TRC Sheriff's make Cup Semi final

A great effort today from the Sheriff's saw them win their Group and make the semi-final. The story below courtesy of touchline reporter Charles Argyle:

Vs Bintang

Early pressure from kick off leads to two early TRC scrums with forwards and backs combining well to put Miller over the line for his first TRC try. Bintang pressure was twice relieved by line clearing punts from Julian. But the opposition continued to press hard and in spite of spirited defense the Sherriff’s line was eventually breached. Final score: 1-1



Vs. Flying Kukris (HK)

Kukris pressed right from opening kick and scored quickly. A midfield battle ensued before Matthew Crossley opportunistically snagged an interception, leading to Julian going over for a try that evened up the scores. Nail biting stuff at both ends of the pitch in the final few minutes but the deadlock remained unbroken. Final score 1-1.



Vs. St. Andrews

The whole team drives forward from the opening whistle with huge determination and is rewarded with Hugh Goovaerts charging over for his first TRC try. Superior ball control by backs and forwards alike in the pouring rain keeps Tanglin on the front foot with the reward eventually coming - a second try for the Sheriff's and a second try for Hugh. A little bit sleepy after that and St Andrews slip in to make it 2-1. That wakes the boys up, and appropriately enough the game ends with a pile of hard-working Sheriff forwards over the line in the mud with the ref's arm raised for try number three. Hugh's at the bottom of the pile and has his hat trick. Final score: 3-1 in what is turning out to be a very tight group.




Vs. Trinity College (Yellow)

A crucial game given pool standings. Once again, great pressure from the Sheriff’s from the opening whistle leads to an early penalty. Hugh G taps and goes, and is over in the corner. Couldn't ask for a better start. Terrific turnover ball from a midfield tackle in the backs - forwards pile in and win the ball - Hugh G emerges with the ball and charges down the touchline for try number 2. 2-0 up again, and just like the previous game, time for a nap - Trinity take full advantage and make it 2-1 ensuring a nerve-racking final few minutes. But the whistle goes with the winning scoreline intact.




Vs. Zhenghua Primary

Last pool game - a win and it's a spot in the cup semi-final for the Sheriff's. Couldn't wish for a better start as Julian darts over from the first scrum of the game to make it 1-0. Unfortunately we seem to be making the rest of the game more difficult than it should be. Miller saves the day with a spectacular try saving cover tackle on the opposite wing, and then a colossal effort by the forwards holds up a Zhenghua attack over the try line, with Julian's kick subsequently relieving the pressure. After an eternity the ref finally blows for a 1-0 victory and a spot in the semis of a cup competition for the first time in the Sheriff's history.



Cup Semi Final vs Valley Fort.

The Sheriff's know they are in for a tough match, but look ready for battle against last year's cup winners from Hong Kong. The defending champions come out hard and cross the line early - how the Sheriff's respond to this is crucial. But respond they do, driving forward, keeping the ball tight in the wet conditions, charging into tackles and driving hard in rucks and mauls, knocking the opposition back. And then the reward, a try for Hugh G and the score is level against the defending champions - the pinnacle of the day so far. Valley Fort now know they have a match on their hands and have the look of Apollo Creed in their eyes. But they push back hard. The Sheriff's throw everything into defending their line, frustrating their opposition with their best tackling of the day. But finally Valley Fort has an overlap to exploit and they restore their lead. Two more late break away tries in the dying couple of minutes result in a scoreline far more lopsided than the game - you can rest assured that for a good chunk of this one Valley Fort was a little worried. Final score: 1-4



Last words: What a great accomplishment by the Sheriffs - you earned your spurs! I recognize that many are not named above, especially the forwards (I don't know all your names!), but this was a genuine team effort, and each and every boy should be incredibly proud of their performance. Finally, many thanks to coaches Nick and John.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.