ACS (I) MAKE IT 10, BUT ONLY JUST

Only a late converted penalty against RI keeps their A Div rugby title run intact

- Melvyn Teoh

With a narrow 3-0 win over fierce rivals Raffles Institution (RI) on May 14, Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) maintained their vice-like grip on the National School Games A Division rugby title for a 10th consecutive time.

A converted penalty from Rahul Baskar 10 minutes from time was all that separated the sides in a cagey contest at the Ministry of Education (Evans) Stadium.

RI were left gutted, despite having closed the gap on ACS (I) over the last few years.

RI rugby master Tan Mian Ou said: "3-0 is the closest margin we've had in the last decade or so (and) it always felt like we were edging closer and closer, but we didn't manage to get it done today.

"But I'm really proud of the boys, because we have gone from a 34-5 hammering in the group stage against the same opponent and I think there was a lot of courage, desire and fire.

"But such is sport and in life, no matter how close, almost there means not there. We just go back and work harder for next year, as always."