Singapore drew Hong Kong 10-10 in the first of the two test match series last night at the Saint Andrews Astro Turf.
The visitors put in the first try through their captain, Royce Chan, within minutes and went up 5-0. Singapore took sometime to find its feet but its defence remained resolute throughout a large part of the game. Indiscipline around the ruck area cost Hong Kong a penalty midway through the first half and Singapore skipper, Wang Shao Ing, took the 3 points.
At the set pieces, a powerful Hong Kong scrum and exposed the Singapore front row's inexperience and an inconsistent Singapore lineout limited the Singapore attacking opportunities during the first half which ended 5-3 to Hong Kong.
Hong Kong used their big and hard runners, Christine Gordan, Samantha Scott and Amelie Seure well with the trio gaining valuable yards for their side. The Hong Kong pack also gave the Singapore side some trouble with their driving mauls but the Singapore defence marshalled by flankers Ang Weiyi and Karen Yeoh and centres Serena Yeoh and Derelyn Chua held fast.
Sophie Gollifer, Ailei Tandean and Gina Tan soon found their rhythm and straightened out their lineouts in the second half. Stand-off Eunice Tay almost scored an individual try with a fine show and go but was stopped metres from the line by Hong Kong. The Singapore backs made several breaks but were kept at bay by the Hong Kong defence.
However, Singapore were not to be denied for long as the forwards shoved from a 5 metre scrum outside the Hong Kong try line. Wang picked from the back and a forwards effort saw hooker Tan score 5 points for the republic close to the posts.
With 15 minutes on the clock to go, Hong Kong continued to threaten Singapore's defence with their pick and go strategy. With feisty Hoty Chan egging her pack, the Hong Kongers swung the ball wide in Singapore's 22m and scored 3 mins from full time through Cookie Tse after a several phases of pick and go's at Singapore's try line.
The score on the whistle at full time was 10-10. Hong Kong play Singapore again on Saturday, 7pm at Yio Chu Kang Stadium.
Singapore:Annabel WOO, Gina TAN (1 try), Azurah Bte Mohd KHALID, Ailei TANDEAN, Sophie Ngin GOLLIFER, Karen YEOH, ANG Weiyi, WANG Shao Ing (C)(1 pen, 1 con), Haseena ALLAPITCHAY, Eunice TAY (VC),Kristy TEH, Serena YEOH, Derelyn CHUA, Clarissa LIM, WONG Yilin.
Substitutes: CHAN Jiahui, Priscilla HUMPHRIES, KOH Mei Giet.
Related Links: www.singaporerugby.com
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