NUS Pips Favourites SIM to the Crown

The RP Invitation Women’s Tens Tournament concluded yesterday evening, with NUS emerging champions after beating favourites SIM.

The first cup semi-final kicked off with a closely fought game between National University Singapore (NUS) and hosts Republic Polytechnic (RP). RP’s tight defense kept the game scoreless for most of the game, but just minutes before the full time whistle, NUS’s Christabelle Lim scored a dramatic winning try for NUS.

The second semi-final saw Singapore Institute of Management University (SIM) take on National Technological University (NTU). NTU had more possession of the ball, with a few good attacking phases but were let down by some unforced errors. SIM had more experienced players on their team and they scored 2 tries by Chan Jia Yu and Clarissa Lim to book their spot in the cup final.

In a closely fought plate final, NTU and RP fought tooth and nail, scoring an unconverted try each. Both teams displayed steely determination in defense and the match went into extra time. Within a minute of the start of the sudden death, RP was caught flatfooted by a dazzling run from 70m by NTU’s Amanda Teo, who scored the winning try and NTU emerged plate champions. 

The final game of the tournament between NUS and SIM was a feisty match. Both teams defended well and neither team threatened to score in the first half. The second half the game started with NUS changing tightening their play. The change in game plan worked as NUS’s Amelia Siew finally found a gap off a ruck and scored against the more experienced SIM team. SIM persevered and was always threatening to score. However, just before the final whistle, NUS’s Amelia managed to squeeze in another try and they were rewarded for their hard work. NUS emerged victorious and were crowned cup champions of the RP Invitational Women’s Tens Tournament 2009.

Singapore Rugby would like to thank all players and officials who participated in the tournament, with special thanks to RP who hosted the tournament. This tournament was a success because of the support from the tertiary institutions and we look forward to your continued support for women’s rugby.