by Wang Shao IngPicture courtesy of 28photography
The match experience of the home side in the entertaining and spirited Singapore v Malaysia test was a telling factor in the 11 try performance by Singapore but nothing could take away the enthusiasm of the players in having put out their first Malaysia 15 aside women’s team.
Captain Lim Chin Wei reflected "Having the sanction by MRU obviously means a lot. It is a stepping stone towards the development and recognition toward Ladies rugby in Malaysia. With this, other opportunities will open for the Malaysian ladies rugby."
Like women’s rugby all over the world getting recognition was not without its difficulties. Lim says "The biggest hurdle was initially changing the mindset of Malaysians in general about ladies rugby and its potential. I hope MRU will continue its support and take ladies rugby in Malaysia to bigger and better things - more tournaments, friendlies and test matches."
On their first outing, Lim felt the team learnt a lot about the game and themselves. “Everyone took back a piece of "experience". Overall, the test match was a first for us and we are embracing it and hope to do better next time round."
With the exposure for the team, the girls will be looking forward to a significant growth in the game with a bigger pool of players, increased participation in more tournaments and support from the Malaysia Rugby Union.
In the meantime, Singapore Head Coach, Sam Chan, declared the display as being satisfactory for the team’s first outing but expects Saturday's away game in Hong Kong to be more of an indicator of where the team is in their preparations.
Singapore fullback, Leung Wai Mun, who scored a hat-trick in Saturday’s game came away with a broken finger. She was underwent surgery on Sunday and her participation in the qualifiers will have to get and all clear from the doctors in the next few weeks.
Related Links:
Rugby in Asia: Eleven-Try Singapore Crush Brave Malaysia
IRB: Singapore Build Up to WRWC Qualifiers
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