The Players' SMU Rugby XV

Yes, it is long overdue
Yes, it is finally here
Yes, you asked for it AND Singapore, this is your Players' SMU Rugby XV.
(As previously mentioned, since we havent got the cloning technology, players who received top votes in more than one position will be named for the spot in which they received the most votes in. The player who came in 2nd will be named for the other position. Since we relish transparency, in all places where the 2nd fave is listed, the top fave will be listed in brackets. )

ARE YOU READY!!!!

1	Vickneswaran S/O Sellathurai		53.4%
2	Chong Wei Nurn		46.0%
3	Sherman Yeo		65.7%
4	Joel Leong		50.7%
5	Lim Wei Ming (Tied with DMC)		29.4%
6	Lionel Poh		30.4%
7	Benjamin Teong		27.9%
8	Big Daddy DMC		60.0%
9	Josiah Goh		78.1%
10	Amos Siow		42.9%
11	Ruzaini Zani		47.0%
12	Muhammad Nasiruddin (Desmond Wee 28.6%, Alex Chew 24.3%)		20.0%
13	Desmond Wee		39.4%
14	Alex Chew (Ruzaini Sani)		25.8%
15	Alex Ong		84.1%

The star of the show is Alex Ong, SMU's most influential player, who showed clear majority at 84.1%. Then again, his opponent was Amos.

Then of course you would have noticed Alex Chew is the ultimate number 2, he was second most popular in all the positions he played this yr.

On other news, Alex Chew was seen outside Pick&Bite earlier today trying to download porn from his fellow clan member Mouth Chew's external hard disk. Sources revealed that his state of excitement over the new found treasure, Alex accidently opened all the videos insted of "Drag Dropping" them into his newly created folder. Horny Boy=Stupid Boy.

The Animal turns 24 - Shen Sijie

At SMUrugby, we like to take some time off our busy "mugging" schedule to send our birthday wishes to the team's favourite and most 'jack-able' Shen Sijie aka The Animal.

The animal as he would prefer to be known, is arguably one of the blurrest, most forgetful, most foolish, most careless and most ill disciplined player on the rugby field. To illustrate, the flanker was top on the count for Most Penalties conceded this season. He is almost late for all trainings and most likely to reach to a match venue late for warm up and find that he either forgot to bring his shorts or his boots. With a blur face written all over his face, it doesn't help the lad that he is regarded as one of the 'dirt-iest' player in Singapore Rugby history. As fellow course and team-mate Alex Ong once commented, "Sijie is the kind of guy, who looks dirty even if he BATHES!" His unusual antics of playing rugby matches in boxers has left many of his team-mates frowning and speechless.

In other news on the Animal, it is reported that he has lost his laptop for a 4th consecutive time!Previously, the latter was fortunate to retrieve it from the toilet or from the lost and found counter. But this time round, while exams, projects and term papers are round the corner, his beloved laptop is no where to be found.

On behalf of the animal, we plead to the public to take some time off from the hunt of Mas Selamat, instead! if you should spot a Sony Vaio Laptop lying some where around in school unattended, please do not hesitate to call the animal ALSO KNOWN as the Beast.

Nevertheless, apart from all the 'jacking' and critics, SMUrugby wish to extend our birthday wishes to our dearest (pick one) "Animal/Beast/Wolverine/Logan" Shen Sijie

Happy 24th Birthday.

Part 2 Behind Closed Doors - Wednesdays Underground

In our Part 2 on Behind Closed Doors, we bring you through our Wednesdays trainings. Trainings are scheduled to be at 7pm, but by the time every one waltzes in and does their usual shenanigans, we end up starting at 7.30pm. One thing we never mention about the SMUrugby team is that the whole team is in a different time zone. The team which is well known to be poor with punctuality, functions with a +30minutes or more to all schedule times.

What do we mean?

To elaborate here are a few examples and scenarios.

1. If the Captain wanted to start training at 7.30pm, he would have to tell his team that training starts at 7.00pm.

2. If the Captain wanted to start warm up on game time at 4pm. He would have to tell his team to come down at 2.30pm to give time for +30 minutes buffer and for an hour for the boys to change, prepare the water and get taped up.

3. If the Captain keeps pulling off this +30 minutes buffer stunt, the team gets a bit smart and will take matters into their own hands and the resulting rationale is as follow

Step 1 – Reads Email
Captain says in email that training is at 7pm.

Step 2 – Typical SMU rugby player
If Captain say 7pm….means 7.30pm “ok lah…still got time to ‘go take 5’(smoke) and see some up skirts at ‘Pick and Bite’(one of the school’s eatery)

Step 3 – The Slippery Slope and Pluralistic Ignorance
Since every one will probably think the same way as I do…and they will probably only start REACHING the training venue around 7.30pm, I think I will just make sure I reach there by 8pm.

Do you see how this can turn into quite a nightmare?

So Wednesday nights, we usually train at a public compound/walkway/corridor in SMU, as the School Sports hall is fully booked on that day. The place where we train is located underground at SMU and surrounded by retail shops, clinics and some banks. It is the best possible open space we have to train on that is convenient for every one who has classes till 6.45pm and that has lights and a decent space to work conduct training.

The space is usually too tight to work with a 30 man rugby team, as we have to deal with running in between passer bys or hoping that whoever kicked that ball (even though told not to) does not chop off the head of the innocent old lady withdrawing money at the ATM. Not to mention, sometimes the school cheerleaders, insist on fighting with us for the limited space while we train, but I guess we don’t mind it all that much. Therefore with the space that we have, Wednesdays' sessions are usually spent doing our basic skills and unit skills. Team-run is certainly a no-no.

Nevertheless, despite the constraints the team still showed a fair bit of commitment and turn up for training on Wednesdays.

Hmm but maybe...it was more for the cheerleaders.

3.5 days later...

Three and a half days after the survey was launched this is the tentative SMU Player's XV.

1. Vicknesawaran S/O Sellathurai
2. Chong Wei Nurn
3. Sherman Yeo
4. Joel Leong
5. Daniel Marc Chow
6. Lionel Poh
7. Benjamin Teong
8. Daniel Marc Chow
9. Josiah Goh
10. Amos Siow
11. Ruzaini Sani
12. Desmond Wee
13. Desmond Wee
14. Ruzaini Sani
15. Alex Ong

If there was one person that everybody agrees deserves his place is our dearest scrum half Josiah Goh. Of the 47 votes casted, Joise secured 43 votes which is a whopping 91.5%

The Survey has also shown that we cant simply get enough of DMC, Dezzzo and Zaini...we want more than one of them.

Lastly, at the full back slot...the ugly stepsister has once again proved that he is more influential than cinderella edging him out in a two way contest with 81.3% of the votes.

Keep voting..another 4 days left.

Behind Closed Doors - Mondays with SMUrugby

With the conclusion of the rugby season, the City Boys have hit back to the books and been undergoing some internal re-organization of the team. With a new executive committee set to step up to take over from the committee of 2007/2008, we hope to see a stronger SMU side next season.

So while the Inter-University season is over and most of us all heading back to our books, we thought we give our readers a treat, and give you a peek to what SMUrugby training regime is like. Over the next few days, we will take you through our weekly routine and how we prepared ourselves for the 2008 Tri-Universities.

The team who boast of 30 active players constantly struggled with attaining a steady healthy turn out during trainings. Nevertheless, the team trained 3 times a week on Monday nights, Wednesdays nights and Friday late afternoons.

The reason for the rather irregular times of training was due to the difference in timetables of the players. At SMU, lessons usually end by 6.45pm and on Fridays by 3.15pm.

Unlike our other rivals like NUS and NTU, the deprivation of a rugby field within our school premises, proved to be a huge challenge that the team had to deal with. Hence, during the season, the team often had to make-do with whatever we could get.

For today, we will take you through our Monday’s training session.



Monday sessions usually sees a poor turn out. The team only has the school sports hall which is located at the SMU administration building from 6pm to 8pm, as that was the best possible slot we could get from the balloting process (within SMU, clubs have to ballot for the use of the sports hall). Hence, most of the boys who have classes till 6.45pm either join the session around 7pm or better still! Not bother themselves, by not turning up.

Nevertheless, the Monday session is usually the most slack and enjoyable. The boys do some ‘skills’ and cardio exercises. Playing a bit of soccer, basketball or even boxing(please refer to the video below) is definitely on the training manual, especially after a weekend’s game. Other times, the team does a bit of fitness and spends some time working their unit skills.

Imagine you are the captain - and you are about to run your backline moves and then you see this...

Amidst all the 'serious' work out and exercises, the team also takes time to mess around(as you probably figured) or even consider attempting crazy feats. Such as kickers Amos Siow and Josiah Goh aiming to put a rugby ball through the basketball net by attempting to do a place kick or drop kick from the other end of the court. Both of which never succeeded.

Another crazy feat attempted and witnessed, was when Tafa threw down his guard during line out training and issued a challenge to 'Big Daddy' Daniel Marc. The dispute was over who was the better jumper and the Big Daddy was appearing "full of himself" and confident that there can be no better jumper than himself. The former SMUrugby president then broke it down to Tafa, "... to prove it(you are a better jumper than I am) you got to show me you can either jump higher than me or do a slam dunk!"

Tafa chose the latter.... enjoy the video

SMU Player XV

Tomorrow is the big game. You are ready, mentally and physically. Waiting to be unleashed. Then Outlook pops a you got mail msg on the bottom right hand. You click the tab, suck in one deep breath, you forehead moistens with sweat, its the line up.

WHAT THE F**K! That clown has messed up the line up again, whats wrong with that fool?

Yes..this clown...

How many times have you found yourself, in this very situation. Think you can do a better job than Ex-President Amos Siow. The time has come boys, to nominate your very own SMU PLAYER'S XV. Root for those who should be there and boot the rest.

Pick your Fave Fowards:SMU Player's XV Forwards

Pick your Fave Backs: SMU Player's XV Backs

You will have till midnight next Thursday, and we shall know whether our pretty little Cinderella is worth his glass shoes..

P.S: It is advised that you dont spam votes for yourself...it quite noticable and i will take you down. Remember what Sherman said about me, "Vicky, you are the worst."

SMUrugby TV Presents...

Perth, Western Australia
10 Days
12 Players
13 Tries

Compilation of tries from IRAUG 7s 2007

A Word From SMUrugby TV

Now that the the 2007/08 rugby season has ended for SMU Rugby. We here at SMUrugby would like to thank our faithful supporters not only for their continued support at our matches but also helping us cross the 15K mark on the sitemeter. While the City Boys are taking their well-deserved break and heading back to the books and term papers awaiting them, the producers at SMUrugby TV are busy churning out a video with a compilation of the tries scored by our boys in Australia during the recent Indian Rim Asian Universities Games 2007 as a special treat for our supporters . So hang in there for the world premiere of this exclusive video compilation here at SMUrugby news in 1 days' time on 10th March 2008.

Meanwhile...we present to you the SMU Rugby Exco 08/09:

From left to right:
Muhammad Ruzaini, Daniel Lee, Matthias Lim, Sherman Yeo, Chew Yin Xiang, Vickneswaran Sellathurai and Jed Ong

Is it a crime to love animals?

During SMUrugby recent team photo session (taken with the help of our very own pro-camera man Lim Wei Ming), the team took various shots, some of which were serious and others somewhat candid and disturbing. The photos were taken to commemorate the end of the season and to use the photos for the mailer that's due to be sent out to the school - to break the news of the latest victory in the Tri-Uni Championships.

However, after browsing through the numerous photos taken, we at SMUrugby stumble upon some very disturbing photos - 2 in particular.

First, the photo above shows the team posing together in unison to the 'famous Daniel Lee pose' , this pose was last captured during the Blacks Midnight 10s last year after winning the Bowl Championships(picture right). While everyone were fist-pumping in jubilation, the freshmen Lee showed us what jubilation meant to him. We will not elaborate on the gesture and will leave it open to your interpretation of what it means.

(But we digressed)

The photo above brought much controversies as it we spotted incoming exco member, Jed Ong to be quite an "Animal-lover" (Sijie aka The Animal or the beast). The photo has left many tongues wagging and has flooded our tagboards with many ethical questions such as, "Should animals be allowed on a rugby team?", "Is it right for Jed to attempt to procreate with animals?" just to name a few.

When interviewed by SMUrugby news, Jed Ong was totally embarrassed and repentant on his actions claiming that he didn't know that the photo was being taken. Whereas Shen Sijie (the Animal) told us, "I didn't know Jed liked me so much, nevertheless I am not complaining.Thanks Jed!"

Moving on, after processing the photos, Wei Ming also told us he encountered some mysterious results from the photos he took. Photos revealed that the two players missing from the photo session, Daniel Marc Chow (who is in Portugal on exchange) and Vice-President Lionel Poh (in Holland) some how managed to find their way in the picture. It is reported to be a rather freaky experience and some are speculating that even though they are away in Europe, their spirits are very much here in Singapore and within the SMUrugby team. Being such media whores, you can be sure they were not going to miss this photoshoot for the world!

However, due to the freakish nature of the shot, rumor has it that their faces will be photoshopped from the photo for the purpose of the school mailer, to prevent any further unnecessary attention to be created amongst the school's rugby team.

For now the SMUrugby committee are still trying to find an appropriate response to the public regarding the actions of Jed Ong as a couple of female passerbys have reported Jed to the police for cruelty to animals. Rumor has it, Jed's agent has actually issued a statement that 'The Animal' was a willing party.

SMUrugby Annual General Meeting

During the SMUrugby AGM, President Amos Siow once again gave one of his infamous naggy emotional speeches and went on to present individual awards to the players.

Most Absent Player of the Year
Alvin Tan
While Justin Lum should have rightfully got this award instead of Alvin, Alvin's no show when his services was most needed was deemed intolerable by the team, especially when he didn't turn up for trainings choosing to focus on his 'very low' GPA.

Most "Penalties" Conceded
Shen Sijie
The Animal is known for his gangster swagger on and off the field, but more so for his consistent ill-discipline in games. The latter was caught conceding 3 consecutive penalties in a span of 5 mins against NTU, this demeanour resulted in an outrageous outburst by fellow team-mate Vicknesh, who certainly made his feelings known to Sijie about what he thought about his infringements.

Most Random Player of the Year
Lorenzo Escano 'it wasn't me' Lim
You cannot be sure what the Escano is up to, or what random moves he might pull off on the field. His repeated dummy pass and random winger commentary on the field has won him the award of Random Player of the year, closely behind him was team-mate Alex Ong.

Most Influential Player of the year
Alex Ong
Sigh.

Best Foreign Talent
Tafa
Well...he is not from Kenya. Tafa is from Zimbabwe. Enough said.

Most Improved Newcomer
Vignesh Naidu aka The Darkness
When he first joined SMUrugby, the Darkness could barely coordinate his hand and eye movement. But after having under gone some intensive training (rumor has it, with Mok Wai Hon), his hands (we mean Rugby Ball handling skills) have improved.

Most Consistent/All-rounded Performer
Chew Yin Xiang aka Mouth
Always ready to put in a sturdy performance, Mouth has been versatile and always ready to fill in at any position for the team, adding much depth to the SMU team.

Biggest "Guns"
Nasiruddin aka Total Package
We quote, "Doing gym...gives me a rush. It makes me feel like I'm in heaven!" We say, those guns don't lie.

Most Dramatic Player of the Year
Desmond "I'm f*cked up" Wee
We might not have seen much of the Weezer scoring much tries or making as much breaks as he is famous for this Tri-Unis, but one thing's for sure - you know that Desmond is on the field when the referee is getting a crash course on Rugby Rules 101 while on the field. He is definitely SMU's most opinionated player, who is not afraid to take it out on the referee, whether you are an 40 year old male referee or a 19 year old touch girl refereeing a game of fun touch, Desmond exercises sexual equality and gives them both the hair-dryer treatment. The Weezer's latest stunt has been to simulate an injury the way soccer players do. During the first leg against NUS, the latter suffered a late tackled and went down like someone had turn the lights out on him, he lay motionless for a good minute before getting up perfectly fine and yelling at the referee.

Hottest SMU 'player' Player
Benjamin Teong aka Slayer Player
If Edison Chen is a God, you obviously have not met Ben Teong.

Special Contribution Award
Lim Wei Ming
Weims as he is known, has contributed a lot outside the scope of a SMUrugby player. Taking fantastic pictures for the team and assisting in the logistic matters for the team, the player has never backed down on helping the team when called upon.

SMU Ambassador/Spielberg Award
Naresh
The outgoing president of the school's ambassador's society has made a name for himself for his candid camera shots of random WAGs during games and comical commentating.

Smartest SMUrugby player Award
Daniel Lee aka Leoniadas
In SMU, our results are calculated by a thing called the Grade Point Average (GPA) and the maximum one can get is 4.0. Well his GPA is above 4, go figure.

Most Dedicated Player 2007/2008
Matthias Lim
With an almost perfect record of attendance, the SMU prop has never failed to make it for training and has always been the first to volunteer to help take care of the team's logistics. "If Matt is not at training, there is most likely no training"

Most Hardworking Player 2007/2008
Vicknesh Sellathurai
The National Thrower who is training hard to go for the 2009 SEA games trains daily is certainly the most hardworking player in the team. Just think about how he was 140kg, to the now 92kg Vick... thats definitely hardwork for you.

Most Promising Player 2007/2008
Zaini
We have seen glimpses of what Zaini can do, and has proven himself to be a tackling machine more than anything else. We urge you to keep an eye on this fellow, as he is sure to blossom into a quality player for the City Boys.

Most Improved Player 2007/2008
Jed Ong
Former National Swimmer who left the individual sport for a team game, he has picked up the game fairly quickly and has shown much determination in learning the game. In his efforts to play flanker, the former SEA games Gold medalist has abandoned his once lean body for a much bulkier one.

Best Newcomer 2007/2008
Jeffrey Ong
Latest addition to the team, Jeffrey has been absolutely committed to the team and has shown great attitude during trainings and games. He is a hard-hitter of the game and we hope to see more of him in action in time to come.

Best Freshmen of the Year
Sherman Yeo
The former National Under 19 Captain has had a solid season, putting up consistent performances with every game, winning praises from coach Harry Mason frequently.

IRAUG 7s Player of the Tournament
Lionel Poh
Up in Australia, the Vice President of SMUrugby lead the team to a credible 4th finish and in the process destroyed some Australians with his ferocious tackling. One of his big hits left Curtin's star player winded and gasping for breath.

IRAUG 7s Top Try Scorer
Lionel Kong
He scored 3 tries in one half against Murdoch University and another against Curtin. Lionel Kong was all gas up on this tour.

Best SMU Back of the Tri-Uni
Josiah Goh
If you consider the fact that he played winger in his college days, Josiah filled in at scrumhalf brilliantly and proved to be a very important player to the City Boys. With natural scrumhalf Justin Lum out, Josiah took up the challenge and had an outstanding tournament.

Best SMU Forward of the Tri-Uni
Joel Leong
Quiet and blurry looking, the freshmen had a good performance during the Tri-Unis and played an important role in SMU's victory over NUS.

Best SMU Player of the Tri-Uni
Daniel Marc Chow
Monster. With a 75% strike rate (scoring 3 tries out of 4 matches), the #8 was a handful to opponents and was a huge driving force in the team.

Best Back of the Season 2007/2008
Alex Ong

Best Forward of the Season 2007/2008
Daniel Marc Chow

Best Player of the Season 2007/2008
Sherman Yeo

Long Service Award
Chong Wei Nurn
Uncle Wei Nurn will be graduating by the end of this term and has probably played his best rugby with SMU this year. The hooker who has been an integral member of the team will certainly leave the team as a legend and will be sorely missed.

Tri-Universities Champions 2008

SMUrugby made history when they beat NUS in the second leg of the Tri-Universities to record their first ever victory against them. The win also secured the City Boys first ever 15 a side trophy and helped erase the horrors of a last place finish for the past 2 years since it's existence.

The team has shown much character and depth throughout this season and will hope to take this taste of success as a stepping stone for greater things to come.

The season of 2007/2008 has been a fruitful one for the City Boys who have done SMU proud in their respective display in the:

-Blacks Midnight 10s (Bowl Champions)
- SMU ringEmails 7s (Plate Champions)
- India Rim Australia Universities 7s Games (4th place out of 6 teams)
- Tri Universities Rugby Championship (Champions)

This has been a good start to a relatively young team and we hope that with the summer 'transfer' market due to open in May, that the City Boys will be able to make a few quality signings to help boost their team's chances at future competitions.

Thank you for making the Tri-Unis a success!

With the completion of a successful Tri Universities Rugby Championship, SMUrugby will like to take the opportunity to thank the people who has made this tournament a great success

• Singapore Rugby Union - For the sanction of the tournament and supporting the tournament by appointing referees for our matches.

• SMU's Office of Student Life (OSL) - For the huge support they have given the SMUrugby team to organizing and competing in this tournament.

• SMU Sports Union (SSU) - For helping us with the finances, claims and invoices with regards to the tournament and the well-wishes.

• NUS & NTU Captains- Shafiq Zulazmi, Valmiki C Nair and Ang Tze Shien - In helping in the smooth organization of the fixtures. They also helped to secure rugby fields to play the games and were good captains to work towards a successful tournament

• Redsports.sg Leslie Tan - For the extensive coverage on the tournament, providing us a neutral perspective of the games and some very nice photos from the game. We hope to be able to in return show more support by encouraging more people to patronize and visit your website at http://www.redsports.sg/

• The supporters & readers - Every game, teams were always well supported. Certainly didn't get a sell-out crowd, but for those who made the trip down to support the players and the game, it created to the great atmosphere. We also like to thank our hardcore fans and readers who visit our blog to keep themselves updated on the latest scores from the Tri-Unis. We appreciate it.

We hope to see you again next year, as we work towards bringing up the rugby scene on a Singapore University level.

Watch out for the Tri-Unis Dream Team 2008.

So where do we go from here?

We will be hoping to form a Singapore Combined Universities Side and make a request to the POL-ITE side to form a combined side and to have a 3 legged tournament where the Singapore Combined Universities side take the Singapore Combined POL-ITE side, pretty much like how the British Lions tour around NZ, South Africa and Australia. Hopefully, we will be able to make this Singapore Combined Uni side a regular fixture and perhaps conduct friendlies to play against some of the Singapore clubs in the future. So stay tuned.

SMU Rugby Doesn't Get Pushed Around

This was the Pushball when it all began.

This was the Pushball by the time we were done with it.

On the 1st of March 2008, Sentosa's Siloso Beach experienced earthquakes estimated to hit a decimating 9.8 on the richter scale. SMURugby News was immediately on the scene, hitching a ride from the Riot Police who thought that Mas Selamat had finally decided to strike at Singapore's major tourism hotspot.


Fortunately, it was not Mas Selamat who was the culprit, but our very own homegrown terrorists. Sightings of the suspects remain sketchy at best, but our SMURugby News' very own talented photographer Lim Weiming caught the following shots of fleeing suspects:





Not much is known about them except that the first is an aspiring film director of Bollywood origin, and the other two are Australian refugees. Together they form the two notorious teams that destroyed the SMU Waikiki Pushball tournament held at Sentosa that day to emerge 1st and 3rd place respectively.

The group was recruited by the bloodthirsty President of an undisclosed Middle Eastern Nation who broke someone's knee that day. Further reports reveal that it is rumoured to be composed of members from a certain SMU Elite Sport that has recently brought home one of the university's gold medals. The devastating plan of attack was masterminded by a local drug dealer known only as "One Foot Jed" who is said to be related to footballing legend John Terry. The mastermind was injured in the foot by a sharp object in the sand and walks with a limp. Please keep your eyes open for him.

Jed sports his Symbolic "Get High Today" Crown

Rumour has it that this terrorist Pushball Team is here to stay....
We at SMURugby News are proud to once again bring you breaking news as it hits (literally).

The Changing Face of SMU Rugby

Most of us would be familiar with the ‘tear-jerking’ fairy tale where Cinderella, the poor abused girl finally found her dreams coming true thanks to a well fitted glass shoe. Amos Siow, in every right, was the Cinderella in the fairy tale ending when SMU Rugby clinched the inaugural Tri-Uni Championships last Saturday. We all can be pretty sure that Amos himself will agree that one of the ugly step sisters that often abused him would definitely be Alex Ong and also of course Alex Ong would consider this more of a compliment than anything else.

Chong Wei Nurn (Uncle Chong) received his first gold medal after a long drought in his illustrious rugby career. The visibly delighted Uncle Chong has been through the tough times. SMU Rugby fraternity past and present know where this team stood not too long ago. We were winless in the 15s game till a few weeks ago when we beat NTU 8-7 in the first leg. Looking back one can only awe at the magnificent achievement of the Superhuman President Amos Siow.

From securing a coach, to bringing together the players, settling disputes in selection of players and even making the Tri-Unis happen, Amos Siow did it all. Not to forget, this very blog was his brainchild and the success of it has largely been due to him (posting as well as refreshing). So, what’s next for Amos? He was heard loud and clear after Sherman Yeo was unanimously voted in as the President to head SMU Rugby into the 08-09 season, “You guys sort it out la, it’s not my problem anymore.” For someone who has done that much work, he has every reason to be tired.

What the future holds for SMU Rugby would be interesting. Sherman Yeo is one hell of a character who often seems like he champions the 7 Deadly Sins (including LUST recently). However, it is clear that the SMU Best Freshman Player would fall no yards short of bringing home the silverware. He has clearly displayed his intent to his fellow exco and has elaborate plans to bring SMU Rugby to the next level.

However, as the saying goes, “The legacy you face is greater than any other opposition”, Sherman’s greatest challenge will be to live up to the immaculate standards that his predecessor has set for him.

Tri-Universities Championships Report

After 6 weeks of tournament, the Tri-Universities Rugby Championships 2008 have come to an end. The tournament finished with SMU and NUS sharing the top spot, only to be differentiated by point difference. With slightly superior point difference of 10 points (SMU +30, NUS +20), the tournament champions was awarded to SMU.

Top Try Scorer

3 tries

Shafiq Zulazmi (NUS)

Jonathan Chen (NUS)

Daniel Marc Chow (SMU)

2 tries

Kenny Chan (NUS)

Sherman Yeo (SMU)

1 try

Josiah Goh (SMU)

Kevin Ang (NTU)

Ash (NTU)

Daniel Huang (NTU)

Vicknesh Sellathurai (SMU)

Giresh (NTU)

Amos Siow (SMU)

Top Point Scorer

28 points

Amos Siow (SMU)

15 points

Daniel Marc Chow (SMU)

Shafiq Zulazmi (NUS)

Jonathan Chen (NUS)

12 points

Valmiki C Nair (NUS)

10 points

Kenny Chan (NUS)

Sherman Yeo (SMU)

7 points

Josiah Goh (SMU)

5 points

Daniel Huang (NTU)

Vicknesh Sellathurai (SMU)

Giresh (NTU)

Ash (NTU)

Kevin Ang (NTU)

2 points

Daniel Thiam (NTU)

Jelvin Soh (NTU)

Top Try Scorer of the Tournament:

Shafiq Zulazmi (NUS), Jonathan Chen (NUS) & Daniel Marc Chow (SMU)

All 3 players put up a great performance throughout the tournament and were a huge driving force for the respective teams. The trio were tied for the award with 3 tries each.

Top Points Scorer of the Tournament:

Amos Siow (SMU)

Contributed a try and took most of the kicks for his team, chalking up 28 points for SMU this tournament.

Player of the Tournament:

Daniel Thiam (NTU)

One of the most experienced and capped player of the tournament. Although his side ended the tournament winless, his contribution to the team in both attack and defense was remarkable.

SMU crowned champions in finale

In a tournament that promised to be closely matched, the ending was dramatic all the way to the finish. Yesterday NUS won NTU by 17-7, but had to settle for 2nd place as they lost to SMU on a count-back by differences in points scored and conceded (they were both tied with 10 points in the league).

In the first half, NUS got off to a flying start, making numerous line breaks through their centre Muhd A'srie, but poor finishing let them down and repeatedly gave NTU a bit of respite and opportunity to clear their lines to keep the score at a deadlock. NUS always look like the more dangerous side, as they looked to have thrown all caution into the wind and were showing clear signs of going for the bonus point, by scoring 4 tries against NTU. When awarded penalties, the team opted for line outs, scrums and quick-taps, rather than putting points on the board.

The open and ‘flair-ish’ play entertained the crowd and kept every one on their toes. However, the adventurous play didn't look to have paid off as poor finishing and solid defending from NTU, kept the half time score at 5-0, courtesy of NUS prop Kenny Chan, diving over the line to score a close range try, just before half time.

After the break, NUS continued to dominate the game and were finally rewarded with a well worked try from skipper and winger Shafiq Zulazmi. Valmiki C Nair's conversion was wide and kept the score at 10-0. Shortly after the restart, NUS were back in control quickly and a clever kick in open play from Valmiki C Nair, put NTU's winger Emery Ong in all sorts of pressure, with the NUS backline closing down the space quickly, Emery 'punched' the ball out of touch just before the try-line, leaving the referee with no choice, but to award a penalty and sin-binnd Ong for the professional foul.

Instead of taking the points, NUS opted for the scrum and were duly rewarded with a try from Kenny Chan, who dived over the line for a try under the post to record his second of the match. The prop was evidently pleased with his contribution and ran up to the half way line in his celebration and took a gentleman's bow to the crowd as they cheered and applauded him. NUS's kicker Valmiki made the extra point count and brought the score to 17-0.

In need of one more try or 4 more points to secure the championship, the defending champions looked like they had this in the bag. However, NTU had other ideas and began their quest to spoil the party.

From the restart, the Boon Lay Warriors began to play with a bit more spirit and intensity as they stood up to the challenge and slowly muscled their way and put NUS on the back-feet. With good retention of the ball and forward play, the Boon Lay Warriors, finally managed to put points on the board when centre Kevin Ang battled his way through to score a try. The conversion was good and it brought the game to an interesting scoreline of 17-7 (Note: NUS needed to win NTU by a margin of 20 points or win NTU by scoring 4 tries or more to win the overall championship).

With Emery Ong returning back in the sin-bin, ill discipline by NTU saw 2 of their forwards taking their place in the sin-bin, leaving NTU to battle the closing minutes with 13 men.

With outstanding performances by NTU’s Yik Thai Hoe and Daniel Thiam, the Boon Lay Warriors held the fort, until a break from Thomas Zhang from his own 22metre line, sparked off a brilliant counter-attack. The break saw the ball move through the lightning quick NUS backline, putting their winger into ample of space. With only the NTU’s winger, Emery Ong to beat, the winger was taken down by Ong that saved NTU from conceding another try and brought the game to a close after the move broke down from a knock-on by NUS – handing SMU it’s first ever 15 a side championship.
NUS vs NTU
Scoreline: 17-7

NUS
Tries: Kenny Chan (2), Shafiq Zulazmi (1)
Conversion: Valmiki C Nair (1)

NTU
Tries: Kevin Ang (1)
Conversion: Jelvin Soh (1)