Sckoolboy 7s

Managed to catch the Singapore Cricket Club Schools and Colleges 7s tournament on the weekend, and it was a rather disappointing sight. It has been awhile since I have set foot at a school’s rugby event, but it must be said that the standard was not as I expected. The worse thing was to only have 5 schools participating in the colleges tournament – imagine that : Only 5 teams competing for the Sittawalla Trophy in 2007, compared to 20 odd participants in the early 90s.

The reason for this was something about exams, and having to place the tournament a week after its usual date due to field availability. Whatever the reason, the organizers should have a long hard look at how they run the tournament. Such a prestigious 7s tournament being reduced to an afterthought is such a shame.

The other shame of the day was to see ACS (I) play all their IB boys in the under 17 competition. For the uninitiated, ACS has converted to a through train system and now offers the international A level to its students. What this means is that you got 17 year olds playing in the under 17 competition as a legal team. This would be perfectly fine for ACS if those who played in the 7s have actually been representing the school at the under 17 level at the on going police cup. From what I hear, ACS did not put in their boys who are playing in the police cup for this year. Preferring to send in their 17 year old boys who will be playing in the Police Cup u20 competition later on in the year.

Some might say its ok, its about the team having the right resources to chose who they want for the tournament at hand, and being able to win it at the same time. I say where is your pride? Where is that sportsman spirit?

On the bright side, a few teams were extremely good. Pioneer Secondary school has a team of talented, natural athletes. Fast runners, agile sidesteps and great ball handling skills make this team one to watch. With some guidance , these guys will be great players in the future.

The Saints did not make the Finals, losing to UWC in the final due to some extremely questionable refereeing decisions. But refereeing decisions will always be questionable so lets put the ref aside. The saints looked extremely tired towards the end of the semi finals, and one has to ask if it was a result of a long tournament or a long season for them.

In the colleges tournament, UWC looked like a bunch of seasoned professionals, having the guidance of a national coach on their side did not hurt as well. SAJC lacked the personnel to carry them through, and looked extremely disjointed. ACJC won the tournament against UWC in the finals, with a bunch of unknowns. Who says that AC is dead?

When the sun set, I was burnt, but at least I had my fix of local schools rugby. It was a pity though that the SCC can organize a great men’s tournament , but seem to not give the schoolboys enough thought.