitch, kicked off at 7:30pm and within 5 minutes the SCC had scored an excellent try from wing Harry Woods, the forwards winning quick clean ball and skipper Pinky Burns running the ball across the hands of the backline before Harry scored in the corner. However, the young Bedok side were very competitive upfront and competed well – and with 35 minutes gone, the SCC had added only another two penalties. But with Gabriel Lee spotting a huge gap around the side of the ruck, he took a lovely pop pass from scrum half Suhaimi and cantered home under the posts, unopposed from 30m to take the halftime score to 20-0.
Within five minutes of the restart, the SCC had added another two tries, with centre Euan Kenworthy bursting through the defence to score a well-deserved try, and the fresh legs of second rower Andrew Bennett, getting on the end of a Suhaimi line-break to go over in the corner. The SCC really cut loose for the next twenty minutes but despite some splendid line breaks, and some fine individual efforts, failed to touch down due to some last ditch tackling and the odd forward pass. Ken Loughnan eventually got on the end of another attacking move before he galloped clear weaving and swerving his way to a wonderful score to make the score 35-0. Bedok threw everything at the SCC for the final five minutes but the defensive line held out to ensure the SCC’s first clean sheet of the campaign.
2/1/2010
Tankards clinch Championship title while an SCC Nomads side dismantle RBSC on Padang
After losing the last two inter-port fixtures against the Royal Bangkok Sports Club in 2006 and 2008 in Bangkok, the SCC fielded a strong side against the Thai visitors and ran out easy 67 – 0 winners. Some superb rugby was played on the Padang last weekend and with no excuses of hangovers, fear, extreme heat and the massive regrets one usually endures on a rugby weekend in Bangkok, the SCC hit their straps very early against the RBSC and raced into a three try lead after just ten minutes. It was a great performance that saw the 1st XV play alongside the 3rd XV, and it produced some great combinations and performances from all 34 players who had a run. Tries aplenty and despite some ferocious tackling from RBSC who never gave up and competed all day, they could not stem the black and gold tide. So many players had great games it would be difficult to choose but the pick of the bunch were probably Robbo who picked up a brace, Pinky who played all 80 minutes, big Jon Reeve and young James Newman who had a great game in the loose. SCC Rugby at its best. Long may the interport games continue and we must take a strong team to Bangkok next time out, as there is little doubt they will be waiting for us.
The Tankards clinched the Guinness Championship league title in some style, playing some superb rugby, a fast effective pack combining well with an electric backline, and although Mohd Ridzuan was absolutely superb at stand off, he was able supported by Mohd Asrie, Zaki and Oli Hall. Probably one of the best Tankards perfomances of the season and despite the constant niggles from the Blacks, the Tankards retained control and ran out easy 43-8 winners.
The SCC Growlers also marched on, with an emphatic 35-5 victory against a Blacks 2nd XV, some of whom were young enough to be the grandchildren of some of the Growlers more elder statesmen. One would have thought that a young 20 year old centre would always get the better of a 56 year old Terry Noe but it wasn’t to be and the Growlers once again remain unbeaten in the Guinness Conference this seaosn
1/26/2010
Police fail to arrest runaway Tankards
After a six week mid-season Christmas and New Year break, there were some concerns that the SCC would have been fattened up by turkey, Christmas pudding and endless beers but such fears proved unfounded. All four SCC teams picked up where they left off with four excellent victories last weekend.
The Tankards kicked off first on a belting hot afternoon at Yio Chu Kang and were soon running riot against a Police side who seemed surprised at the speed, intensity and work-rate of a rampant Tankards side. Despite the Tankards scrum being a little jittery on occasion, the backrow of Andrew Starkey, Tim Harris and Murray Wyllie were outstanding and superb service from scrum half by Kohei Sakurai lead to tries aplenty from Asrie, Oli Hall and Zaki which put the Tankards out of sight by halftime. The tries continued in the second half and despite the heat, the Tankards managed to rack up 69 points before Police scored a consolation try with the last play of the game. Tankards 69 Police 7.
The 3rd team started well against a young Bedok Kings side and were soon into their stride scoring three tries in the first ten minutes, wing Melvin Tan opening the scoring in the corner in the first few minutes, a try that was expertly converted from the touchline by centre Dan Cullen who hardly put a foot wrong all day, converting seven of nine tries as well as scoring a few himself. Jon Reeve and Harresh Krishnan were the pick of the forwards with their aggressive ball carrying which showed the 3rds are back on track in their quest for a Championship Grand Final place in their first season in this league. SCC 3rds 59 Bedok Kings 10.
The 1st XV also started well, racking up an astonishing six tries before halftime against Bedok Kings 1st XV, with wing Alex Chew in superb form scoring four tries before the break. Despite missing six regular 1st XV players, the SCC played some excellent rugby in the first forty minutes, backs and forwards combining well, producing quick ball at the breakdown, to put them 38-7 up by half time. Complacency crept in in the second half, and Bedok came back well scoring another three tries in all, though there was woeful defending and recklessness that lead to their flurry of points. Debut 1st XV tries for Murray Wyllie and Oli Hall took the final score to fifty points, an eight try victory but a reminder that the season is far from over just yet. SCC 1st XV 50 Bedok Kings 26.
On the Padang, the Growlers cruised past neighbours SRC II’s with an easy five try victory, fly-half Dave Phua excelling with the boot in converting every one of the scores in a 35-5 win. The Growlers remain unbeaten this season and have surprisingly racked up bonus points in all but one of their wins so far – a marked contrast to last years tight games when the Growlers would squeeze through by the odd score.
A great day for SCC Rugby, four wins out of four and the club remain on course for one of the best seasons on record.
1/11/2010
SCC win on road against COBRA on epic tour weekend
The SCC embarked on a long road trip to Kuala Lumpur to play one of Malaysia’s most famous rugby clubs, COBRA, last weekend and came away with a well-deserved 15-12 win. It was a last minute try by Rob Tyler that made the difference in a very hard fought victory.
With some SCC 1st XV players on a national team training weekend and many others withdrawing from the trip, the SCC squad was bolstered by a dozen Tankards players and half a dozen 3rd XV’ers, who fronted up and made a magnificent contribution to a memorable victory against one of the top Malaysian club sides. It was a real squad effort and a thoroughly deserved victory.
After an arduous 6 hour bus journey, the squad arrived somewhat jaded at the Petaling Jaya Padang and inevitably made a slow start. COBRA came out of the blocks well, dominating possession, the Fijian number 10 controlling a hard hitting and speedy back line, while their forwards competed well at the breakdown early doors. Slowly but surely the SCC forwards began to make their mark, and with a scrum absolutely butchering the COBRA pack, Marc Lansonneur, Matty Head and Andy Douglas, giving their opposite numbers a thoroughly miserable afternoon in the front row, it wasn’t long before the SCC were on the scoresheet. A great take in the line out by Rob Tyler, led to a driving maul ten metres out and the SCC pack steamrollered over the line, with Marc Lansonneur picking up the score from the back of the maul.
COBRA hit back well, running the ball outwide and only some desperate tackling in the midfield by Andy Bourke, Oli Hall and Dan Cullen kept the main two Fijian strike runners at bay. Outwide, young wingers, Edwin Tan and Benoit Picot marshaled the COBRA wings effectively ensuring the defensive lines were set and there were adequate defenders against wave after wave of COBRA attacks. COBRA eventually did break through, the Fijian 10 dancing through the SCC defence before drawing the full back and giving a scoring pass to his supporting runner. An easy conversion meant the SCC were down 7 -5 at the break.
A thumping tackle by Daryl Harding opened the second half and set the tone for a dominant second half for the SCC. Some great running by Murray Wylie and in particular Simon Etheredge gave the SCC some ‘go-forward’ but despite the intense pressure in the COBRA 22, and a dozen conceded penalties by the home team, all the SCC had to show for it was a solitary penalty kick by Suhaimi. With Phil Harvey, Jake Stein, Matt Mills, big Sam Sharpe and Steele West rotating in the second-row and back row, the scrum was able to keep up the pressure on the wilting COBRA pack for much of the second half. Against the run of play, just when it looked like COBRA would capitulate, they scored a great try, passing the ball through the hands, before the dreadlocked Fijian No.8 powered through and set up a try that took COBRA 12 points to 8 ahead.
Fresh legs from Fergus Murray and Brandon Kam gave new impetus to the SCC backline and the SCC pounded the COBRA line again and again. With two minutes to go, a pick up by Simon Etheredge at the back of the line out took Matty Head to the five metre line. An excellent off load to the rampaging Rusty Chalon took the ball to within a whisker of the try-line, before he was double-tackled, but the ball was recycled quickly and Rob Tyler burst through to take the game for the SCC. A great team effort and a tremendous win, managed well from the touchline by Alfred Lee and Damian Pereira, assisted by Matt Allanson and big JC, who cried more than once on his last SCC tour.
Afterwards, we were treated to some quite magnificent rugby hospitality by COBRA. Proper old school-club house and after-match dinner and drinking. A fine night out at COBRA with all their players and supporters. A cracking evening was had by all, some superb rugby banter and singing before the lads hit Jalan P. Ramlee, the Beach Club and all the dark side has to offer. The long and arduous bus journey home on Sunday went by in a whisker, as eight slabs of cold beers were demolished though it probably seemed a lifetime for poor old pasty faced Fergus Murray.
There is little doubt we should make this COBRA trip an annual weekender. All in all, a proper rugby touring weekend. Pure Gold.
12/14/2009
1st XV and Growlers breeze past Bucks on windy afternoon on Padang
The SCC 1st XV opened up the gap at the top of the Guinness Singapore Premiership with a hard-fought 39-3 victory over Bucks on the Padang, while the Growlers also stayed top of the Guinness Conference with a good 12-0 win over the Bucks Stags.
It was a hot and breezy day on the Padang, and with the pitch hard and dry, it was a remarkable contrast to the muddy conditions at Dempsey Road the week before. The SCC Growlers were first up against a similarly grey-haired Bucks Stags, the only surprise being, of all the teams in the Conference, the Stags were unable to field a proper front row, thus making the scrums uncontested, and more importantly, taking away a significant advantage from the burly Growlers who have excelled in the scrummage so far this season. The match itself, was a good game to watch, with many old faces from both sides making an appearance, in what was a structured, competitive rugby match.
The Growlers opened the scoring with a good try from second rower Maarten Van Hellemond and the game swung either way, the Growlers putting some surprisingly good backs moves together outwide, though some dodgy handling prevented them adding to their first-half tally. Wingers John Leung and Andy Downing both looked dangerous and would have been, given some pace. As always, the Growlers defence was superb - they have conceded just 10 points all season – the backrow of Chris Metcalf, Shoe Wilkins and in particular Aaron Cameron who put in some big hits and weaseled away in the loose, ferreting for the ball at the breakdown. With the score just 5- 0 at half-time, it was still anybody’s game, but the Growlers went further ahead with a try from the long striding Welshman, Tom Wyn-Jones in the centre, that was duly converted by Dave Phua. The Growlers could have scored further but the game ended with a relatively comfortable 12-0 win. A great game, played in a good spirit, as players from both sides, some of whom have faced each other over the past 15 years or so, made it a pleasure to watch.
The SCC 1st XV were under the cosh for the opening quarter of their match against Bucks 1st XV, the Bucks forwards starting the game, extremely fired-up and physical but the SCC defence held firm and were excellent in those first 20 minutes, tackling superbly and preventing any serious line breaks from the Bucks. After absorbing the early pressure, the SCC started to take control of the game, and put some very dangerous moves together and it wasn’t long before Ken Loughnan went over in the corner. Though fly-half Tommy Burns missed the conversion, he put over a penalty a few minutes later. Bucks certainly had their chances to put points on the but missed three relatively straightforward penalties, and after another period of Bucks pressure, turnover ball produced by the excellent Harry Woods, led to a kick and chase and Ewan Kenworthy touched down from half a metre after some dithering in the Bucks defence and a great support tackle by Alex Chew. The first half ended 13-0 to SCC though they were by no means on top on that stage.
The second half was much different, with the SCC playing with a lot more confidence. Within five minutes of the restart, a penalty kick and a try by Tom Burns had left the SCC 23 – 0 up and despite a Bucks penalty in return, the 1st XV knew that one more score would put the game out of reach. Despite a creaking scrum early doors, that got much better as the game progressed and a line out which remained a bit of a shambles, the SCC forwards played superbly, most notably the back row of Petts, Etho and McFeely who were ably supported by “extra” backrowers AB, Hager and Matty Head. With 20 minutes to go the SCC cut loose, and further tries from Tom Burns, McFeely and Simon Etheridge put the match beyond doubt. There was still time for a few memorable cameo moments from Kevin Gibbens and Andy Fairbrother who came on with a quarter to go, and provided some delightful plays on the wings, a cheeky chip-and-chase, in particular from Gibbens, that would have brought a tear to the eye of ex-SCC coach Terry Wright.
A very, very good performance in general that sees the 1st XV go into the New Year with maximum points from 5 matches. However, there is little doubt that the other teams will come back with a vengeance come the end of January and will be working over the holiday period to improve. The 1st XV has considerable work to do themselves in terms of fitness, scrummaging and line-outs but go into the second half of the season brimming with confidence having played all our rivals off the park so far. With the Tankards atop the Championship, the 3rds tucked in behind, and the Growlers leading the Conference, we are in the best shape we have been for many a year. Just need to keep it up and take all three titles on March 13th.
12/8/2009
1st XV and Tankards emerge from the swamp victorious
Last weekend saw the 1st XV gain a resounding 52-7 victory over Wanderers in the Singapore Guinness Premiership whilst the SCC Tankards ground out a 17-3 win over SCC 3rds in a top of the table Guinness Championship clash.
Despite possibly the worst conditions seen in many years at Dempsey Road in what was an absolute quagmire, the SCC 3rds came out strongly against the league leaders, the SCC Tankards and for much of the first half, dominated both possession and territory, but were unable to turn the pressure into points. It was a feisty game upfront, with no quarter given by either side, and at times resembled the Battle of the Somme, such were the muddy conditions and close quarter combat. With a man in the sin-bin for the 3rds, the Tankards took full advantage after 35 minutes, scoring a pushover try from Murray Wyllie.
The second half continued and with just an exchange of penalties between the sides – from Dan Cullen and Mohd Ridzuan, it was still 10-3 with ten minutes to play. Despite hammering the Tankards line, the 3rds just couldn’t touch down and the match was put beyond doubt when the Tankards scored a great try to seal victory with only a few minutes left on the clock. A competitive match all round – a cross between an arm-wrestle and a mud- wrestle – and the 3rds must take heart from their first defeat of the season and will be aiming for at least a semi-final finish in their debut year in the Championship. The Tankards meanwhile continue their unbeaten league run which now stretches back to 2007.
By the time the 1st XV took the field, there was barely a blade of grass visible on the paddock. Only Irishman McFeely felt at home in the bog. What followed was quite unbelievable. Apparently oblivious to the squelching mud and rain, the 1st XV put in their best performance of the season. Everything seemed to go right. With both Harry Woods and Matty Head both playing out of position at scrum half and in the front –row, and with Robbo throwing in the line-out, things seemed to click and despite some good defence from the Wanderers, the SCC had moved into a three try lead by half-time, skipper Tommy Burns, flanker Simon Etheridge and wing Alex Chew all touching down, with a penalty and a conversion being kicked by Burns. Alex Chew in particular was fantastic on the wing, running the ball on the counter attack and carving up the Wanderers defence, ably supported by ugly Ken Loughnan at full back who weaved and swerved his way through the defenders. So 20-0 at half time and all was looking good.
The 1st XV have had a tendency to switch off in games this season once they have their noses in front, but it certainly was not the case on Saturday. Further tries followed, and with the bench eager to get on the paddock and on the scoresheet, the full squad was used to great effect and scores from Harry Woods, Pete McFeely (who converted his own try), Andrew Bennett, another from Etho, and a wonderful SCC debut try from second rower Jon Pettemerides, with another conversion from Burns enabled the SCC rack up 52 points in all. Wanderers scored a well-worked try with five minutes to go and the game ended 52-7, with the SCC finishing worthy winners and remain unbeaten in the Guinness Premiership this season.
11/30/2009
SCC Rugby remain unbeaten on all fronts
SCC Rugby heads into the fourth weekend of the Guinness Singapore Rugby Championship with all sides still unbeaten in what has been a very encouraging start to the season. The SCC Tankards had a comfortable 28-3 win over Bucks Vandals whilst the SCC 3rds got a real wake-up call ahead of next weeks Tankards/3rds face-off, when they could only draw 13-13 with Blacks 1st XV on the Padang.
The SCC 3rds made their first appearance of the season on the Padang but really failed to get going at all. The Blacks had decided they were going to kick the ball up in the air at every opportunity and so they did making for a dreadful game of rugby to watch. Unfortunately, the SCC got dragged down to that level and a contest of aerial ping-pong developed, the forwards watching with great bemusement as the Blacks fly-half would literally run backwards 10 metres before kicking the ball in the air. Blacks must have kicked the ball in the air at least 50 times in 80 minutes. For reasons only known to them, the SCC decided the join in the kickfest with the forwards even having a go at times. It was poor rugby all round and despite going 10-3 down, the SCC 3rds hit back with a try from Dan Cullen but other than that neither side threatened the try-line again until ten minutes from the end when the SCC forwards exerted some good pressure but were unable to score. On the positive side, the SCC’s tackling and defence was excellent. They never really looked like they would lose the game but most of all, after two hard fought wins in the previous weeks, this performance serves as a wake up call before next weekend’s big match against the Tankards at Dempsey Field.
The Tankards on the other hand, were in rampant form against the previously unbeaten Bucks Vandals. With the scrum solid and the back row of Murray Wyllie, Jonathan Lee and Tim Harris in unstoppable form, the Tankards played some fantastic rugby, easily their best performance of the season. With stand-off, Mohd Ridzuan controlling the game quite brilliantly, the backline oozed class, in particular Mohd Asrie and Hairul Naim both of whom were outstanding all day, and with Daryl Harding, Mohd Zaki and Bryan Ng all playing on top form, the Tankards were a joy to watch. Oli Hall added a new dimension to the backline in the second half and put in another impressive display. Keeping the Bucks down to just one penalty, they played the game at pace and every time the ball went out to the backs, they looked threatening, the sheer pace and handling skills leading to multiple line breaks. Excellent tries from Bryan Ng. Hairul, Kenny Chan and a superb effort from prop Gavin Singh after a 60m run by Murray Wyllie put the Tankards out of sight and the match ended 28-3 which takes the SCC Tankards back to the top of the Guinness Championship table, just ahead of the 3rd XV, who are now in second place.
11/25/2009
Bucks put to the sword by SCC 1st XV
In the first “top of the table” encounter of the Guinness Premiership season, the SCC beat Bucks 28-15 at Yio Chu Kang last night, in what was a closely fought match. It was extremely competitive upfront with the SCC securing the bonus point win with only eight minutes remaining.
With exams, suspensions, work commitments and injury all effecting team selection, a re-jigged 1st XV took to the field and many may have thought that the SCC were “there for the taking” by a big Bucks side who had also started the season in impressive form. The first quarter was extremely tight, with an exchange of penalties the only scores on the doors after twenty minutes. The back row worked extremely well, with Simon Etheridge, Pete McFeely and Matt Head all in great form, combining well in the loose. Some quick thinking and a quick tap penalty saw Etho burst through the Bucks defence to open the try scoring for the SCC. Being such a close game, fly-half Burns declined to take the points and put the conversion wide. The Bucks hit back with some good forward moves, and were rewarded with a couple of penalties, both of which, sailed wide of the sticks. Another period of pressure saw a Bucks rolling maul pay off and they went over in the corner to level the scores. The SCC then began to take control of the match, with some fine attacking plays, with full back John Judges and wing Kevin Gibbens both displaying tremendous running skills on the counter attack. Five minutes before half-time the SCC took the lead with a great try, Andy Bourke and Harry Woods combining well before Simon Etheridge cut through the Bucks defence to score under the posts. The SCC tails were now up and it was 15-8 at the break.
The second half was mostly SCC with most of the match being played in the Bucks half. Smokin John Judges was excellent under the high ball, Alex Chew had some really threatening runs, and Kohei Sakurai provided great service and although the midfield never really hit their straps, the SCC managed to control much of the game. A patient build up eventually lead to another try, big Andy Bourke barreling his way in the far corner from a good half-metre, after some solid work by the forwards to take the SCC to a 20 – 8 lead. A further Burns penalty took the score to 23-8 and victory seemed assured. Or perhaps not. Some hesistancy in defence, lead to a charge-down on the five metre line, and Bucks were gifted an easy try to bring the score to 23-15 with fifteen minutes to play. Bucks came right back into the contest, sniffing a comeback, but a series of 5m scrums and excellent defence by the forwards, Guy Baber and Steve Hager in particular putting their bodies on the line, lead to a turnover and Burns booted the ball down the field to give the side a breather.
With eight minutes to go, another magnificent take in the line-out by big second rower Jon Petts who dominated the line out all evening, lead to a textbook catch and drive, and Andy Douglas touched down for the bonus point try. A hard-fought but thoroughly deserved victory. 28-15 and the SCC remain unbeaten in the league this season. A match where the SCC back-line never fully got going in attack but were outstanding in defence and where the much vaunted Bucks forward pack were matched up front in the set piece, and ran around by the SCC’s more mobile pack. Another great win for the club but there’s a fair amount of work to be done if we are to continue our winning ways in December.
11/23/2009
Hairy Growlers on top as they lead the way to 4 SCC wins
A fine weekend of running rugby and tries for all left the SCC with another 4 wins with three comfortable victories over the Bedok Kings on the Padang, and a hard-earned victory for the 3rds over SRC 1st at Dempsey.
Once again the weekend's rugby kicked off with the somewhat hairy Growlers on the Padang. After last week's exciting bonus point win, there may have been the semblance of a small crowd to see how the Growlers would fair against Bedok Kings IIIs. They were not disappointed. The Growlers were missing the physical presence of Teo in the front row but bolstered by the return of Aaron Cameron who slipped into second row, which freed Tomer to take his place at prop. Once again it was another sterling performance from all the forwards. The scrum provided a solid platform from which to rumble into Bedok territory. With not long gone, Chris Metcalf picked and went from the scrum. Momentum was maintained and a rampant Growlers pack drove the maul over for the first try of the day. Then came a collector's item - from approximately half way out some quick hands saw the winger, Andy Downing, resplendent in blond Victorian gentlemen’s lamb-chops, released down the narrow side to cross in the corner. Although it was 10-0 at half time, the Growlers had worked hard and the game was far from over. Bedok did not give up and their backs threatened in the second half with some strong direct running but the Growlers backs were equal to the challenge - some great tackling from Martin, Goh and Tom Wynn-Jones. There were even reports of forwards putting in some covering tackles! For a period in the second half the Growlers were under pressure but Bedok were unable to penetrate the Growlers' defence. An injury to Chris Reynolds saw the Growlers pack concede some of its weight advantage as Shoe manfully volunteered to be the Growlers' hooker. A pack reshuffle saw the introduction of some experience as Robbo and Phillipe entered the mix. Dave Phua's kicking was spot on again and the Growlers slowly moved back up the park. The Baron Hebblethwaite sealed the game with a well taken brace of tries to give the Growlers their second bonus point in two games. Growlers 22 Bedok Kings IIIs 0. The winning streak continues and there was particular satisfaction from the extremely tight Growlers, whose defence was superb all day.
At Dempsey Field, the 3rds started well in the first half against our Padang neighbours with the forwards hitting it up and the backline marshalled by half backs Fergus Murray (9) and Liam Pepper (10) constantly probing the SRC defensive line. 10 minutes into the game, after some typical hard work up the middle of the field from the forwards, led by team captain John Reeve; the ball was shifted out to the blind side to Liam Pepper who set fullback Leow Wei Hong free for his 3rd try of the season. Conversion by Dan Cullen was successful. SCC leads 7-0. The 3rds then fell foul to lapses of concentration, loose lips, and constant infringements at the tackle area and gave up a penalty, a converted try, and another try in the subsequent 15mins of the game, SCC trailing 7-15
Team Captain John Reeve gathered his boys together, delivering a short, concise yet powerful message to his boys. The boys got their second wind and played some inspiring rugby for the remainder of the half. Strong sniping runs from scrum half Fergus Murray off the base of the ruck saw him score try in the centre of the post, conversion by Dan Cullen. SCC trailing 14-15. Our very own television celebrity Paul Foster came on with 10minutes to go in the half and made an immediate impact when he charged down a clearance kick by the SRC fullback in his own 22, industrious work from our rampaging prop Adrian Chia and the hardworking winger Edwin Tan saw the Polo Boy set free for a score in the middle of the post yet again. Conversion by Dan Cullen. SCC 21-15.
The start of the 2nd half saw the 3rds picking up where they left off in the first. The forwards were unstoppable from set pieces, great line out takes by James Newman saw the forwards walk the ball up 15-20metres at a time, giving the backline plenty of attacking opportunities. Good interplay between the forwards and backs saw the 3rds Captain Courageous John Reeve being driven over the line in the corner by his pack of marauding forwards 10mins into the second half. SCC leading 26-15. Just when it looked like 3rds would be able to cruise to a comfortable victory, the team managed to take the collective feet off the gas pedal and gave our friendly neighbours a chance to come back at us. SRC were given a lifeline with 15mins left to go in the game when they managed to pilfer 3rds ball off a ruck and scored a breakaway try against the run of play to pull back to 26-20. Fortunately the defence held out and the 3rds held on for the win to stay joint top of the Championship table.
All in all, a satisfactory performance where all players gave maximum effort. Standout players for the 3rds were John Reeves, ""captain courageous"" who charged ahead on numerous occasions, kicking and dragging the opposition with him. James Newman with his outstanding work in the loose and the line outs. Half Backs Fergus Murray strong and fast in the loose, pretty much unstoppable when he sniped and delivered excellent clean ball to flyhalf Liam Pepper, who had another outstanding day commanding his backline and controlling the tempo of play. Fullback Leow Wei Hong, hardworking on both defence and attack, his support play again put him in a scoring position, a bit unfortunate to see him leave the game so early, paving the way for Paul Foster who was our impact supersub of the day, his energetic runs on attack and defence contributed immensely to our victory on the day, picking up a try of his own along the way.
The SCC Tankards started well against Bedok 2's, carrying on the great work from last weeks final 20 mins against Wanderers, and soon found themselves 2 tries up within 15 minutes after 2 great backline moves. Bedok came back strongly and their number 10 managed to squeeze through our backs defence and go over for the try. This was a big wake up call to the team and everyone started to focus on doing the simple stuff well and stick to the game plan and within a further 10 minutes we had scored another 2 tries, through Loo and Murray. A pushover try from Bedok just before half time made the scoreline 20-12 to Tankards at the turnaround. In the second half we made a few changes and the fresh legs brought a new injection of pace to the whole team and we began to turn pressure into points with some great running rugby and some very nice movement of the ball through the backs hands. Our back row were everywhere in the breakdown and really put pressure on their opposite numbers - Murray managed to grab 2 tries and Loo managed to go over for the hat-trick, with Ridz taking a few points on offer from penalty opportunities and conversions. The final scoreline ended up 41-12 with Bedok never really threatening our tryline in the second half, which was down to our great defence and commitment from all players.
The 1st XV ran out comfortable 54-5 winners against the last season’s league winners Bedok Kings, with an impressive eight try victory. The first half was very tight with the SCC edging into a 6-0 lead courtesy of two penalties from Ewan Kenworthy after twenty minutes and then pulling further ahead when substitute Tommy Burns – back on the field after suffering a truly horrific elbow injury last weekend and being taken to hospital in an ambulance – touched down off the side of a ruck after some good build up play by both backs and forwards. Bedok had their chances to stay in the game but missed one easy penalty and opted to go for line-outs rather than take the three points when on offer on two other occasions. The match turned when Pete McFeely ran in for a try in the corner, right on the stroke of half-time to take the SCC to a 16-0 lead.
The SCC completely dominated the second half with scrum-half Suhaimi in fine and feisty form, and they quickly scored again, Tommy Burns adding his second of the day, smashing through the defence to score. Shortly afterwards, Andy Bourke took a cheeky interception on the half-way line, and though the try-line looked a long, long, long way off, managed to trundle over to score under the posts to put the SCC 30-0 ahead and effectively kill the game off. There was still time for some great backline work resulting in typical wingers tries for Bryan Ng and Simon Etheridge and Burns scorched to his hat-trick in the final moments to send the score over 50. An excellent effort by the whole squad, who kept up the pressure for the full 80 minutes, something that they failed to do, the previous week. Lots of positives from the game, and the squad goes into this weeks midweek match against Bucks on the YCK cesspit, full of confidence.
11/18/2009
SCC start off new season with 4 wins
After the fantastic SCC 7s weekend, a touch of regularity returned to the Padang last weekend, with the first round of the eagerly awaited Guinness Rugby Championships kicking off. Those who were still uninitiated to Singapore Rugby had been warned to expect a much tougher, longer, more gruelling, more physical encounter than anything previously experienced through the Cup or 7s. In fairness, the post-match drinking certainly delivered on this front, but let's start with the Rugby!
All four SCC teams stuttered, strolled – and growled – their way to victory in the opening weekend of the 2009/2010 rugby season in what was a magnificent start to the Guinness Rugby Championship campaign for the SCC.
The day of rugby opened with the SCC Growlers taking the field to hoping to continue an unbeaten league run going back to their inception. Sporting some excellent facial hair, the SCC Growlers got the 2009/10 Conference season underway on the Padang against a decent looking Wanderers 3rd XV. The plan was to pick up where they left off - slow and steady, win by one score. Due to a lack of any noticeable warm up, it took the Growlers time to get going and they made hard work of it in the first half. Kicks did not find touch and there was all together too much running required. Not surprisingly, Wanderers took the lead with a converted try, before the Growlers edged themselves back into the game with a push over try from a 5m scrum. With only two points in it at half time, the game had a familiar feel. A rousing team talk from the Shoe at half time worked its magic. The Growlers kept it tight and controlled the game through some excellent scrummaging, with the Growlers front five of last season (Teo, Kaz, Chris Reynolds, Tomer and Maarten) giving their younger counterparts a miserable afternoon and providing a solid platform for the backs. Hebbs sniped and probed and crossed for a couple of tries. Some big hits from Goh; Dave Phua’s boot; a lovely combo from Christoph; and good strong running from Tom Wynn-Jones and Terry Noe stand out. The back row of Swarthy Chris Metcalf, Shoe and Mark Leaver were a nuisance and worked to contain Wanderers’ backs. Shoe nicked over for a try from a quickly taken penalty and Swarthy man bagged another from the base of the scrum, the younger Wanderers opposition simply horrified at the hirsute chops confronting them.
The Growlers dominated the second half with 4 unanswered tries (all of which came from scrums, or penalties within 5 m of the line). Two more tries were harshly adjudged to have been held up. A strong second half performance resulted in a most un-Growler like score line and a good result against decent opposition. Growlers 27 Wanderers 3rds 7.
SCC Tankards started brightly against the Wanderers 2's, and although the pack were outmuscled in the set piece, a great backline move in the opening five minutes lead to a score in the corner from Adam Knight. After a lot of pressure in the scrums the Wanderers started to take control of the match and after a mix-up in our back line, where the Tankards gave away a soft try, the Wanderers found themselves 2 tries to 1 up at half time. In the second half the Tankards came back and managed to get back into the game with a well worked second try. The game continued to ebb and flow with neither team able to get a stranglehold on the game although Starkey, Murray and Gabriel were everywhere in the loose. It looked like Wanderers would win the contest after camping on the Tankards try-line for over 10 minutes when they went over for the try. However a penalty was conceded by Wanderers for repeatedly handling in the ruck and the Tankard took the penalty opportunity. With the Tankards piling on the pressure late into the 2nd half, another superb backline move and some great individual skill by Kevin Gibbens where he kicked the ball down the touchline and then as their full back went to collect, he somehow kicked the ball onwards to the try line and scored a tremendous winning try to take the Tankards to a 21-20 victory.
Meanwhile at Dempsey Field, the SCC 3rds were putting down a marker for the season. They quickly scored a fantastic opening try through a rampaging Kevin Loo who broke 4 tackles on a superb 60 metre run to score before Police hit back through a converted try. However, the 3rds took control of the match and subsequent scores by Leow Wei Hong (2), Kevin Loo, and Tim Teo and another converted try by Police saw SCC leading 27-14 with 20 minutes remaining. Police certainly made a game of it by setting up a grandstand finish by hitting back again to make it 27-21 with eight minutes left to play. But the 3rds held their nerve and eventually capped off a serious of quick tap penalties with a try by Jarrod Howe to seal off the win 32-21. Stand out players for 3rds were flyhalf Liam Pepper who commanded the backline very well and orchestrated most of the tries with intelligent quick tap penalities, and quick and nifty feet, winger Kevin Loo who was unstoppable in open play, fullback Leow Wei Hong whose excellent support play was rewarded with two fine tries, Tim Teo who was excellent on the wing when he came on in the second half, and Lock James Newman who did all the dirty work that made the ball available for our backline. A good effort overall, some silly penalities given away and the occasional disciplinary issues. Plenty to work on in the coming weeks but a great start for the 3rds in the Guinness Championship.
Defying a chorus of 'free hit, free-hit' from Wanderers, the SCC 1st XV successfully gathered the kick off in the first Premiership match of the seaso, and gradually inched into the opposition half. After a couple of phases the ball was slowed down by Wanderers, and a penalty awarded about 30m out, just to the right of the sticks. 3-0 SCC, thank you Pinky. From the following kick off, a solid gather from Hager was spun out through the back line, and a beautifully weighted pass from Euan found its way into the speeding path of Bryan, who skirted around the defence to dot down. Pinky added the extras. Sadly, not long after, our new leader was left gaping at a hideously disfigured elbow, opting to leave the pitch, in his own words 'because it just looked rank!', over and above any physical debilitations.
Despite losing Pinky, SCC continued to play with structure, pace, and power for the first 20 mins, and ran into a healthy lead of 25-0 in no time, with further well-finished tries from Alex Chew and Bryan Ng either side of some mighty long range penalties from Euan. Although managing to steal a respectable amount of opposition ball, the SCC lineout began to wobble a bit, and scrappy ball led to a little loss of composure off first phase. Still, at the break we had a clean sheet on the try count, with the already well-beaten opposition opting to take 3 points under the posts having failed to break through our defense.
Perhaps this healthy lead allowed a small dose of complacency to creep in during the break, as the first 20 odd minutes of the 2nd half bore no resemblance whatsoever to the first 20 of the game. SCC continued to lose ball at the breakdown, as a result of insufficient numbers or poor shielding. After 3 weeks off, it is more than likely that a simple lack of match fitness played a part. Either way, it is recognized that we will have to improve in this area and period of the game if we are to play to our potential. Certainly front row are going to have to shelve their kicking ambitions too...
Indiscipline began to creep in too, and the Big Greek took a card after distributing a cheeky 'love-tap'. Wanderers needed little further encouragement, and upped their game to turn in a flurry of tries while SCC were a man..wait, 2 men down (Harry felt the need to keep Petts company in the naughty corner). SCC did rally to snuff out the scare, with McFeely trotting over in the corner at the other end.
Final Score SCC 32-19 Wanderers.
More than a few beers helped to ensure the sour second half didn't blight the positives from the first half, and a day of 4 wins for the SCC. Although there were no grandstand performances from the Prems, it was a winning start, and was duly celebrated as such. A great day for club rugby at the SCC.
11/12/2009
SCC Nomads go down to Palmyra in great game
After a two day session at the 7s 'enforcing' the beer fuelled rugby crowd, and having an unlimited supply of the club's new version of an isotonic drink, Tiger, the SCC Nomads turned out in force to face Palmyra, who were up from Western Australia. The match took place on the Padang and the 37 SCC Nomads who took part came from every section of the club, with a couple of Prems, a load of Tankards/3rds/Growlers and a few Colts. While the team from Palmyra RFC consisted of a load of guys from their 7s squad and then a mismatch of players from across their club, including an 70 yr old prop.
This was a historic match, with the two clubs having played each other four times over the last forty years, both with two wins and two losses. We also saw Paul Foster take a break from mincing in front of the TV cameras, and strapping on a pair boots to play in the same game his old man took part in 20 years ago. He then went on to put in a quality performance, worthy of a Channel 5 TV star.
After the normal 5 minute warm up, it was a slow start to the game for the Nomads. Palmyra played to their strengths and shifted the ball out to their quick footed backs who pulled out a few shifty 7s moves to score a few times under the posts.
After 15 mins the Nomads woke up, remembered that they were playing rugby rather than sitting in their office staring at some young secretary, and started fighting back. Kevin Gibbens found his feet playing at scrum half for the first time, and made some sound breaks,while the likes of Hagar, Gabs and Rusty boshed it up the park. There was some quality interaction and tackles put in from the centres, including Oli Hall, JJ and Richie Richardson. Although Oli will best be remembered for taking a kick off that ended up in our own 22.
It was end to end stuff, with both sides getting tries aplenty, however the Nomads never caught up after the initial onslaught from Palmyra and lost the game by 40 points to 30. Rugby as they say was the winner (always good to get that line in), plenty of beers were drunk in Stumps, and the SCC Nomads were invited for a rematch down in Perth in 2011. Massive thanks to everyone who turned up for the early kick-off, and also to Fossil for organizing the side line and making sure everyone got a game.
10/27/2009
1st XV in the pink as SCC win the Guinness Singapore Cup
Another great team effort and a good win for the SCC 1st XV as they defeated Bedok 33 to 9 with skipper Tom Burns on fire scoring 18 points in all.
The match started well for the SCC and the forwards were quickly into their stride, winning the early exchanges before some good line-out and scrum work led to flyhalf Burns crashing over under the posts for the opening try, which he duly converted. Bedok hit back straight away with a cheeky drop goal from 30 metres but the SCC regained their dominance with some fine running rugby and support play. After a charging run from second rower Steve Hager, the ball was recycled through the forwards and a great lay-off was given to Jon Lee whose timing was perfect and he blasted through the defence, wrongfooting several defenders to score the best try of the day.
Again Bedok hit back with a long range penalty but after another period of retaining possession, and attacking the try-line, a lovely inside pass by Burns put wing Harry Woods through and he cantered 30m to touch down between the sticks to pull the SCC ahead to 19 to 6 at halftime.
With the forwards providing lots of attacking options and defending superbly, there was some good rugby being played. Back rower Matty Head was outstanding, putting in a massive amount of tackles and turning over Bedok ball countless times, in a man of the match performance. The midfield pairing of Euan Kenworthy and Andy Bourke proved a real handful and combined superbly in both attack and defence.
Bedok scored another penalty to pull back to 19 -9 but shortly thereafter, two tries in two minutes ended the game as a contest, with Wellington School old boys Pinky and front rower Robbo both romping home down the middle to score under the posts. They hadnt worked as well together since fagging for their school prefect in lower sixth. It was a joy to watch.
Still lots to work on though for the first XV but it was encouraging to see the SCC trying to play rugby at every opportunity, putting the ball through hands and getting some width to the game. The defence was excellent throughout, and though Bedok threatened the try-line only in the last five minutes, the fresh legs of Kohei, Starkey and Andy Fairbrother kept up the defensive effort to the final whistle. To concede a try at that last stage would have been highway robbery but the line held firm and the SCC ended lifting the Guinness Singapore Pre-season Knockout Challenge Cup without conceding a try throughout the whole competition.
Thanks to all the supporters from the club for their support and to Pure Blonde for providing the beers to make that support fervent. A great day out and a great result for everyone at the club and SCC Rugby.
10/20/2009
SCC 1st XV cruise through to Cup Final
The SCC 1st XV, lead by new skipper, Tom Burns cruised through to the Guinness Singapore Pre-season Cup Final, scoring seven tries - including a Ewan Kenworthy hat-trick - in a comfortable 45 – 6 victory over Wanderers at Yio Chu Kang on Saturday. The match started well, with the SCC dominating early possession and were soon in front with a great try scored by prolific try scoring wing Alex Chew who outpaced the defence and scored under the posts, to give Tom Burns an easy conversion.
With Wanderers being somewhat underpowered due to a few key players missing, the SCC took full advantage, with the impressive backline making inroads into the Wanderers defence at every opportunity, They went further ahead when a textbook backs move lead to centre Ewan Kenworthy blasting through to score, to take the lead to 14-0. Wanderers then hit back, keeping possession and more control and a few mistakes crept in, leading to two long-range penalties which clawed back the score to 14-6 after 20 minutes. In what was a blisteringly hot first half – probably the hottest 40 minutes since Jenna Jameson's latest compilation DVD, the SCC extended their lead again just before half-time, full back Ken Loughnan making a another great run to make it 21-6 at the break.
The second half was much of the same with the forwards winning quality line-out ball and the speedy backline running rampant. It was great to see the big Cypriot Jon Petts make his debut in the black and gold in the second half, one crunching tackle being a highlight of an impressive performance, and good to see Harry Woods back after a year away with a serious knee injury. The SCC totally dominated the second period, with Ewan Kenworthy completing his hat-trick and further tries from hooker Guy Baber, and Hairul Naim. It was a great team performance and the team should go into this weekend’s Cup Final full of confidence against the Bedok Kings. A fine effort from the full 1st XV squad, the only disappointment being our loyal supporters had quaffed every single ice-cold Pure Blonde from the eski by the final whistle.
So this week’s Cup Final at 5:00pm at YCK sees the SCC’s first opportunity of silverware this season.
10/13/2009
1st XV move into Cup semi's, but Tankards and 3rds go down to Premier opposition
The SCC 1st XV moved into the Cup semi’s last weekend with an easy victory over Wanderers 3rd XV, but there was no such luck for the SCC Tankards or SCC 3rds who both went down to Premier League opposition.
The SCC Tankards came a cropper against the Bedok Kings at Yio Chu Kang never really getting into their stride until the second half. With the Tankards forwards committing too many players to the breakdown, Bedok found it too easy to create extra men outwide and the Tankards were down 36-0 by half-time. What was encouraging however, was the second half, where they fronted up in defence, put in some ferocious tackles and made a game of it, by scoring three well-worked tries. A wake-up call for Rusty Chalon’s men, which will stand them in good stead when the season starts.
After the previous round’s giant-killing efforts against Wanderers 2nd XV, the SCC 3rds had a very tough encounter against Bucks 1st XV and found it hard going at Dempsey Field. They tackled gamely all day, but with a huge pack in opposition found the going tough after a competitive first 30 minutes. There were some great positives to come out of the performance though, there was a great team spirit and the tackling was second to none, and it is clear that the 3rd XV will be very competitive in the Championship this season.
The 1st XV were quickly into the groove against Wanderers 3rds XV in the evening match at YCK and ran out easy winners, 91-0.
10/5/2009
3rd XV lay down a marker for the season
All three SCC teams progressed to the quarter finals of the Pre-season Knockout Cup on Saturday, an impressive feat to have three SCC teams in the last eight. Both the Tankards and 3rd XV got good wins – and the 1st XV defeated the visiting NZ Navy Ship, the HMNZ Te Mana.
The biggest shock of the Cup thus far was the tremendous hard fought 10-7 victory, the 3rd XV recorded over Wanderers 2nds at Dempsey Field. It was a tight, physical encounter which went down right to the wire. The 3rd XV were under a lot of pressure in the first half but soon settled down against what was a larger and more physical pack. With a whole host of new players in the line-up, it took a while to get going but under the expert stewardship of skipper Jon Reeve, the 3rd XV were soon into their stride, with some excellent tackling and defensive team-work. With the new-look slimline old front-rower, Dave Phua at stand-off the 3rds looked dangerous with the ball in hand, and with a marvellous kick down the park, the 3rds went ahead when Seb Milgram gathered the ball cleanly and outpaced the defence to score the opening try. Wanderers hit back with a try of their own and when Phua edged the 3rds into the lead with an easy penalty, the team knew that they could hold out, and looked comfortable at this level.
The 3rds will be playing in the Championship this season and by beating last year’s semi-finalists, Wanderers 2nds, shows that they are not playing to make up the numbers this season. Interesting times ahead.
The SCC 1st XV were also in action at the weekend, bolstered by some Growlers as they played a “friendly” and recorded another fine win against the visiting New Zealand Navy Ship, HMNZ Te Mana. Led by new 1st team skipper, Tom Burns, the SCC started off in impressive fashion, dominating possession and the set-piece against Kiwi opposition that had only been beaten once in six outings against the SCC in the last five years. Some ferocious tackling, rucking and hit-ups by both sides set the tone for a feisty, physical encounter though it was the SCC who played the most rugby, Andy Bourke in particular outstanding at 12, with powerful runs into the heart of the Kiwi defence. With Andrew Bennett and Pete McFeely reigning supreme in the line-out, the Te Mana defence was put under sever pressure and a slick backs move, led to winger Alex Chew bouncing off two tackes and outpacing the defence to touch down and open the scoring for the SCC. The newly bulked up Alex put in a terrific performance, combining speed, power and a new ferocity in the tackle and defence. Last season’s Premiership top-try scorer looks like he will have another great season.
The Kiwi Navy hit back shortly after the 20 minute mark, a number of pick and go’s putting the SCC under pressure and they burst through the outnumbered defence to touch down and bring the scores level. With their confidence restored, and with ball in hand, Te Mana always looked dangerous in open play and on the counter attack but the SCC regrouped, and with discipline and good organization imposed their structure on the match and went ahead after a great rolling maul stretched the defence and a bullocking run by Andy Bourke, gave Franck Schaller an easy try under the posts. Ten minutes before half-time, the SCC scrum recorded their first of three pushover tries in the match, a credit to the front five of Robbo, Baber, Lansonneur, Douglas and Cameron who dismantled the Kiwi scrum over the course of the afternoon, and gave McFeely possibly the easiest hat-trick of tries he will ever get. The Navy side upped the physicality as they sensed the game slipping away and as the rucking become more ferocious, tempers frayed and a few minutes after the first scuffle involving chippy winger Richie Richy on the touchline, the first yellow card of the match was produced for a left-right combo of punches on Tim Harris by the Te Mana centre. Harris was superb in loose play, tackling and foraging all afternoon, a constant menace at the breakdown. Half-time and the SCC were up 17-5.
The second half started and the SCC maintained control and it was this period that the game was won, with two pushover tries and a great score by Andy Bourke taking the lead to 36 – 5. With Hairul on at 13, the SCC attack was given another dimension and fresh legs in the forwards from James Newman, Steele West and Swarthy Chris Metcalfe kept up the momentum. Despite conceding a consolation try at the end to make the final score 36 -10, the SCC played well against what was a hard, counter-attacking outfit. Scrum-half Suhaimi produced an excellent performance at 10, controlling the game between the forwards and the backline and with Tommy Burns calling the shots at 10, it looked impressive for a number of periods throughout the match. With numerous players to come back into the squad, competition will be tight for the 1st XV which bodes well for the club and our prospects this season.
The SCC Tankards had a slightly slow start to the season against Bedok 3rds. On a wet afternoon at YCK, the ball was slippery and the team showed some signs of the long off-season break and not having played together before. That said, the communication was good and the early tackling and defensive work helped to steady the team and build a platform to work from. The pack were dominating the scrummage and consistent pressure began to give the backs solid ball from the set piece. After 15 minutes, an SCC scrum on the opposition 22 gave the backs the opportunity to run through a training ground move. The familiar pairing of Ridzuan and Asrie created the space for Oli Hall to have a free run in for a try. Pressure was maintained from the kickoff with strong running and recycling from Prem and Starkey respectively. A turnover ball in midfield gave Kevin 'Billy Whizz' Gibbens a 40 yard dash for the line and even with his hamstring pulling, he beat the covering defense for a try. The 1st half saw one more try for the Tankards, making it 17-0 at the break.
Things went off the boil a little in the second half as the team sat back on their lead. Communication, intensity and invariably the ball dropped. The dominant scrummage was dealt a blow when uncontested scrums were enforced. Infringements on both sides soared as the game turned into a feisty affair with yellow cards given to both sides. As discipline dropped, Bedok took advantage of the confusion and scored a runaway try from a penalty. Things settled down a little, but a lack of structure and fitness made for a scrappy end to the game. Harresh scored once more for the Tankards, carrying the ball and a host of Bedok players, half his size and weight over the line. The end score: 22-5, the message: plenty more to come.
The Tankards are now rewarded with a Cup Quarter Final against Bedok Kings 1st XV which will be a tough encounter on Saturday with a 5:00pm kick off at YCK. The giant killers the 3rd XV have an even tougher match against Bucks 1st XV at Dempsey Field at 5pm while the SCC 1st XV enter the Cup competition against Wanderers 3rd team at YCK at 7pm, who will no doubt be bolstered by a few 2nd teamers still smarting from their loss to the 3rds. So a big weekend of rugby ahead with all three SCC teams in the last eight of the Guinness Singapore Pre-Season Knockout Cup.
9/11/2009
SCC cruise to victory over Singapore 'A'
After last Saturday's wake-up call against HKFC, the SCC took on the national development side, Singapore 'A' in a midweek match at CCAB-Bukit Timah.
It was a great chance to get back on the right track as well as blooding some new players, and some of last years Tankards and 3rd XV players who should be knocking on the first team door this season.
In a vastly improved performance in what was a well structured and entertaining game of rugby, the SCC overcame their much younger opposition by 34 points to 3 scoring six tries in the process, three from the forwards and three from the backs.
The match started well with the SCC forwards taking control early doors and after a kick to the corner, won a perfect line out, Guy Baber's accurate throw laying to rest last weeks demons. McFeely took a clean catch and the forward pack executed a great old-school rolling maul before French prop Marc Lansonneur, burst over from a full half-metre to open his try scoring account for the season.
The Singapore A team hit back staright away with SCC full back Mohd Zaki playing against his club team mates and who kicked superbly all evening, scored a mid-range penalty to bring the score to 5 - 3. After that it remained competitive though the Singapore team rarely threatened the SCC try-line and some magnificent midfield running orchestrated by Euan Kenworthy involving Oli Hall, Adam Knight and Franck Schaller soon had the SCC scoring good tries and pulling ahead 17 to 3 by half-time.
The second half was much of the same and although the line-out and scrum both creaked at times, it was a big improvement albeit against younger more lightweight opposition. Jonty Kay, Suhaimi and Hairul all had a decent run out and with Kevin Gibbens impressing at full back it is clear competition will be tough for the back line starting slots this season.
The forwards played well all evening and though it got a little scrappy at times, good performances from Jon Lee, McFeelme and a feisty effort from Kenny Chan ensured the SCC always had the game under control. Elliott Benham had a good outing in the front row, Sam Sharpe went over from 5 metres for a fine score, and big Stu Watson was rewarded with a great try in the final minutes after putting in a good effort in the second half.
All in all a decent performance and though the Singapore outfit were somewhat underpowered, they were quick and skilful and proved worthy opposition. Just what the SCC needed this early in the season.
9/10/2009
Nothing compares to a Titan
While the SCC 1st XV, Tankards and 3rds were throwing off the cobwebs of a long lay off at Dempsey, the SCC touring team of the Titans travelled to Angeles, Philippines for the annual Fat Boy 10¹s tournament. Due to the other three teams playing HKFC, the Titans were comprised of a rump of Growlers and the youthful newcomer Dean.
Sixteen teams entered this one day extravaganza of international 10's rugby - Singapore, Dubai, Hong Kong and the Philippines were all represented.
Monumental fat boy and Sumo wrestling legend Agkebono turned out for the Cebu Dragons, while the ""diminutive"" colossus of Scottish and Lions rugby Doddie Weir took to the pitch for the Pot Bellied Lights.
The tournament kicked off on the Friday night with the obligatory weigh in. SCC Titans were up first. Stripped to our pants only Chris Reynolds achieved the obligatory 100 kg. Chris Metcalf's body hair produced purrs of appreciation from the on looking Fat Boys but was not sufficient to tip the scales. In everything from loin clothes to G-Strings, the players weighed in and had their statistics recorded. These statistics might have to be called upon to decide the winners in pool games - heaviest teams are adjudged the winners.
The first game kicked off at 9.50. Jason ""Omar Sharif"" Hutton applied his ginger Thai fighting oil whilst others gave priority to rehydration, strapping and heart burn. The jaded Titans prepared gently for their first pool game against the Cebu Low Flying Dragons. Tour water boy James Coleman kept up a steady supply of Gatorade, water and burgers. Some close encounters on the field ensured the SCC Titans qualified for the tough Shield Competition.
The Shield semi final was a close fought match against the Baretto Blues. Tied at 5 all, Shoe and Tom Wynn-Jones worked a clever try from a quickly taken line out to see the Titans win the game 10-5 in the final seconds. We were in the final - but there was disappointment. Had the match been tied at full time, it would have been decided by a naked run off against the opposition's fattest man. Only Chris Reynolds was truly happy with our first victory of the day. The Shield final saw the Titans lose to a strong Manila Nomads side, which left us as runners up in the Shield. All in all, an outstanding performance. It was time for tea and medals and a night out to celebrate.
Thanks to all the tourists, an excellent weekend and an outstanding effort given the numbers.
9/9/2009
SCC vs HKFC triple header - a great weekend of rugby
Last Saturday saw a great weekend of club rugby at Dempsey Field with the SCC hosting Hong Kong Football Club over three matches on a sweltering afternoon. There was no doubt that HKFC came out on top but bearing in mind the Hong Kong league season starts at the end of September, the SCC put up a competitive performance in their first match for some time as they prepare for the Singapore league season still two months away. Fitness, organization and preparation were the key to HK?s success but the SCC took many positives from the encounters, though there is much room for improvement.
In the opening match, the SCC 3rd XV started slowly and the HK Vandals quickly took the lead but it wasn?t long before the 3rds hit their straps and were soon playing some attractive rugby, particularly in the back line, where Adam Knight, Steve Keane and Kevin Gibbens all showed some quality skills and pace in getting on the scoresheet. The forward battle was close and intense, with Stuart Watson leading from the front, and the new-look slim-line Dave Phua back in the black and gold after a six-year sojourn in Perth. Many of the new boys at the club impressed and with ten minutes to go the 3rd XV had moved into what appeared to be a comfortable 22 to 15 lead. A good try by Club Vandals from their own half put the pressure on but a penalty restored the 3rd XV?s lead to 25 to 20. With the clock ticking down, Vandals attacked again and scored in the corner to bring the game level. A great effort by the 3rd XV who were a little unlucky to come away with only a draw after leading for so long.
The Tankards played a very competitive HK Club Dragons outfit who were well-drilled and organized and after an early try by Club Dragons it looked like it was going to be a long day at the office for the Tankards. But Rusty Chalon?s side did not go unbeaten last season for nothing and they dug deep, showed real character and grit and made a real match for Club Dragons, ferocious defence across the park and a good forwards battle ensued. With just ten minutes remaining in the game, the score remained at 5 to 0 to HKFC, and with pre-season training having only just started at the SCC, the Club Dragons superior fitness finally showed and they scored two quick tries at the end giving them a 17-0 victory.
The 1st XV were also slow starters against the HKFC 1st XV and despite some shaky early scrums, including one which lead to a try under the posts, finally got organized to put in a feisty display against what was bigger and fitter opposition. With the line-out a total disaster, there was a paucity of possession which made for a solid defensive effort from the SCC, who after an exchange of penalties turned round at half-time 10-3 down. The second-half was much the same, a scrappy game with few try-scoring opportunities for either side, until HKFC broke through and scored a fabulous try, the ball being recycled quickly through ten pairs of hands to score. With stand-off Andy Bourke still getting slow and scrappy ball off the line-out, attacking chances were few and far between but the addition of Hairul Naim to the back line, added spark to the attack and some typical Hairul spontaneity led to a great move involving Ken Loughnan who off-loaded to center Euan Kenworthy to score SCC?s only try of the day. With the forwards toiling in the heat, HKFC picked up the pace in the last five minutes and scored two quick tries, one of which was particularly soft.
Lots of positives for the SCC from the day, notably the commitment, defence and the first phase recycling and if we can get our lineout and scrum working and work in the next eight weeks on our fitness, we will be a force to be reckoned with again this season.
