The Singapore Cricket Club Rugby Section is one of 12 sporting sections under the umbrella of the historic Singapore Cricket Club, which has the unique privilege to call The Padang its home ground. It is one of the premier sports and social clubs in Asia and the second oldest sports club in Singapore. Soon after its establishment in 1852, the Rugby section was formed, and had a number of notable British Civil servants in its ranks. The Padang is seen by most as the spiritual home of rugby in Singapore, with many international and state matches played there, alongside schoolboy and club finals. For many years till the late 1970s, the SCC was the home of the Singapore Rugby Union, and the club’s strong association with the Union and Rugby Community continues to this day.
SRU President Terrence Khoo was part of the team that last won a Premiership title for the club, all 21 years ago, and it is certainly a long time between drinks for the storied side that can count the likes of former England and Lions International Phill Greening and Former All Black Terry Wright as former coaches. The 2017/18 SCC side certainly has the capability to go all the way this year, but has failed to finish off games at crucial moments so far this season. Former Singapore Internationals Matthew Head and Suhaimi Amran are heading the coaching setup this year, and are looking to establish consistency among all 3 sides the club is fielding this year. The SCC Tankards have won the most number of Championships in Singapore Rugby history, winning 8 out of the last 10 finals. Last year’s final with Oldham was a close one and the Tankards are certainly not resting on their laurels this season. They will have to contend with the SCC Lions as well in the Championship, as both SCC sides look to try and dominated the competition this season.
The SCC 1st XV has the potential to win it all this year, and will need to work on the simple issues that arose in their close losses to Bedok and Bucks in the first half of the season. They certainly have the personnel to do it, with stalwart Peter McFeely showing some barnstorming form on return from national duty. Co-Captain Tim Foister has been a rock in the front row and much more is expected of the SCC pack to allow the dynamic backs to run wild. There has been an influx of young talents with the likes of National 7s reps Mattias Chia, Nicholas Yau, captain Marah Ishraf. Their combinations with Michael Oliver, Ben Turner. and speedster Taylor Haynes will be critical if SCC are to finally win that elusive title.
Much to look forward to then, and we wish SCC all the best!
Photo Credit: David Ash
