On Tuesday 19th April Singapore Rugby Union played Hong Kong Rugby Union at both U14 and U16 level in two international test match friendly’s at St Andrews Secondary School in front of a big crowd on a hot afternoon and a sticky evening.
Singapore National U14 v Hong Kong U16
In the first fixture which kicked off at 5pm both Under 14 teams faced each other. Singapore fought hard in the first half but conceded two tries and then hit back early in the second half with a score from Riq Harriz, Marcus Smith was unable to convert making the score 14-5.
In the blazing Singapore sun Hong Kong again applied the pressure and scored a further 3 tries after some lack lustre Singaporean defence, with the score at 25-5, the local team applied further pressure to gain another score but proved in vain with poor finishing letting Singapore down.
Head Coach Harry Orgee commented
“ The boys showed a lot of heart and determination especially after a disruptive week of training with various players not be being available, I am hugely proud of this group of players, there has been a core group who have stuck together through thick and thin and for some of them the future is really bright with their own personal rugby development, Hong Kong proved too strong for us this afternoon but I foresee future fixtures with this group to be a lot closer”
Assistant Coach Neil Morton spoke after the game
“The result may have flattered Hong Kong as the Singaporean boys defiantly gave a good account of themselves. Considering the short time in which they had to work together as a squad this game can be taken as a massive positive for both the boys as individuals and as Singaporean rugby moving forward. The physical size of Hong Kong was something we could not compete with especially at the contact area. In attack we were always looking a threat with Marcus Smith at fly-half and Riq Harriz at inside centre performing very well and constantly getting behind the defence. Here we have the bare bones of good individuals with masses amount of talent and as a rugby union we need to ensure we continue to develop these players so that they can one reach the goal of representing the full national team.”
Singapore National Under 14 Squad
Jack Stewart (Captain) – Australian International School/ Tanglin Rugby Club ©
Cai Devine (Vice Captain) – UWCSEA (VC)/Centaurs Rugby
Matthew Pangrazio – AISS/ Centaurs Rugby
Jeromy Chua – St Andrews Secondary School
Charles Loh – St Andrews Secondary School
Nick Grundlingh – UWCSEA/ Centaurs Rugby
Hidayatul Hakim – St Andrew Secondary School
Edoardo Cristiani –Overseas Family School/Centaurs Rugby
Richard Sigl – UWCSEA/Centaurs Rugby
Kyler Wong – ACS Independent
Bryan Putra – ACS Independent
Keegan Yap – ACS Independent
Danial Venema – Singapore American School/ Centaurs Rugby
Marcus Smith (Vice Captain) – UWCSEA (VC)/Centaurs Rugby
Akida Lim – St Andrews Secondary School
Muhammad Asyraff – Montfort Secondary School
Riq Harriz – St Josephs Institution
Indra Putra – Bedok Town Secondary School
Shreyas Babu – St Josephs Institution
Kok Ho – St Andrews Secondary School
Emeric Bucaille – Lycee Francais School/Centaurs Rugby
Maxime Chevot – Lycee Francais School/Centaurs Rugby
Muhammad Irfan Mohamad – Damai Secondary School/Centaurs Rugby
Marcus Wright – UWCSEA/Tanglin Rugby Club