The SCC 1st XV progressed to the semi-finals of the Guinness Singapore Cup last Saturday, easily defeating Bucks 2nd team with a crushing 87-0 victory though the SCC Tankards went out of the competition losing to Wanderers in a close match.
The SCC 1st XV, with at least ten regulars missing due to national team selection and injury, got into their stride early against a young Bucks 2nd team, and rattled in 13 tries in an impressive all-round team performance, with wing Alex Chew (with 5 tries) and Tommy Burns (with 11 conversions) top scorers. Youngster Matt Cheong made a noteworthy debut at hooker, not only scrummaging and throwing in well but also making his mark around the field in open play, and with centres Paul Foster and Andy Fairbrother carving up the opposition defence at will, it gave the back three of Dave Teo, Alex Chew and Mohd Zaki the opportunity to run riot, which they did to great effect. It was also good to see big Marc Lansonneur making his comeback in the front row after his recent neck injury. The SCC 1st XV now face Wanderers in next weeks Guinness Cup semi-final,w ith a 5pm kick off at the same venue.
The SCC Tankards eventually went down to Wanderers in the other quarter-final after a tremendous first-half effort. It was a cracking physical first 40 minutes with the Tankards putting in some brutal hits on what was a big Wanderers pack. Spirited perfomances by Kenikennylau Chan, Haresh and Prem in the back-row,and Nick at halfback really surprised the Premiership side, and the youngsters, Jona Wee, Tim Teo and Jonty harrased their opposition at every opportunity in the back three. With the score at 3-3 as they approached half-time, a Cup shock was on the cards. Rattled by the big tackles in the midfield and the scrambling defence, Wanderers resorted to an up-and-under tactical game as they tried to breach the Tankards defence. On the stroke of half-time, the Wanderers delivered a killer blow, scoring a converted try to take a 10-3 lead into the second half. With their confidence restored Wanderers had more of the game in the second half but the Tankards tackled and competed superbly throughout, especially new flanker Andrew Starkey who was a revelation when he came on with 25 mins to go. Overall, a encouraging effort which blooded lots of new players including the now legendary JC in the centres. A spirited performance from the Tankards which bodes well for the season and it looks like all three SCC teams will be strong this year.
9/11/2008
SCC cruise to victory in under-23 Cup Final
The SCC under-23’s team won the National under-23’s Grand Final last night, with a comfortable victory running out 23-13 winners in what was an all-round great performance from the squad. They finished the under-23 season unbeaten, conceding only three tries in the entire competition. It was another great effort by the coaching staff as the under-23’s (formerly the SCC 3rd’s) have now won their respective championship for seven years in a row, losing only one game in all that time.
This is a testament to Head Coach Damian Pereira’s dedication to youth rugby at the club, a direct result of the RYD program involving Ralph King and Swunny Leow, and with quality coaching assistace from Jock Tiernan and Adrian Chong have produced a regular stream of high quality players from the youth ranks all the way through to National team level. A great achievement. National team players at Sevens or 15's such as Mohd Zaki, Mohd Ridzuan, Suhaimi, Derek Chan, Haresh Krishnan and thai-schoolgirl hearthtrob, Bryan Ng were all on good form last night together with numerous players who are surely bound for national honours in the next few seasons.
Last night’s final started in the gloaming at Yio Chu Kang, but once the floodlights had been turned on more than halfway, the game brightened up and the SCC did what they had to do in achieving a memorable victory. An aggressive forward pack contested up front and allowed the midfield trio of Mohd Ridzuan, Derek Chan and Bryan Ng to control the game and tighten up the defence. Despite a defensive lapse when they conceded a try, the SCC were never really in any danger of losing and three tries, the first by big second row Haresh Krishnan after some good work by the forwards, and two great team tries eventually scored by Bryan Ng and Matt Cheong put the game beyond the oppositions reach.
A very promising display by the SCC under-23’s and there is little doubt that the bulk of this squad will be playing 1st XV and Tankards rugby this season. Well done fellas.
After winning the Pre-season XV's Tournament over three weekends, and last weekends sensational win over HKFC, the under-23's Cup win adds to an already strong foundation for the coming season.
9/8/2008
Winning Ugly : SCC 1st XV beat HK champions
A terrific committed performance by the SCC 1st XV saw them edge the Hong Kong Football Club 1st XV, the current Premier champions of Hong Kong rugby, in a close battle on the Padang last Saturday, eventually winning by 12 points to 5.
After three previous defeats in the last three years since this interport fixture was resurrected, including a 70 point flogging last year in HK, most people didn’t really give the SCC much chance at the weekend, especially with last seasons Player of the Year Harry Woods out through injury, and eight players with the National Sevens squad in Sri Lanka. By 5pm a healthy crowd had gathered at the Padang expecting a try-fest and a good thumping for the home team, by an almost full-strength HKFC. Oh how wrong they were. The SCC squad, however, believed in themselves and with a limited gameplan, combined defence, courage and sheer mongrel to scrap their way to a historical victory. It wasn’t pretty but it was very very effective. Superb commitment from the entire playing squad was the key to victory and despite the HK opposition looking fit, fast and well-organised they were knocked out of their stride by some outstanding forward work and ferocious defence in the backline.
The first half was a war of attrition with the SCC flying into rucks and competing aggressively at the breakdown. It was certainly more physical than HKFC expected. On the rare occasions when the defensive line was breached, scrambling defence and some outstanding last ditch tackling, in particular by Andy Fairbrother, Nic Murfett and Dave Teo, kept the HK offence out, where at other times the HKFC backline butchered some fine try-scoring opportunities. Perhaps the pressure was starting to get to them. The SCC had the edge in the first half, dominating the set piece, in particular the scrum where Scott Ashby and Jim Plouffe gave the much-vaunted HKFC front row a torrid time at the coalface, and with Steve Horsfall and Andy Douglas in the second row behind them, really shunted the HK pack around. In the line-out newcomer Guy Baber hit his jumpers every time. It was all working well. Massive big hits from Steve Horsfall and Pete McFeely (the latter knocking himself out cold in the process), really gave the visitors something to think about, and a well-taken penalty by Tommy Burns meant the SCC turned around 3 – 0 up at half time.
The HK Champions regrouped at half time and tried to play a quicker more expansive game and they were quickly rewarded with a well-worked try in the corner to take the lead 5 – 3. Most spectators at that point expected the flood gates to open and the visitors to run away with the game. But a huge back-row effort by Tim Harris, skipper Andrew Bennett and Jon Lee, aided by the fresh legs of Chris Bracey, meant the SCC refused to lie down and with some spirited forays into the HK 22, the SCC came close to crossing the try-line, and ended up taking the easy three points for persistent offside and handling in the ruck. With ten minutes to go, the SCC lead by 12 points to 5 and HK threw everything at the home side. Attack after attack was repelled particularly in the midfield where Tommy Burns and Nic Murfett defended superbly, and Hairul Naim, at scrum half for the first time for three years, harassed his opposite number to apoplexity. Oh yes. A moral victory for the forwards occurred when the HK national prop was seen off and he waddled tenderly from the pitch, leaving the remaining scrums uncontested. In the last play of the game, a huge rolling maul by the HK side looked to have gone over for a try, but Rusty Chalon had turned the ball over and saved the day for the SCC. The whistle went shortly afterwards for a superb victory for the club. A real squad effort was required that showed a lot of heart where everybody played an important part, not least Manfred Low and Daisuke Sano on the bench.
A game played in tremendous spirit by both sides and it is a fixture that must be continued between the two premier sporting clubs in the Asian region
A truly great day for SCC Rugby – a victory that will be remembered for a long long time, putting the pride back in the club in terms of Asian rugby, but also giving a much needed boost to the reputation of rugby in Singapore. And oh how we celebrated.
7/14/2008
SCC cruise to victory to claim back Padang Shield from SRC
The SCC took back the Padang Shield from the SRC with a comfortable 58-14 victory on the Padang on Saturday running in ten tries in a great display of running rugby.
With a healthy mix of 1st XV, Tankards, and 3rds, the SCC were quickly on the front foot, scoring in the first five minutes with back-rower Steve Horrible Hager rampaging down the blindside of a ruck and running half the length of the field for the opening score. Three more tries followed in the first quarter, as the SCC forwards and back combined with some great running rugby, offloads in the tackle and some marvellous handling skills. With Mohd Ridzuan, Tommy Burns and particularly Harry Woods in midfield, all playing well, the wingers and supporting backrow forwards had a field day, with Mohd Zaki, most notably, having some great line-breaking runs. By half-time, another two tries had been added, including a good score in the corner for Daisuke Sano. The SRC hit back with a try on the stroke of half-time to make the score 36-7 at the break.
With fitness, or the lack thereof, clearly having an effect, the SCC made more hard work than they needed in the second half. Manfred Low scored a good scrum-half’s try early on nipping in round the base of a ruck and James Leow also touched down after a some good combinations between forwards and backs. The SRC hit back again, catching the SCC defence disorganized to pull back a try which was expertly converted from the touchline. In the last quarter, with the game becoming more ragged and with Chris ""Mr.Shifty"" Bracey making his long awaited comeback after some terrible injuries, the SCC passed the half-century of points with David Teo and a combined effort from line-out catch and drive from Prem and skipper Andrew Bennett. The game finished 58-14, though the margin of victory could have been greater if kickers Tommy Burns and Suhaimi had brought their kicking boots, which sadly they did not, converting just 4 from 10 tries.
A great day of rugby on the Padang in front of a healthy crowd of spectators, a good-natured but competitive game of rugby but it is clear that we will have to be fitter for the season ahead. After the game, SCC legend Graeme Coach Burnett had a good send-off and we wish him all the best in his new role in the land of the long white sheep.
7/11/2008
Padang Shield 2008
The bi-annual Padang Shield takes place on July 12th, 2008 where all SCC sports sections take on our neighbours from across the Padang in their respective sports.
The SCC Rugby Section match will be at 5pm on the SCC Padang. We rarely lose this fixture though we did in 2006 on a scorching hot day, when a wilting Tankards team went down in the last ten minutes.
We will be selecting a squad of 25 players, a mix of 1st XV, Tankards and Juniors and we must give the SRC a good spanking. This will be the last chance to play a game on the Padang before October with the F1 coming up in Sept.
More importantly, it will also give us all an opportunity to have a few farewell drinks at the club with the legendary Bundy coke swilling, G-string wearing, Graeme Coach Burnett who will of course be leaving for NZ the following week, after 15 years in Singers.
6/23/2008
SCC vs RBSC Interport match : SCC go down in Bangkok
The SCC headed off to Bangkok, last weekend, to resurrect the interport fixture which had laid dormant for almost 10 years and to play the Royal
Bangkok Sports Club in what is always an eventful weekend in the city of angels.
Tour report : -
Finally the day for which we had all been waiting had arrived. Some had taken the afternoon off work to steal themselves for what lay ahead. Others dipped out the office early and headed straight for Changi to take the short flight to Bangkok - The city of angels. It was tour time.
Whisked from the airport to hotel, we were ready for a night out in no time. All keen to sample a bit of Bangkok’s famous nightlife before the physical challenge of the next day when we would take on the prestigious Royal Bangkok Sports Club in the Interport rugby match.
For many the physical challenge began earlier than expected with many of the party waking a little jaded from the night’s sightseeing. For the morning and the early afternoon the day was ours to fill as we chose so after a hearty buffet breakfast the group split into smaller groups as we headed back out into Bangkok to see the sights once again.
At 2.30 we reconvened in a nearby pub for a spot of lunch and a few cordials to watch the All Blacks v. England. A convincing All Blacks win added to Coach’s reasons to smile on his last tour with the SCC before returning home to NZ. It was then time to make our way to the RBSC
The RBSC is a magnificent club and for those of us seeing the Club and its ground for the first time, we were amazed. We crossed the racecourse and the dog track to the rugby pitch which is situated amidst a golf course, next to the driving range.
The team changed whilst the stray golf balls were cleared from the pitch and then the warm up began in earnest. Our opposition began to arrive – they looked keen and excited much as we had done the night before.
The tour team numbered approximately 26 so there was some juggling required to give everyone a game and to assist 4 periods of 20 minutes were agreed.
Physically the SCC were the bigger team. The plan was to use our size to best advantage. Keep it tight, take it up through the forwards and wear the Sports Club down. The SCC got off to a decent start enjoying a sustained period of pressure. Everyone thought we had the opening score as Andy Bennet breached the Sports Club line only for the referee to rule that the ball was held up over the line. The SCC were not able to maintain the pressure from the resulting scrum and from there the game began to open up as Sports Club began to play a more expansive game.
The opening score came from an SCC kick to Sports Club’s corner. Deep in his own 22 the Sports Club full back took the ball and danced his way through SCC hands. A few more passes and they were over in the corner, 7- 0. Shortly afterwards it was more of the same as the Sports Club back line showed great speed and skill to penetrate the SCC’s defensive line and bag another score, 14 – 0.
14 – 0 down at the end of the first quarter it was time for a whole sale change and back to the fray. Again SCC started well, dominating the set piece and making impressive yards up the middle with breakaways from the base of scrums and rucks. The SCC worked hard in what was a more even quarter. For a second time the SCC crossed their opponents try line – with ball in hand, Shoe broke from the base of a ruck right on the line to dive through but once again the referee ruled that the ball was held up. The Sports Club’s backs, through flashes of individual genius, kept the score board ticking over steeling a score as their fly half fooled everyone with a side step on the 22 which let him in for a try under the posts, 21 – 0.
The SCC did not give up and continued to work the ball forward with powerful running up the middle. Following a kick to the corner the SCC were able to get a good rolling maul going from the resulting line out. Progress to the try line was rapid and steady. A try was a certainty so when the Sports Club forwards dropped the maul the referee had no choice but to award a penalty try, 21-7.
Going into the third quarter a big performance was needed if we were to overturn the deficit. The Sports Club showed no signs of tiring and had just as big a squad as we did. Once again both teams changed personnel for the new quarter. Sports Club continued their impressive running game, with their backs running excellent lines at speed they again worked the ball over for a try 26 -7. It was time for the SCC to dig deep and Steve “Horrible” Hagar put in a true man of the match performance with several marauding runs. The forwards were able to drive play into Sports Club’s half and from a solid platform, the SCC released their backs who drew upon their dancing skills, finely tuned the night before. They were back in Spicy Disco – with some lovely moves (Alex) Chua Wen Li scored in the corner, 26 -14.
Going into the last quarter it was anybody’s game. Both sides dug in for what was to be a hard fought final quarter. It was even right until the very end when the SCC were unlucky to concede a final score late on – a great individual run by Sports Club’s centre saw him shimmy through under the posts, 33 -14 and so it ended. With two tries disallowed and a last minute score conceded, the game was closer than the scoreline suggests, but at the end of the day, rugby was the winner. Oh yes it was.
Our generous hosts laid on a spectacular buffet, which was most welcome. Then came the speeches and the award of the Interport trophy to the Royal Bangkok Sports Club. The night ended with victory in the boat race beer drinking for the SCC, thanks to Coach.
The next morning we had our buffet breakfast and checked out of our rooms in preparation for the traditional court session, where breaches of touring etiquette and misdemeanours real or imagined would be punished. With his Honour The Coach LJ. presiding justice was administered to all. With this being Coach’s last tour with the Club after 15 years, it was an emotional day and a worthy farewell to a Club stalwart. The court session brought to an end what all agreed was a truly fantastic tour. And so with friends to Changi and home with everyone looking forward to the season ahead.
6/23/2008
Cruel last minute score sees SCC under-20's lose final at the death
On a belting hot afternoon, the SCC under20’s lost 17-15 to a last minute converted try to Blacks in the final of the Mastercard Under20’s Competition. With both sides unbeaten during the regular season, and both sides fielding the best young rugby talent in Singapore , it was always going to be a close match and so it proved, going down to the wire at the end.
Despite the fact that the group games had been played with 30 minutes each way, the final was played with 40 mins each way – though the officials really ought to have informed the players - which took its toll on the concentration and fitness of both sides. The first half was a very cagey affair with neither side impressing and trying to play much rugby, content only to see if the other side would make mistakes. The SCC edged into the lead through a long range penalty from Blandon Tan after a long period of sustained pressure, but Blacks hit back well, when their flanker burst through some poor SCC tackling to score following a 5m lineout. The game continued and after 36 minutes, a great SCC backs move saw youngster Kenny Chua, resplendent in bright orange boots, outpace – and bedazzle - the Blacks defence out wide to score a terrific try eventually touching down under the posts for an easy conversion. The half-time whistle went shortly thereafter, with SCC under20’s 10 points to 5 to the good.
The second half was much more entertaining with both sides opening up and playing more rugby. Scoring chances were still few and far between and as the game wore-on, Blacks came back into the game and scored a well-worked try. At 10-10 it was anyone’s match and as the game passed the 35 minute mark, the crowd had a quick whip-round as the possibility of extra-time loomed and the need to feed meter on the floodlights became a distinct reality. On the pitch, the tackles were going in hard and fast as Blacks attacked in the SCC 22. A fumble by Blacks, and a quick pick-up by the SCC Number 10, Blandon Tan, in his own 22, caught the Blacks defence unawares and he sprinted away the full 80m to touch down under the posts. Gasping for breath after such a long run, the young fella missed the conversion which made for a nervous last two minutes. Or ten. The game went on, with more and more intervention from the touch judges, whose constant chirpings must have annoyed the referee no end –a first for Singapore rugby with the touch judges telling the ref what to do more than the senior players do. Blacks attacked the SCC line and time after time they were repelled by brave tackling and stalwart defence. After going over in the 40th minute, the referee blew and the touch judge walked onto the pitch to tell the ref a try had been scored. With the pressure on and having missed all of his kicks all day, the young Blacks kicker stepped up to the mark, and sent a great drop kick through the posts to win the game. And the ref blew for full time. A cruel blow for the SCC team but a great effort nevertheless and the team will learn a lot from the experience. Congratulations to Blacks who kept fighting to the end on lifting the first under20’s club trophy in Singapore rugby.
6/20/2008
RUGBY SECTION UPDATE
We have a LOT of rugby coming up in the next couple of months so please read the following to keep up-to-date with what’s happening within the SCC Rugby Section.
This weekend (June 20-22) sees an SCC touring XV take on the Royal Bangkok Sports Club at the splendid RBSC fields in the midst of the Royal Bangkok Turf Club. Whilst it is tempting to drop in references to ‘galloping’ and ‘fillies’ I shall refrain from doing so. It should be an epic weekend of rugby touring, not least as its Graeme “Coach” Burnett’s last run in an SCC shirt for some time as he contemplates life back in the land of the long white cloudy sheep.
For those not touring to Bangkok, we hope all can make a concerted effort to get down to Yio Chu Kang this Saturday (June 21st) to watch the SCC under20’s XV take on Blacks in the MasterCard Under20 final of this years competition. Both teams are unbeaten thus far and the SCC will be hoping that Blandon Tan, Haresh Krishnan, Timothy Teo, and Khairul can lead the boys to the first SCC silverware of 2008. Coaches Damian Periera, Jock Tiernan and Adrian Chong have put together a talented squad of youngsters who we hope will be playing for the SCC for many years to come.There will be a bus back to the club afterwards to celebrate the win and drink from the furry cup. Fizzy pop only for the youngsters. Chortle.
On June 28th, we have the first pre-season 15’s Tournament which be held at Yio Chu Kang starting at around 12 noon. More details later. The SCC will be fielding TWO teams in this tournament in what is the first of three similar tournaments to get some rugby in the close season. The final tournament, on August 2nd will be played under the new ELV’s, following which all rugby in Singaopore – and indeed the rest of the world – will be played with the ELVs. We will all be fully briefed on these new laws and they will change the game significantly – rolling mauls can be collapsed legally, many more free kicks as opposed to penalties, defence back-line back 10m from the scrum, etc etc.
On July 5th, we have the Singapore Beach Rugby Day at Siloso Beach on Sentosa which promises to be a great day. The red-faced rebel, Jonty Kay has already entered seven teams in this event and in addition we hope to enter another TWO SCC teams. We should have a marquee, cold beers, and maybe even a BBQ set up.
The other pre-season 15’s Tournaments, will be held on July 19th and August 2nd and again we will most likely enter TWO teams for each weekend.
On Saturday August 16th, the NZ NAVY vessel, the HMSNZ Te Mana will be back in town to seek revenge for the heavy 5 - 0 defeat the SCC inflicted upon them last year. A tough game is in prospect. Should be another cracker.
On Friday evening and Saturday, August 29th and 30th, there is the Blacks Midnight Tens 2008, which will be held this year at the excellent articifical pitch at St. Andrews School. The SCC will be fielding TWO teams in this event plus a Vets team in the Masters event. More details later.
So, plenty of rugby coming up. Training has started already and there are quite a few people conspicuous by their absence. Just because we may be running FOUR teams in the regular season doesn’t mean that some people don’t have to train. So in short, we have : -
- June 20/22 : RSBC Interport Match : Bangkok. Kick off 6pm
- June 21 : Mastercard under20 Final SCC vs Blacks: Yio Chu Kang : Kick off 5pm
- June 28 : SRU Pre-season 15’s Tournament : Yio Chu Kang : noon
- July 5 : Beach Rugby at Sentosa : Siloso Beach : all day
- July19: SRU Pre-season 15’s Tournament : Yio Chu Kang (tbc) : noon
- Aug 2 : SRU Pre-season 15’s Tournament : Yio Chu Kang (tbc) : noon
- Aug 16 : SCC XV vs HMSNZ Te Mana : Yio Chu Kang: kick off 5 pm
- Aug 29/30 :Blacks Midnight Tens : St. Andrews School;
6/17/2008
SCC under20's in MasterCard Tournament semi-final
The SCC under 20’s team play their Master Card under-20’s Tournament semi-final tonight at Yio Chu Kang, kick off at 8.20pm. They would appreciate some support from the more senior playing members of the club in what will be a tough, but ultimately winnable, encounter against the Wanderers. With the final this coming Saturday June 21, it promises to be an excellent month of junior rugby for the SCC.
The youngsters have made a magnificent start to the Mastercard under-20’s campaign, winning all three of their pool games in the last two weeks, conceding just one try and amassing a total of 99 points. Impressive stuff indeed. Under the tutelage of Damian Periera, Jock Tiernan and Adrian Chong, the SCC u20s first gave Police a display of how open rugby should be played and handed them a 38-0 beating. Wing play was at its best with both wingers Timothy Teo and Roy Cheng scoring good tries and young superstar Blandon Tan and the whippet Khairul also on the score sheet. The Police victory was followed by a hard fought win against a big Bucks side, whose resolute defence kept the SCC to a tight 3-0 lead at half-time. Some great counter attacking in the second half allowed Blandon Tan to burst through a gap to touch down for a game breaking try and the boys, bolstered by some inspired substitutions held out for a well-deserved and tough 10-0 victory. In the final pool game last Saturday, the SCC under20’s gave our Padang neighbours, the SRC, a good 51-7 spanking in very hot and humid conditions, running in nine tries in all.
Impressive performances all round from the youngsters and there is no doubt that Blandon Tan, Haresh Krishnan and the speedster Khairul will be in the mix for the Tankards this year, and possibly pushing for 1st XV places.
So come on down and support the young fellas in tonights semi-final.
5/8/2008
USS Blue Ridge go down to SCC Nomads
In their first run out of the season, the legendary SCC midweek team, the SCC Nomads sank the American Navy ship, the USS Blue Ridge at Yio Chu Kang last night, running in 8 tries for a final score of 44 points to 10.
With the Americans turning up with more combatants than they currently have in the Gulf, it was always going to be a tiring evening for some of the Nomads, as the young, fit seppo’s certainly looked the part in their warm up, particularly compared to the 16 hardy Nomads who were straight off the bus, onto the pitch, pausing briefly for a few quick tokes on a Marlboro Red. The USS Blue Ridge hadn’t reckoned with the sparkling SCC back-line, however and with the brilliant and well-rehearsed combination of Mohd Ridzuan and Mohd Asrie outstanding with the ball in hand, it was clear after the first ten minutes there was only ever going to be one winner, with Asrie in particular running riot in midfield with a tank of new-found gas.
The rumbling forwards won enough ball for Jonty Kay to release the backs, and with Daisuke Sano, Lionel Robinson, Kevin Loo, Simer Singh, Jo Mini-me Kay and Indian playboy Valmiki Nair all providing great support and good linebreaks, it was great to watch, especially for the forwards, who ambled around the park as if they were on a country walk.
The backrow provided enough tenacity to overwhelm the Americans upfront, with Andrew Bennett to the fore, ably supported by swarthy Chris Metcalfe and Jamie Mordaunt. AB even scored a drop-kick conversion from the touch-line, after ensuring the wind was blowing in the right direction. All good stuff. With a tight five of big Steve Angstmann, Jon Leow and Andy Douglas upfront and Delboy Chaplin and big Rusty Chalon in the engine room, they dominated the scrum when they could be bothered that is, even raising the effort for a pushover try, and managed to talk their way through the game quite successfully.
With Asrie scoring a bagful, AB bagging a brace and with other tries from Jamie Mordaunt, Jo Mini-me Kay and Kevin Loo, the SCC Nomads were well ahead before the USS Blue Ridge hit back with a late salvo, scoring twice in the last ten minutes, a interception in front of the posts, and a good move down the right wing.
A great performance by the SCC Nomads, which featured some quite brilliant rugby, coupled with some fine laziness and incompetence. All the lads were better for the run out and the Nomads remain unbeaten for the last twelve months.
1/24/2008
SCC defeat COBRA in great match in JB
The SCC defeated COBRA by 28 points to 10 in the Johor Bahru Challenge Trophy on Saturday in a great contest in front of the Mayor of Johor Bahru and a healthy crowd of partisan supporters.
The SCC squad arrived at the JB sports ground to find a strong looking COBRA squad, including the odd Fijian, and a pitch as wide as a Turf City car dealer. It was clear what kind of gameplan they were about to embark on. However, the Gods were with us, as an hour before kick off a heavy rainstorm of feline and canine proportions, stoked up the SCC's ageing pack no end.
The match kicked off on a slippery and muddy pitch and the SCC front row were soon dismantling what looked like a strong COBRA pack with considerable ease. The midfield confrontation was immense with some huge tackles going in from Harry Woods and Mohd Asrie on COBRA's main Fijian threat in the centre. Bearing in mind, that the SCC hadnt really had a run since the end of October, and the slippery conditions, the ball handling of the the SCC backline was exceptional, particularly by hooker cum scrum-half Suhaimi and flyhalf Tommy Burns. The SCC were first on the scoreboard after 15 minutes with a huge pushover try for skipper Andrew Bennett, the SCC front row giving their COBRA counterparts an aeriel view of Woodlands from across the Causeway.
In the loose, it was much more competitive with Tim Harris working away like an angry beaver, and Steve Horsfall putting in some big hits, as the COBRA forwards hit every ruck with considerable venom. Hehe.
A rolling maul from 10 metres out, after a quality lineout take by Justin Copacabana Kennedy resulted in another try ten minutes later, Jon Leow working the ball to the back of the maul before Andy Douglas barged over from a full halfmetre. With Pinky Burns slotting another penalty, and Bryan Ng looking particularly speedy on the wing, it looked like it was going to be one-way traffic. But it wasnt to be.
COBRA came back strongly, counter-attacking when possible, stretching the SCC wide across the pitch and it wasnt long before they had developed an overlap and some mismatches out wide and their winger outpaced the lumbering forward defence to score in the corner. 13 - 5 and anyones game at half time.
With the big SCC pack tiring, COBRA came right back into it, controlling the early part of the second half with some attacking plays. But again, the SCC pack stole a line out, 5m from the line, and ageing French prop bullocked through the defence to score. And that was him done for the day as he was then replaced by an even older (and unrecognisable) Chris Reynolds, devoid of shellsuit and curly perm.
With the wind now firmly in the SCC sails, the backs opened up and a great move ended in Hairul Naim putting wing Alex Wen-Li over in the corner to put the game seemingly out of reach at 23-5. But COBRA came back again, scoring a good try after a kick and chase through the middle. How the kicker managed to miss the conversion in front of the posts is anyones guess - but a blind man on a galloping horse could have kicked it with ease.
This set up a tense last twenty minutes, with the SCC defence holding out, supported in the forwards by the fresh legs of Rusty Chalon, and the swarthy Chris Metcalfe, and the tackling skills of the Bollywood dream team, Lionel 'Goodfella' Robinson, Prem Hirubalan and Simo Singh.
Barrage after barrage after COBRA attacks were withheld as the clock ran down before quick turnover ball allowed Harry Woods to attack, who executed a perfect ""chip-and-chase"" that coach Terry Wright would have been proud of, catching the ball on the bounce and scampering away 50m to put the final nail in the COBRA coffin and the game ended 28-10. A marvellous match, played in a tremendous spirit, with some huge tackles and big hits.
We were presented with a marvellous cut glass trophy, the JB Challenge Trophy, and were hosted by the JB Mayor for dinner and beers, and a band who were all too accomodating in their choice of singers. A quality day of rugby and a top night out. Brought a tear to the eye of Head Coach Damian Pereira who reminisced over the days this was a regular fixture and the black panther could be seen haring down the wing heading not only for the try-line but for the Mee Rebus hawker stand 10m beyond. We hope to continue this great fixture in years to come. Happy Days.
10/26/2007
Randwick beat SCC in tribute game to Dave Kent
Wednesday evening saw a magnificant display of running rugby at Yio Chu Kang, as a touring Randwick side from Australia, comfortably beat the SCC team. It was a game played in the memory of ex SCC player Dave Kent, who was killed in Bali in 2002, and who had won a Grand Final with Randwick in 1987.The SCC team tackled their hearts out, but gained little possession all evening whilst the Galloping Greens ran every ball they could in their open style. The SCC failed to score whilst Randwick scored 13.
It was a great occasion, with all players giving 100% throughout but the difference in the levels of fitness, organisation and most of all youth was hugely apparent as the two teams kicked off. Coached by ex-Italy second-rower Mark Giacheri, the Randwick boys were into the game from the off, recycling quick ball, and moving play across their speedy back line. It was a hard day at the coal-face for the SCC who tackled and harried all evening but just couldnt get going against a superior team, but all who played thoroughly enjoyed the match - it was a real-eye opener to play against such opposition and a tribute to Dave Kent that both sides never let up in their commitment.
After the game, both sides returned to the club, where due respect was given by all including Randwick stalwarts Jeff Sayle, Mike Radziowsky and Mick, glasses were raised, stories told, and even MacNamara's band struck up as beers were drank and jugs of Rum Coke (Daaave's Tongue) were downed in tribute to a lost friend and player, who played at two of the most oldest and famous rugby clubs in the world. Rugby was indeed the winner.
And of course the weekend of quality rugby begins in earnest Saturday morning with the SCC 60th Anniversary International Club Rugby Sevens. Hope to see you all there on the Padang this weekend.
10/15/2007
Marching on together !! All three SCC teams make VB NRC Divisional Grand Finals.
A marvellous weekend for SCC club rugby. The 1st XV and Tankards putting in great performances to reach their VB NRC Divisional Grand Finals and the 3rds showing once again that they are the team to beat in the First Division.
The 3rd XV ran out comfortable 15-3 winners against a competitive Bucks 3rd team, tries from Yik Thai-hoe, Valmiki Nair and Lionel 'Goodfella' Robinson proving the difference between the two sides, ansd some resolute defence leaving Bucks with just a penalty on the scoreboard at the end of the game. Great performances from big Haresh Krishnan and James Leow in the forwards, and Jonathan Wee at scrumhalf showed that if the 3rd XV perform well, they should lift the 1st Division Grand Final next weekend against Blacks, the only team to have beaten them this season. But they will have to play to the best of their ability.
The Tankards kicked off their National League semi-final desperate to avenge last weekends loss when they lost their final league match and the league title on points difference. The Wanderers 2nd XV seemed bigger and stronger all over the park. However, with old head Dave Moore back in the Tankards line-up, he had the guile, the experience and the big-match temperament to guide the Tankards through nervous times in the first half. Expertly kicking out of hand, Dave's defensive kicking and probing offensive kicks created breathing space for the Tankards, constantly clearing the decks and turning around the big Wanderers pack. As half time approached, just an early penalty separated both sides, but a moment of brilliance changed the course of the match. Collecting a Wanderers kick in his own 22, winger Dave Teo, embarked on a counter-attacking run outpacing the defence and then performing a copybook chip and chase over the cover defence, collecting the ball on the bounce and cantering over for a superb solo try. Halftime came and the Tankards turned around 10-0 up. Just after the break, another great solo try killed the game, this time speedy winger Alex Chua jinking his way through the defence to put the Tankards 15-0 up. Some inspired subsititutions added impetus to the SCC's game with big Tomer Serok having an immediate impact in the tiring pack. Further tries followed, again from Dave Teo and Alex Chua, and the Tankards eventually ran out 30-0 winners and into a Grand Final with Bedok Kings 2nd XV, with the boys seeking their 3rd consecutive SCC Tankards Grand Final win in three years.
The SCC 1st XV endured a Wanderers barrage for the first twenty minutes of their Premier semi-final, the Wanderers coming out of the traps like men possessed, and the 1st XV unable to get their hands on the ball. Despite being camped in their own 22 for much of the opening period, the SCC defence was magnificent, holding the line well and resisting surge after surge of Wanderers attacks and after 20 minutes Wanderers had scored just two penalties to lead 6 points to 3 (after Tommy Burns had scored a long-range penalty after a rare SCC foray into the Wanderers half). With injuries to key players including scrum half Axe Rawlinson and the SCC No.8, the 1st XV were under the cosh. In the following period of sustained pressure, the Wanderers swung the ball wide 5 m from the SCC line, and looked likely to score but centre Harry Woods, intercepted quite brilliantly and began his long sprint to the line. He was pursued for the full 90 meters by Wanderers cover defence to score a fantastic try which put the SCC on the front foot against the run of play. They never looked back. After an attacking scrum 10m out just before halftime, the SCC forwards turned the ball over and centre Nic Groen scored a good try to put the 1st XV 15-6 up at the break.
Outside-half Tommy Burns had a superb game, without doubt one of his best for the club, since first turning out for the 1st XV aged 12 and a half. He combined well with young Nic Groen in the centre, who himself scored another superb try early in the second-half bursting through the centres to run in unopposed from 30 meters out. With the lineout functioning well with young Suhaimi's throwing in right on the money, and Justin man-about-town Kennedy imperious in both offensive and defensive lineouts, the SCC stepped up a gear and controlled possession. Huge hits from birthday-boy Steve Horsfall - who was later seen cavorting around in pink sequins and white flares - made a real difference as the SCC ran in five tries in all, including a gamebreaker just after halftime from Tommy Burns and a great finish after another superb backs move from left winger Kevin Loo. Replacement Lionel Poh, who played on the flank had one of his best games for the SCC, a truly outstanding effort bearing in mind he also started for the Tankards. He was in every ruck, tackled superbly and was fearless with ball in hand, and with skipper Andrew Bennett, determined to show that not all Australian forwards are as tough as a tray of fairycakes, the SCC were awesome at the breakdown.
With the sun setting behind City Hall, the Wanderers scored a great breakaway consolation try and the referee blew up shortly afterwards to leave the final score SCC 36 Wanderers 13. A great team effort, a great day of running rugby and the 1st XV march on to their first Premiership Grand Final since 2003 and will play last years Champions the Bedok Kings next weekend.
10/8/2007
1st XV finish top of Premier league with superb display on Padang.
Both the 1st XV and 3rd XV finished top of the VB NRC Premier Division and First Division on Saturday with emphatic wins against Bucks and Bedok Kings III's. But the Tankards came a cropper in the National Division, losing to Bucks, a last minute try depriving them of a bonus point which would have had the Tankards finish first for the second year running. All teams still have a strong chance of finishing champions of their respective divisions as we enter the play-off stages of the VB NRC with the semi-finals this weekend.
The 3rds kicked off at Yio Chu Kang and dominated a young Bedok Kings team, running in 8 tries in all and playing the kind of quality rugby that has seen them finish top of the league since skipper Ananda Kumar was in his early forties. Yes, that long ago. A fine display of running rugby with some old wise heads combining with the exuberance of youth led to a comfortable 48-8 victory, putting to bed, the complacent performance of the previous week. With the 4th team finishing in a very credible 3rd place in the division, the prospect of a all-SCC divisional final is on the cards, but only if both teams play to the best of their abilities in next weeks semi-finals.
The Tankards played Bucks II's on a blisteringly hot afternoon on the Padang. They started brightly and had worked themselves into a 12-7 lead by halftime, with tries from Mohd Ridzuan and skipper Denis Marshment. But the Bucks came back in the second half, piling on the pressure and with the Tankards forward-pack toiling in the heat, had soon edged into the lead scoring two tries to make it 17-12 with just five minutes to go. This would have been enough for the Tankards to retain their title by virtue of gaining a losing bonus point but the Bucks scored with the last play of the game, to deprive the SCC of another league title, the Tankards finishing up second on points difference to the Bedok Kings. Lots of work to be done for next weeks semi-final, but if the Tankards come together like they have done so many times in the past, they will be crowned Champions for the third year in a row on October 20th.
After last weeks disappointing last minute loss to old rivals Bucks, the 1st XV were in determined mood on the Padang. Against the run of play, they raced into a 15-0 lead thorugh breakaway tries from Bryan Ng and Kevin Loo, the latter after a superb break from skipper Harry Woods, and some fine hands from Hairul Naim. With Pinky Burns adding a penalty, the SCC stepped up a gear and with scrum-half Axe taking a quick tap freekick, a great try was scored just before halftime, some nifty passing between Pinky and prop Alan Kent, putting the No.8 through. A blindman on a galloping horse could have scored the conversion but Pinky declined to take the points. With the score 20 points to 0 at halftime, there was no talk of an easy victory, particularly as everyone had last weeks reversal in the back of their minds when the SCC had blown a 20-3 and 27-15 lead to lose at the death.
With the lineout working superbly, and Steve Horsfall and man-about-town JK in superb form, the SCC stepped up the pressure and it wasnt long before some sustained forward effort, let Pinky Burns burst through the defence to score under the posts. He graciously scored the conversion. With Tim Harris and Steve Hager in rampaging form in the loose, the Bucks attack found the SCC defensive line almost impossible to breach. In the midfield, young Mohd Asrie was a revelation, tackling everything that moved and creating all sorts of problems with the ball in hand. Another try followed which was converted by hooker Suhaimi and then followed by another Suhaimi penalty. The SCC absorbed one final period of pressure to leave the Bucks scoreless at the final whistle for a 35 -0 victory. A great display of rugby and a real team effort which was enjoyable for both players and supporters alike. A confident, determined performance by the SCC 1st XV, giving them a top-placed Premier finish for the first time since 1997 and in good form going into their semi-final against a tough Wanderers outfit next week.
