Singapore Women's Rugby

WRWC 2010 Asian Qualifiers Team by Team Guide

2009-11-03T12:48:00.000+08:00

Singapore Team Named for Japan

2009-11-03T09:40:00.005+08:00

3 November 2009

The Singapore National Women's Coaching Team have named their match day 22 to take on Japan on Wednesday in the first game of the Women's Rugby World Cup 2010 Asian Qualifiers 2009.

The forwards get a boost with the return of Ang Weiyi after dislocating her shoulder three weeks ago. Scrumhalf and Centre, Tan Hui Juan and Tabitha Fong, have been rewarded with starting spots for their strong performances off the bench in the last two games. Both Leung Wai Mun and Aslinda Abdullah who suffered finger fractures are named on the bench having made remarkable recoveries post surgery.

Singapore will play Japan at 4pm on Wednesday 4 November 2009 at Republic Polytechnic.

Singapore Women's 15s Squad against Japan

1. Nur Azurah Bte Mohd Khalid (Blacks RFC)
2. Koh Mei Giet (SRC)
3. Lee Tao Jing (Blacks RFC)
4. Sophie Ngin Gollifer (SRC)
5. Ailei Tandean (Blacks RFC)
6. Karen Yeoh (SRC)
7. Wang Shao Ing (Blacks RFC)(Captain)
8. Ang Weiyi (Blacks RFC)
9. Tan Hui Juan (Blacks RFC)
10. Eunice Tay (Blacks RFC)(V Captain)
11. Angelina Liu (SRC)
12. Wong Yilin (Blacks RFC)
13. Tabitha Fong (Blacks RFC)
14. Amanda Teo (Blacks RFC)
15. Derelyn Chua (Blacks RFC)

16. Chan Jia Hui (SRC)
17. Tan Sze Yen (SRC)
18. Priscilla Humphries (Blacks RFC)
19. Annabel Woo (SRC)
20. Aslinda Abdullah (Blacks RFC)
21. Leung Waimun (Blacks RFC)
22. Angela Zheng (SRC)

Coaches: Sam Chan (Head Coach), Faizal Ayhar (Backs Coach), Teo Khai Hock (Forwards Coach)
Team Manager: Malcolm David

NUS stage SIM upset to steal win

2009-10-27T12:51:00.025+08:00

2 November 2009

If the pool stages were anything to go by, the playoffs of the RP Invitational Women’s 10s Tournament held last Thursday fulfilled its promise to be a nail-biting thriller with twist.

Group A leader National University of Singapore (NUS) and Group B runner-up Republic Polytechnic (RP) kicked-off the first semi final with a tightly fought match. Under pressure from the start from a rushing RP defence and several kicks from an RP boot, NUS were sloppy and unable to mount any meaningful attacking phases. Just as the game looked to be going into extra time, NUS managed to get the ball wide to winger Caslin Ong and a fine support line from Christabelle Lim secured NUS a last gasp win and a place in finals.

The second semi-final saw Singapore Institute of Management University (SIM) take on National Technological University (NTU) with the latter enjoying more possession and a few good attacking phases. But NTU squandered their build up with several unforced errors and SIM, the considerably more experienced team, punished them with two early tries through Chan Jia Yu and Clarissa Lim to seal their cup final spot.

In a dramatic Plate Final matching last week’s 5th /6th playoff between the Combined Team and SMU, NTU appeared to have the edge with a try from Lee Tao Jing but were forced into a extra time when RP’s Sophie Gollifer broke to equalize before full time. However, within a minute of the start of the sudden death, a lapse in defence by RP allowed NTU’s Amanda Teo to make a dazzling run give her team victory.

Anyone who had written off NUS based on the their previous encounter with SIM at SUNIG last month was to be sorely mistaken as they put their three-try defeat behind them to stage the upset of the tournament. A change in game plan saw NUS tightening up their attacking phases and testing SIM at the breakdowns and scrums. NUS nearly lost possession with some risky passes but managed to foil SIM's open play with some stellar defending to keep the board scoreless at the end of the first half.

Both teams looked battered at the break but the short hiatus seemed to invigorate NUS and Amelia Siew caught SIM napping off the fringe of the ruck in SIM’s half soon after and she took full advantage to put the ball under the posts. Skipper, Wong Yilin, made sure to buffer their winning margin with a conversion.

Although SIM threatened to break once or twice with an overlap, they were on the back foot for most of the second half against a resilient NUS defence and Siew duly rewarded her team’s efforts with 50m break off the blind side of the ruck to seal their place as Cup Champions of the RP Invitational Women’s Tens Tournament 2009 just before the final whistle.

Related Articles

www.singaporerugby.com : NUS pips favourites SIM to the crown

RP Invitational Women's 10s 2009

IRB WRWC 2010 - ASIAN QUALIFIERS 2009 PROMO VID

2009-10-27T12:51:00.006+08:00

NUS & SIM battle through to top groups in RP Women's 10s

2009-10-22T14:46:00.010+08:00

22 October 2009

Picture courtesy of Republic Polytechnic

There was a certain buzz at Republic Polytechnic’s astroturf yesterday evening as the RP Invitational Women’s 10s Tournament pool stages got underway. With all teams pitching everything they had, the title race looked to be a tight one for the playoffs next Thursday.

The National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nayang Technological University (NTU) kicked things off with a closely fought game. A tenacious NTU defence kept NUS scoreless in the first half. NUS’s flyhalf, Wong Yilin, soon found some space for a fine break and a conversion, which was to prove crucial in their win as NTU’s Amanda Teo ran her trademark sideline hugging dash to even out the tries before full time.

In Group B, the Combined Team, comprising players from the Institute of Technical Education, Nayang Polytechnic and Ngee Ann Polytechnic, held home team RP to scoreless draw which raised the impetus for both teams to beat or keep slim scorelines against Singapore Institute of Management (SIM).

Group A’s second game saw NTU put their foot on the gas against SMU, whose scrumhalf, Esther Phua, deserves mention just for getting her team out of trouble a few times and making some darting runs from the scrum combined with some well places kicks. However, NTU worked two well-earned tries to clinch the game 12-0.

SIM faced a good fight against the feisty RP who were cheered on by their supporters. SIM put in two tries through Clarissa Lim and Chan Jiayu before they were caught napping on a penalty and RP’s Eunice Chu took full advantage to put one under the posts. The game ended 10-7 to SIM.

SMU struggled in the first half against NUS who found gaps through the middle of their defence, through flyhalf, Esther Tan and winger, Caslin Ong, who ran in two tries against the opposition before half-time. Amelia Siew found the line for NUS in the second half of some good support play to end the game 22 -0.

Just one try and a conversion away from wrenching second spot from RP in their pool, the Combine Team stormed the pitch against SIM. Their defensive effort held an otherwise far more experienced side to a 12-0 game which saw Lim Liyan and Chan put down the points for their team but was insufficient to boot RP out from second placing within the group.

The final game of the day between the Combined Team and SMU was to say the least, a laborious one for both sides. Both teams showed a steely determination not to give and the match went in to extra time. For most part, neither team threatened to a score until the dying minutes of the extended period when the Combined Team found themselves camped out in SMU’s 22m area. They were finally rewarded with a try which was a cause for some controversy as the Combined Team touched the corner post before grounding the ball. But referee Saudi Tan was right in awarding the try which would have otherwise been disallowed under the old Laws.

Given the display at the groups stages, one would be hard-pressed to name any clear favourites based on current form, save for SIM, which maintains an edge with their experience.The play-offs next Thursday will see NUS face RP and SIM face NTU for a spot in the finals.

Singapore and Hong Kong geared up for the IRB WRWC Asian Qualifers

2009-10-13T14:19:00.003+08:00

13 October 2009

Match report courtesy of www.singaporerugby.com

Hong Kong held on to beat Singapore 22-17 in a friendly at So Kan Poh Stadium last Saturday.

Hong Kong’s larger pack of forwards started the game with great attacking momentum. Singapore’s defense line was broken in the 7th minute from a quick penalty tap by Hong Kong’s scrum half, Fiona Foxon who scored the first try for Hong Kong.

Singapore was punished again by Hong Kong in the 15th min. Hong Kong took the advantage of another quick penalty tap that caught Singapore’s slow defensive line off guard and their out-center, Becky Underwood, was rewarded with a try.

Singapore was plagued with injury problems early in the game. In the 18th minute, Singapore’s No. 8, Ang Wei Yi suffered a shoulder injury and was replaced by Annabel Woo. Singapore’s scrum half, Aslinda Abdullah was replaced by Tan Hui Juan, also due to injury. Singapore tried to regroup their attack pattern and their persistence paid off in the 29th minute. Full back, Angelina Liu, who earned her 1st cap in the national 15s team, scored a try for Singapore.

10 minutes before half time, Hong Kong’s out-center, Underwood, scored her second try from an interception. With that, Hong Kong led 17-5 at half time.

In the second half, Singapore turned over a ball in their own 22m. Singapore’s winger, Amanda Teo made a superb run but the ball was held up at the try line by Hong Kong’s winger who made an equally impressive run in defense to deny her Singaporean counterpart. Hong Kong’s out-center, Underwood scored her hat-trick from an inside pass after a string of missed tackles which brought the score to 22-5.

Singapore’s flanker, Karen Yeoh scored a try off a ruck and the score was 22-10. That try seemed to inspire Singapore to pick up their attacking pace in the game. They could have scored a few tries but was stopped by Hong Kong’s solid defense, until the end of the game when Singapore was awarded a penalty try.

The final score was 22-17 to Hong Kong at full time.

This match was an exciting appetizer of the upcoming IRB Women’s Rugby World Cup Asian Qualifiers that will be held in Singapore in November 2009. This match may have been a friendly but it was an important preparation match for both teams, as they looking to book their place in the World Cup in England in 2010, along with Japan and Kazakhstan. The first round of the Asian Qualifiers will see Singapore face-off against Japan, while Hong Kong will play Kazakhstan.

Singapore head to Hong Kong Friendly

2009-10-08T09:54:00.008+08:00

8 October 2009

The Singapore National Women's 15s Team will head to Hong Kong tomorrow in a sterner test of their preparations for the IRB Women's Rugby World Cup Asian Qualifiers in November 2009. Although the games will not be accorded test match status, the fierce but friendly rivalry between the two side should see a tight game over the weekend.

The last time the two sides met in a 2-test series in December, Hong Kong came out slightly ahead with the first game tied at 10-10 and Hong Kong winning by a single try in the second game.

Save for the return from a head injury by Esther Phua and the loss of Leung Wai Mun, Singapore National Women's Coaches have named an unchanged squad against Hong Kong from the team that played Malaysia. Of the 23 named, 14 players starred in the game against Hong Kong in December.

Matches between the two countries have typically been bruising affairs. Compared to their game against Malaysia, the Singapore pack will have to ramp up its work rate this weekend to match Hong Kong's larger mobile pack of forwards who are well drilled at the set pieces and who will contest every breakdown.

Singapore will play Hong Kong at the So Kan Poh stadium at 1500h on Saturday.

Singapore Women's 15s Squad to Hong Kong

Forwards:

Ang Weiyi (Blacks), Chan Jia Hui (SRC), Sophie Ngin Gollifer (SRC), Priscilla Humphries (Blacks), Koh Mei Giet (SRC), Lee Tao Jing (Blacks), Nur Azurah Mohamed Khalid (Blacks), Berni Ong (Blacks), Tan Sze Yin (SRC), Ailei Tandean (Blacks), Wang Shao-Ing (Blacks), Annabel Woo (SRC), Karen Yeoh (SRC).

Backs:

Aslinda Abdullah (Blacks), Fong Sei Yin (Blacks), Leung Waimun (Blacks), Angelina Liu (SRC), Esther Phua (SRC), Tan Hui Juan (Blacks), Eunice Tay (Blacks), Kristy Teh (Bucks), Amanda Teo (Blacks), Wong Yilin (Blacks), Angela Zheng (SRC).

Related Links:

Scrumqueens: Asian Rivals to Lock Horns

Test Was Experience for Malaysia

2009-10-05T17:33:00.007+08:00

Picture 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

Match Report: Singapore v Malaysia

2009-10-05T15:52:00.009+08:00

5 October 2009

Match report by Euan Morrison & Pics courtesy of 28photography

The highly anticipated game between Singapore and Malaysia kicked off with damp conditions at the Yio Chu Kang Stadium on Sunday.

It did not take long for the home side to gain the confidence they would need to win this game, in the 2nd minute a well worked lineout led to a drive by the forwards collapsing inside the Malaysian 22m, fast ball was fed right through the hands to fullback Leung Wai-Mun with a slight over lap to run it in just to the right of the posts. Conversion was taken by open flank and skipper, Wang Shao-Ing, who brought the score to 7-0.

The following eight minutes showed some very good attacking rugby from Singapore but a solid Malaysian defence stopped Singapore from crossing the line. The home team’s patience paid off when a poor clearance kick offered Singapore a lineout 5m out from the visitor’s line. In the 10th minute a great take in the lineout was brought down and a solid tight maul set up. Singapore drove their way to the line with Wang touching down.

In the 11th minute once Singapore had control of the ball in their half, fly half Eunice Tay made a good clearing kick to relieve some pressure. A great follow up led to the Malaysian player who retrieved the ball being caught inside her own half, from the tackle Leung turned over the ball ran unopposed under the posts.

With the score now 17-0, the Singapore team had started to settle into a rhythm and were playing some good running rugby. Malaysia, despite the early disadvantage were not giving anything to Singapore cheaply.

In the 21st minute, another kick and good chase was turned over in the tackle again by Leung to end up doing a carbon copy of her last try and breaking from the ruck to run in almost unopposed. With Wang finding her kicking rhythm, the conversion was successful, leaving the score standing at 26-0.

From a scrum at half-way, No.8 Ang Wei Yi picked up from the base of the scrum and ran, drawing a defender before feeding Amanda Teo on the wing where she was tackled by the cover defence. Two quick rucks by the Singapore forwards gave fast ball Tay who moved the ball left where prop forward Nur Azurah Binte Mohamed Khalid was given too much space and with a burst of speed touched down left of the posts. Wang took the conversion successfully to bring the score to 31-0.

Another try came quickly for the home side in the 29th minute through out centre Kristy Teh who burst through a scrambling defence to find the line.

For the remainder of the half the Malaysian Team played extremely well and started putting Singapore under a lot of pressure with some hard destructive running from tight-head prop Rozzaiti Che Roslee and some solid backline defence from led by flyhalf Normasyirah Zahari. Singapore was made to defend a good 10 minutes close to their try line but agonisingly close to the end of the 1st half, Teo crushed Malaysian hopes by beating two covering defenders on her 70m break down the wings. Tay converted the try to bring the half-time score to 43-0.

The Malaysians started the 2nd half with a renewed vigour and contested fiercely at the breakdown. However, their inexperience at the scrum allowed Ang to run freely and this was to be the cause of their woes in the second half.

A scrum break by the No.8 saw blindside flanker Annabel Woo in support and breaking clean through the central defence of the Malaysian team. Singapore was stopped just short of the line but finished by rumbling over the line to score.

After the restart, another scrum break allowed Singapore to run the openside with Angela Zheng making good yards before she was tackled 5m from the line. Two quick pick and gos saw replacement loosehead Chan Jiahui cross the line to score near the corner.

Soon after, Singapore exploited the space on the blindside with scrum-half Tan Hui Juan running in towards the posts bringing the score to 57-0.

The next and last try of the match was to come not too long before the final whistle. After a good lineout move the ball was passed right. With great handling the ball reached Teo on the right wing to trundle over for her 2nd try from just outside the 22. The score stood at 63-0 and remained that way until the end of the game.

SINGAPORE

Nur Azurah MOHAMED KHALID (1 try), KOH Mei Giet, LEE Tao Jing ,Sophie Ngin GOLLIFER, Ailei TANDEAN, Annabel WOO (1 try), WANG Shao-Ing (C)(1 try 3 conversions), ANG Weiyi, Aslinda ABDULLAH, Eunice TAY (VC) (1 conversion), WONG Yilin, Kristy TEH (1 try), Amanda TEO (2 tries), Angelina LIU, LEUNG Wai Mun (3 tries)

Replacements: CHAN Jia Hui (1 try), Priscilla HUMPHRIES, TAN Sze Yin, Karen YEOH, FONG Sei Yin, TAN Hui Juan (1 try), Angela ZHENG

MALAYSIA

Nurulhuda Mat ARIF, Aiza Binti AZMI, Rozzaiti Che ROSLEE, Uni Noor AINI MUHAMMAD, Haslinda Binti MOHD SALLEH, Intan Azfieyantee Bte ARZEY, Aki LOH Nong Sim, Dianatasha Isnariah MUSTAPAR, Sarah MCAULEY, Normasyirah ZAHARI, Felicity Agnes NG, Meiling Sybil CHOONG, LIM Chin Wei (C), Nora Ashikin Bt ABD BASIK, Felicia Adele NG

Replacements: Cut Iffa Izza Binti Tengku ERMANDA, Anne NORWAWI, Mey Shuan, Ija Noor Faizah Binti ABDUL MAJID, Marlia Che Din, Hilda HEW.

Comment: A Year of Firsts for Malaysia and Asia

2009-09-29T10:53:00.033+08:00

It has been a year of "firsts" for women's rugby in Malaysia and Asia.

In May, the first Malaysian representative women's rugby 7s side took part in the Asian Women's 7s in Pattaya together with debutants, Iran and India.

In June, the first Malaysian club side took part in their first 15 aside league - the Guinness Singapore Rugby Women's 15 League 2009 playing two fixtures aways and one fixture at home.

In July, women's rugby in Laos got their first taste of a 15 aside match.

In September, the Malaysian Barbarians played their first international against the Singapore A in Kuala Lumpur.

Without discounting the commitment of the Malaysian players, coaching staff, management and its Union, to have a fully endorsed 15s aside representative team in the same year of their 7s debut reflects a the growth of the game in this region.

This weekend, to complete their first of firsts, with the sanction of the Malaysia Rugby Union, a group of women's rugby fanatics shall be wearing their country's colours in a test match against Singapore at the Yio Chu Kang Stadium.

Comprised mainly of players from the Royal Selangor Club, these women have been picking up game experience from various regional tournaments such as the Borneo 7s, Jonah Jones 7s and Negri Sembilan 7s.

For their neighbours, a Singapore 15 aside national team was only formed eight years after Singapore sent its first representative 7s team to the Hong Kong International Women's 7s in 1998.

The Malaysians would have no doubt benefited from the participation of the Dingos in the Guinness Singapore Rugby Women's 15s League with three other fully formed 15 aside teams as sparring partners.

Five years ago, save for Thailand which has an established provincial schools league and trailblazers, Blacks Rugby Football Club from Singapore having put out a team against a Thai side in 2004, there was no sign of the full format of the game ever becoming a regular fixture in any domestic or regional rugby calendar in South East Asia. The availability of competitive games for womens rugby in this side of the world was a huge obstacle to the growth of the game.

In the past 2 years, Cambodia and Laos have started women's rugby which saw the inclusion of Women's 7s in the South East Asian Games in 2007. With the addition of women's categories in most of the established regional club tournaments (Bangkok 7s, Borneo 7s, Shanghai 7s, Blacks Midnight 10s, Bali 10s, Vientiane 10s) there is plenty of women's rugby being played and to be played.

This weekend's test between Singapore and Malaysia marks a yet another historic moment for women's rugby in the South East Asia and perhaps a good moment to reflect on how much the game has grown here.

Singapore Names Team for Malaysia

2009-09-29T10:53:00.014+08:00

30 September 2009

The Singapore National Coaches have named 23 from their 29 woman training squad to face Malaysia in the test this weekend.

History will be made as Malaysia sends out their first representative 15s side ever although it will not be the first time the team will be playing together as they took on the Singapore A side recently under the banner of the Malaysian Barbarians.

Based on their strong performances in the Singapore A v Malaysia game, Esther Phua and Samantha Teo were invited to join the Singapore National Women's 15s Training Squad. However, Phua may sit out this weekend as she recovers from a concussion and Singapore will also be without their veteran centre, Serena Yeoh, who is has been playing with considerable pain this season due to a knee injury which will put her out of the the IRB WRWC Asian Qualifiers.

Singapore are also without hooker, Gina Tan and utility back Haseena Allapitchay who are both not in the training squad due to their unavailability. This will likely give Koh Mei Giet a starting berth at hook and Angelina Liu her first cap somewhere in the back three.

Singapore Women's 15s Team 2009 Against Malaysia

Forwards:

Backs:

Aslinda Abdullah (Blacks), Fong Sei Yin (Blacks), Leung Waimun (Blacks), Angelina Liu (SRC), Tan Hui Juan (Blacks), Eunice Tay (Blacks), Kristy Teh (Bucks), Amanda Teo (Blacks), Wong Yilin (Blacks), Angela Zheng (SRC).

Related Links:

Rugby in Asia : Singapore Kick Off Preparations for World Cup Qualifer

SIM Win University Women's 10s 2009

2009-09-29T09:22:00.011+08:00

Match Report by www.singaporerugby.com & Pics courtesy of Chris Woo

Singapore Institute Management (SIM) were victorious, emerging as the Cup Champions in the inaugural Singapore Rugby University Women’s 10s Tournament 2009. The tournament was held at NUS on Sunday 27 September, and saw all four Universities challenging each other in a 10s tournament for the first time. The universities that took part were Singapore Management University (SMU), National Technological University (NTU), National University Singapore (NUS), and SIM.

The first game was a close match between SMU and NTU. SMU put up a strong fight against NTU but a lapse in defence left them trailing 0-5 at full time. NTU scored the only try in the game through their speedy runners

NUS and SIM who were the favourites in the tournament played the second game of the tournament. Both teams were equally matched during the first few minutes of the game. SIM had seven players from both the Singapore A Squad and National Team, and their attacking phases and support were too strong for NUS. SIM eventually won the match 15-0.

The third game saw NTU and NUS renew their age old rivalry on the rugby pitch, and it was a nail biting affair. NTU scored the first try but NUS managed to put in a try just before half time under the post and the score was 7-5. NTU scored their second try and was leading 10-7. Just two minutes before full time, a lapse in the NTU defence at the blind side allowed NUS to take the game 12-10.

SIM continued to be the strong contenders for the title, and ripped SMU’s defence apart with 31 unanswered points through their solid attacks.

NUS continued their good form and beat SMU 31-0 in their final match.

In the last game of the tournament, NTU played their hearts out against SIM. NTU’s struggled in defence allowing SIM to touch down four times. NTU responded a late try but this was not enough as SIM sealed the win at 20-7. With that win, SIM emerged undefeated in the tournament and they were rewarded with the title of Cup Champions.

It was a fantastic day for women’s rugby as the supporters witnessed the commitment and enthusiasm of the four university teams. Singapore Rugby would like to thank all the competitors and coaches, as well as all who helped out and supported the event in one way or another. The next tertiary tournament will be held in October at Republic Polytechnic.

Related Links:

Rugby in Asia: SIM go undefeated to claim University Tens

University Women's 10s 2009

Chris Woo Flikr Album

University Women's 10s 2009

2009-09-22T10:18:00.005+08:00

Singapore Rugby University Women's 10s 2009

Sunday 27 September 09

Venue: NUS Main Field

Time: 3pm Kickoff

Fixtures & Schedule

1500 - SMU v NTU
1530 - SIM v NUS
1600 - NTU v NUS
1620 - SMU v SIM
1700 - NTU v SIM
1720 - NUS v SMU

Sruwomen's Team-By-Team Guide to the University Women's 10s 2009

Inaugural Singapore A Mark Their Debut With Win

2009-09-08T10:56:00.010+08:00

8 September 2009

The inaugural Singapore Women’s A 15s team came out victors in their first match against Malaysia Barbarians last Saturday at the Royal Selangor Club grounds.

Captained by Sim Chiew Hong, Singapore A started the match with much gusto and built a good tempo to their attack. Aided by numerous penalties awarded against the Malaysian Barbas for their indiscipline at the breakdowns, the Singapore side were able to put the Malaysians under considerable pressure in the first half and hour of the game.

Singapore A squandered a few chances at putting the first points on the board through the backline due to the lack of support off out-center, Esther Phua, who created overlaps almost every time she touched the ball.

The Singapore A spirit was not to be crushed through the loss of their skipper, Sim, to an ankle injury in the 10th minute and substitute scrum half, Samantha Teo rose the challenge marshalling the forwards and delivering clean ball to the backline.

The sustained pressure turned into points when Teo took the advantage of a quick penalty inside the opposition 22m and passed to No. 8, Lee Yi Tian who put Singapore in the lead at 5-0.

The Barbarians would not take the challenge lying down and several infringements by the Singapore A players at the break down saw Singapore A defend their try line for a good 15 minutes before the end of the 2nd half . The Malaysians made good of the Singapore A’s mistakes and scored under the posts off a rolling maul in the Singapore 22m area. The try was converted and the half -time score was 7-5.

The Malaysians started strongly after the half time break and a few misplaced kicks by Singapore A fuelled the Malaysian counter attack which pinned Singapore in their own half for a good twenty minutes of the second half. Singapore A were awarded several penalties but were unable to capitalize by kicking the ball out of touch and had to defend the counter kicks by Barba’s full back, Felicia Adele Ng.

However, Singapore A held up their defences well and Lee, who was deservedly awarded man of the match, took advantage of the poor Malaysian lineouts to put Singapore A up when she stole a loose ball of the Malaysian line out in their 22m in the 60th minute.

Singapore A held on to their lead for the next 20 minutes with the backline threatened to score again through Phua and Yvette Chee and Rosida Sidin. The Singapore A forwards stepped up the pressure in the scrums when it mattered most and kept the Malaysians in their half the remainder of the match. But the Malaysian backline defence was determined and unwavering in their try area and the game ended with Singapore A just edging out the Malaysian Barbas 10-7.

On the whole, the game was ridden with penalties awarded against both sides and both teams showed good character when under pressure. Singapore A had a more threatening backline but were unable to convert their attacks to points due to the lack of support and a gutsy Malaysian defence. Finally it was the set pieces that gave away the Barba's lead and the game to the feisty Singapore A.

Singapore A To Face Malaysian Barbas

2009-08-17T09:28:00.011+08:00

The Singapore A Women's 15s Team will make history this weekend by being the first women's development 15s side to take the field - a milestone for Singapore women's rugby.

The squad was selected by Singapore Women's National Head Coach, Sam Chan, who picked the young talents from the clubs which participated in the Guinness Singapore Rugby Women's 15s league. He is also the advisor the two women's coaches, Serena Yeoh and Wang Shao Ing, who will be leading the team against the Malaysian Babarians this weekend in Kuala Lumpur.

Rugby Development Manager (Women's) for Singapore Rugby, Eunice Tay said "That we were able to put out a Singapore A Squad and appoint women's coaches to take the team speaks volumes for the growth of the game here. Serena and Shao Ing have both received their Level 2 certifications and have several years of coaching experience with schools under the women's development programme."

On the game tomorrow, Tay quipped "Our forward pack is definitely smaller than the Malaysian Barbas but they are a fiesty lot and we shall have to rely heavily on the speed in our backs to create opportunities to score. I think we have good chance against the Malaysians."

Singapore A Women's 15s Squad 2009

Backs

Chan Biqing (SRC), Chan Jiayu (Blacks), Yvette Chee (Blacks), Lee PeiQi (Bucks), Caslin Ong (SRC), Sim Chiew Hong (Blacks), Suryono Suryanti (Bucks), Samantha Teo (Blacks), Esther Phua (SRC), Siti Nurazyan (Bucks), Rosida Sidin (SRC)

Forwards:

Vanessa Chang (Blacks), Jasmine Chan (Blacks), Anna Chen (Bucks), Marissa Zainal (Blacks), Jamie Ma Khine Su Mon (Blacks), Andrea Koh (Bucks), Adleena Wong Radzie (SRC), Lee Yi Tian (SRC), Lin Grace Malone (Bucks), Tiffany Neo (Bucks), Nur Afiqah Bte Abdul Kadir (Bucks), Brigette Yeo (Blacks)

Singapore Selects National 15s Training Squad for WC Qualifiers & Singapore A Squad

2009-08-14T12:28:00.007+08:00

14 August 2009

The Singapore National Women's 15s selectors have shortlisted the 28 woman Singapore National Women's 15s Training Squad for the Women's Rugby World Cup 2010 Qualifiers for Asia which will be held in Singapore in November 2009.

The Qualifiers will see Singapore vy against Kazakhstan, Japan and Hong Kong for the single seat allocated to Asia at the Women's Rugby Would Cup 2010 to be held in London. More details of the Women's Rugby World Cup Qualifiers will be released at the press conference to be held by Singapore Rugby later this month.

Seperately, in a significant move by Singapore Rugby to developing the standard of its national teams, a first ever Women's 15s Singapore A Squad will be shortlisted this weekend during the domestic Super 15s games which will double as trials for those hoping to make the Singapore A Team. The Singapore A team is set to play against Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur in early September.

Singapore Women's National 15s Squad 2009

Forwards

Chan Jia hui (SRC), SAudi Tan (SRC), Koh Mei Giet (SRC), Annabel Woo (SRC), Sophie Ngin Gollifer (SRC), Karen Yeoh (SRC), Yin Mei Hitchcock Lenden (Blacks), Azurah Bte Mhd Khalid (Blacks), Lee Tao Jing (Blacks), Ailei Tandean (Blacks), Berni Ong (Blacks), Priscilla Humphries (Blacks), Ang Weiyi (Blacks), Wang Shao Ing (Blacks), Andrea Koh (Bucks)

Backs

Angela Zheng (SRC), Serena Yeoh (Blacks), Amanda Teo (Blacks), Aslinda Abdullah (Blacks), Lim Li Yan (Blacks) Tabitha Fong (Blacks), Angelina Lim (SRC), Tan Hui Juan (Blacks), Leung Wai Mun (Blacks), Wong Yilin (Blacks), Chan Jiayu (Blacks), Haseena Alllapitchay (Monsoon), Kristy Teh (Monsoon)

Blacks Women Continue Dominance

2009-08-11T14:51:00.009+08:00

Match Report by singaporerugby & Picture courtesy of Swalk

Blacks RFC continued their dominance of the Women’s Game in Singapore when they defeated SRC 57 – 5 in the Guinness Singapore Rugby Women’s XVs Final last Saturday.

Blacks opened up the scoring as early as the 6th minute through hooker, Wang Shao Ing which she then converted. In the early stages of the final, it looked like the match was going to be a close encounter as SRC scored a breakaway try through winger Caslin Ong in the 10th minute. There was no score in the next 10 minutes as Blacks tried to break through a resolute SRC defence.

However in the 21st minute, Blacks scored through flyhalf, Aslinda Abdullah. This was followed by another try by centre, Derelyn Chua, who was making all the breaks in the middle of the park. Aslinda and Shao Ing then scored their respective second tries before the end of the 1st half. At this stage Shao Ing has successfully kicked in all the 5 conversions. The half time score was 35 – 5 to Blacks.

The second half saw Blacks running in another 4 tries. Though SRC showed much courage in the last 10 minutes of the game camping in the Blacks 22m area, they were unable to find their 2nd try of the game Blacks defended resolutely and scored their last two tries in the 75th and 77th minute by turning over the ball despite SRC’s pressure.

This year’s tournament saw four 15-a-side teams taking part for the 1st time in the Women’s 15s Competition and teams playing away games in Kuala Lumpur. Kudos must be given to all four teams especially Bucks and Royal Selangor Club who are able to field a 15s team for the first time.

The players who have impressed the National Coaches will start training for the upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup qualifiers which will be held in Singapore in November.

Related Links:

Rugby In Asia : Blacks Reign Supreme

Pics: Swalk Album

Pics: Chris Woo Album

Final: Guinness Singapore Women's Rugby XV 2009

2009-08-06T10:06:00.001+08:00

Final postponed due to H1N1 scare

2009-07-31T10:36:00.003+08:00

The much awaited final of the Guinness Singapore Women's Rugby XV 2009 between Blacks RFC and SRC has been postponed to 8 August 2009 as two players from SRC are suspected to be down with the H1N1 virus.

Semifinal 2: SRC v RSC 15-0

2009-07-27T16:47:00.007+08:00

Match Report by Euan Morrison

Picture Courtesy of Chris Woo

The semi-final 2 was held last Saturday with 2nd place SRC, defeating their Malaysian counter-parts 15-0 away from home.

The game kicked off with a furious pace, but with no real structure in the play. RSC being at home seemed to settle down fast, possibly home advantage helping this. SRC were struggling throughout the first half to build any real phases and with RSC's pressuring style of defence they were turning over ball and making good use of it with accurate kicks deep into the SRC half to pin SRC back.

The deadlock was broken when in the 17th minute, a good drive off SRC's lineout was fed wide to the backs who were tackled short of the line, after securing quick ruck ball the ball was fed to the blindside and into the hands of onrushing lock forward, Sophie Gollifer who beat one RSC defender before diving over to score the first points of the match. Karen Yoh stepped up to take the conversion but the kick missed, falling short. Score 5-0

The game continued in its very stop start fashion, with a number of errors and penalties from both sides breaking up any flow there was to the game. Half-time score: 5-0

The 2nd half started with RSC looking as aggressive as they were at the start of the game putting in some good hits and pressuring SRC, but SRC looked a totally different team at the start of the 2nd half, immediately starting to play a more structured game and running hard creating more go-forward. In the 4th minute, after putting more sustained pressure on the RSC defence, SRC were awarded a scrum inside the opposition 22. From the scrum No. 8, Annabel Woo picked up and ran at the defence drawing in a lot of the defenders and managing to stay on her feet long enough for support to arrive and form a maul, the maul crossed the line with prop Chia Jia Hui touching down. Karen Yeoh took the conversion from out to the left of the posts, unfortunately failing to convert. Score: 10-0

Despite there being some better rugby being played in the second half than in the first half there was not another break through until the 39th minute. After a number of well worked attacking phases in the RSC's 22 resulted in the ball being fed left to outside centre, Angelina Liu who broke through the middle of the defence. Upon reaching the cover defence she offloaded to stand off Chan Bi Qing who although being close to the line, drew the last defender and unselfishly passed off to supporting winger Marianne Wong to dive in at the corner. The conversion was missed. Final Score: 15-0

Both teams put up a brave performance in what was a very hard fought game.

Semifinal 1: Blacks v Bucks 57-0

2009-07-27T16:17:00.011+08:00

Match Report by Eunice Tay

Picture courtesy of Swalk

The first of two semi-finals was held on last Saturday with defending champions, Blacks, defeating Bucks 57-0.

Blacks RFC's winger Tabitha Fong scored the opening try in the 2nd minute, breaking through the Bucks defense from a pass by out-center Serena Yeoh. Fong converted her own try and the score was 7-0 to Blacks. In the 7th minute, Bucks gave away a penalty from an offside position off a ruck in their own 22m and Wang Shao-Ing took the penalty kick and brought the score to 10-0.

It was not long before Blacks put more points on the board, stand off Eunice Tay cross kicked for Fong to score her second try in the 9th minute but the conversion was off target.

In the 13th minute, Fong ran through the blind side and committed two defenders, freeing Blacks full back Leung Wai Mun to score a try under the post. Leung tried to convert her own try but the conversion went wide and hit the post. The score was 20-0.

Blacks forwards kept a wave of attacks off rucks and Blacks' resident tighthead, Lee Tao Jing, scored her first try in the league for Blacks in the 19th minute playing at lock in this game. Blacks No. 8 Ang Wei Yi created a try off a turnover scrum for Fong to score her 3rd try for Blacks before half time and put the score 32-0 at half time.

In the 2nd half try, Blacks' flanker Priscilla Humphries scored 2 tries in the 4th and 9th minute. Both conversions were unsuccessful. Fong scored her 4th try of the game in the 13th minute after her backline passed the ball out fast off a scrum to bring the score to 47-0.

Blacks' scrum half Tan Hui Juan recorded her first try of the league in the 18th minute from a turnover scrum. However, the conversion was unsuccessful and the score was 52-0.

Wang Shao-Ing scored a try under the post after receiving a pass from Serena Yeoh who picked up the ball off a ruck in the 28th minute. Once again, the conversion was wide which put the score at 57-0.

Bucks defended well and never gave up. They tackled with determination and had a few turnovers in the rucks. Blacks could not add on to the score line with Bucks's good defence and the score remained at 57-0 at full time.

Related Links:

Swalk album: Blacks v Bucks

Lawrence Ang Album: Women's Rugby 2009 > Blacks v Bucks

Rugby In Asia : Try Fest for Blacks whilst SRC grind out win

Guinness Singapore Women's Rugby XV 2009 - Playoffs

2009-07-22T11:08:00.004+08:00

Week 3: Blacks and SRC maintain bids for finals

2009-07-20T11:54:00.017+08:00

Match Reports by Emily Ortega

The third round of the Guinness Singapore Women’s Rugby XV's 2009 was held on Saturday, with all four teams travelling to Republic Polytechnic for their last match of the group stage.

Blacks v RSC 32 - 5

The first match of the evening saw defending champions Blacks RFC take on the gutsy girls of Royal Selangor Club (RSC), who made their second trip to Singapore from Bukit Kiara, Malaysia. Blacks RFC's Fly Half Eunice Tay opened the scoring with the first try of the match, breaking through the RSC defense off a quick penalty. The score stayed at 5-0 with the unsuccessful conversion.

After a few phases of hard work by the Blacks forwards, they were rewarded with the second try of the match in the 28th minute through Prop Nur Azurah Binte Mohamed Khalid. Again, the conversion was off target and the score was 10-0 to Blacks.Just before half-time, Blacks' Flanker Priscilla Abelina Humphries scored the third try but the unsuccessful conversion meant the score at half-time was 15-0 to the defending champions.

In the 6th minute of the second half, Blacks' Out-Center Tabitha Fong finished off her lovely determined run from halfway with a try between the posts. This time, the conversion was good and the score was 22-0. RSC never lost faith and defended well even though the score line was not in their favour. They were eventually rewarded for their hard work when RSC's fullback Normasyirah Zahari broke through the Blacks defense to score their first try of the match, much to the delight of her team mates. Unfortunately, the conversion was unsuccessful and the score was 22-5.

Blacks added on to the score sheet when Centre Chan Jia Yu scored the fifth try off a backline move and replacement Hooker, Wang Shao-Ing, made a triumphant return after an injury with the last try of the match. Both tries were unsuccessful and the final score was 32-5 to Blacks.

SRC v Bucks 50 -0

In the second match, the girls from Singapore Recreation Club (SRC) played against a relatively new Bucks team.

SRC's Fullback Nadiah Ahmad scored the first two tries within 10 minutes of the match. The first conversion was successfully guided between the posts by Flanker Karen Yeoh, but the second conversion was no good, bringing the score to 12-0.

Lock Sophie Ngin Gollifer , with her very visible pink scrum cap, added the third try for SRC. Karen Yeoh’s conversion was spot on, taking the score to 19-0.

In the last few minutes of the first half, SRC's Hooker Tan Sze Yin brought the score to 24-0, which stayed as the half-time score after the unsuccessful conversion. SRC kept the pressure on right from the start of the second half and in the fourth minute, Sophie Ngin Gollifer scored her second try of the match. Karen Yeoh duly converted the try and the score was 31-0.

Bucks were down to 14 players when Centre Siti Nurazyan was shown the yellow card for a high tackle on SRC’s Scrum Half, Agnes Loh. Even though Bucks had fewer players on the field, they put on a gallant show of dogged defending with some crunching tackles, and never looked like they were outnumbered.

SRC's Centre Angelina Liu found a gap and broke through the determined Bucks defense to score SRC's sixth try of the match. The score stayed at 36-0 with the missed conversion, but shortly after, Fly Half Chan Bi Qing received an inside pass from Karen Yeoh and finished off the lovely move with a try. Provider, Karen Yeoh, successfully converted the try and then went on to score and convert her own try in the 26th minute of the second half.

Bucks fought hard and were almost rewarded for their persistence when Fly Half Haseena Allapitchay made a mazy run through the SRC defense. With no support from her team mates, the move was eventually halted by SRC and the final score stayed at 50-0 to SRC.

With the completion of the group matches, Blacks RFC tops the table with three wins in the bag. SRC is in second place, followed by Malaysian team RSC and then Bucks. Next Saturday, the semi-finals will see Blacks taking on Bucks at Yio Chu Kang Stadium, while SRC will travel up to Malaysia to face hosts RSC.

Related Links:

Swalk Album - Blacks v RSC

Rugby in Asia : Round 3 goes with form book

Columns: Quickfire with Olovsson

Guinness Singapore Women's Rugby XV 2009 - Wk 3

2009-07-16T09:53:00.003+08:00

Fixtures & Results

Week 2: RSC v Bucks 24 -0

2009-07-14T10:56:00.005+08:00

Match Report by Emily Ortega

The second round of the Guinness Singapore Rugby Women’s 15’s League 2009 was held last weekend, with fixtures in both Singapore and Malaysia for the very first time since the inception of the league.

The ladies from Bucks travelled up to Bukit Kiara in Malaysia to face hosts, Royal Selangor Club (RSC). Both teams lost their first round matches last week and were eager to record their first win of the season.

RSC and Bucks were evenly matched until RSC scored the opening try and the first of their season when fullback Adele found a gap and managed to break through the Bucks defense, to the delight of the home crowd. Centre, Meiling Sybil Choong, who was later acknowledged by RSC as the player of the match, successfully converted the first try between the posts.

RSC added on to the score sheet when fly half Normasyirah capitalized on a momentary lapse in the Bucks defense. Meiling dutifully converted the try, bringing the score to 14-0 at the half-time whistle.

In the second half, RSC’s no. 8, Dianatasha (or Carl as she is commonly known to her team) scored the third try of the match off a scrum near Bucks’ try line. Meiling brought the score to 21-0 with a lovely conversion.

Bucks then gave away a penalty close to their try line, and Meiling again displayed her good kicking skills, effortlessly putting the ball through the posts for a successful penalty kick.

RSC may have had the win in their bag, but Bucks never gave up and fought all the way to the final whistle. Although they had scoring opportunities, they lacked the finishing touch to put them on the score sheet. Nevertheless, they put up a gallant performance for a new team of fairly new players. The match ended 24-0 in favour of RSC.