Singapore Regain Causeway Rugby Challenge Shield

Causeway Rugby Challenge Shield 2013, Singapore U23 v Malaysia U23, 21st December – Singapore lead the score 3-0 in the early bit of the game with Flyhalf Naresh Kunasegaran converting the penalty kick about 35m out. But it didn’t take long for Malaysia to put their name on the scoreboard, mistake from the Singapore lineout lead to fumbles just on the try area, Malaysia took the opportunity and scored, conversion was unsuccessful, 5-3…

Causeway Rugby Challenge Shield 2013, Singapore U23 v Malaysia U23, 21st December – Singapore lead the score 3-0 in the early bit of the game with Flyhalf Naresh Kunasegaran converting the penalty kick about 35m out. But it didn’t take long for Malaysia to put their name on the scoreboard, mistake from the Singapore lineout lead to fumbles just on the try area, Malaysia took the opportunity and scored, conversion was unsuccessful, 5-3.

Singapore continued to pressure on, dominating the lineouts and scrums, and with Naresh great kicking form. The team eventually put themselves back on the leader’s board through a great support Try, when Lock Scott Joosa’s broke through the Malaysia defense line after a clearance kick received, then passing to Center Jay-Hykel to commit the last defender before passing it over to fellow Center Daniel Looi for a Dive Try just under the poles. Conversion was good from Fullback Daryl Chia, and Singapore lead the half time score 10-5.

In the 2nd half, Naresh continued his form kicking his 2nd penalty and extending the lead to 13-5, Singapore. But yet again, it didn’t take long for the determined Malaysia side to bring the score back to only a 1 point difference. The Malaysia speedy Backs managed to over commit the Singapore players and found themselves scoring 15m away from the side line to keep their hopes alive, score 13-12, Singapore.

Singapore then extended the lead further away with 2 successful penalty kicks from Naresh and Daryl each. It was in the final 10min of the game when Singapore was awarded a Penalty just 5m to the Try Line and Prop Alvin Ho took a crash ball and brought it over the line, again Naresh make no mistakes in the conversion, score now stands at 26-12. Malaysia continued to put pressure to the Singapore defense straight after, but the determine Singapore side made it impossible to break through the line. After almost 10min of defending from the Singapore side, they finally made a turn over from the breakdown, the ball was kicked out and the final whistle was given. Final score, Singapore 26 – 12 Malaysia.

During the prize ceremony, Naresh Kunasegaran was named and awarded Most Valuable Player for the Singapore.

Congratulations and well done to the Singapore Under 23 Team, the Players and Managements! And to the Malaysia Rugby Union and Team for the excellent display of team spirit and sportsmanship.

We would like to thank all the Sponsors and Supporters for making this event possible.