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from Singapore Women's Rugby Blog

Singapore selected a largely development team, guided by 3 senior players, to participate in the ARFU Asian Women’s Championships 2009 in Pattaya, Thailand. The Singapore women’s rugby team claimed the title of Bowl Champions in a tight final against Iran.

Singapore was grouped with Uzbekistan, Hong Kong, China and Guam in the playoffs. Singapore started out by putting on the pressure in the first game against Uzbekistan. However two missed tackles and a turnover by Singapore saw Uzbekistan taking the game with a 19-0 win.

In the 2nd game, Hong Kong scored the first try from the kick off by running wide. Singapore came back strongly to put in two tries to lead the game at half time by 10-5, however Hong Kong replied with two quick tries after half time. Singapore replied instantly with another unconverted try to close the gap by 15 – 17. In the last minute of the game, but Hong Kong came back to put in one more unconverted try to seal the game with a 22-15 point win.

Singapore fielded mostly development players to gain experience against the China-the eventual Champions- and recent Rugby World Cup Bowl Champions. Singapore did themselves proud by scoring a team try against China from a free kick at the half way line but China ran out convincing winners by 52-7. In the last game of the day, Guam stepped up a notch, in miserable wet weather, and with three tries all converted, they won 21-0 against Singapore.

Day 2 saw Singapore grouped with India and Laos. Singapore took on India in the first game with an exemplary performance. Again the experienced players from Singapore were left on the bench to allow the ‘rookies’ to take the field. The team did well, blazing to a 50-0 victory. Singapore maintained their win against a more experience Laos with 5 unconverted tries.

In the Bowl Final, Singapore was up against a bigger and speedy Iran. Singapore started the game in a determined fashion and Priscilla Humphries scored the opening try in the 5th minute. Just before the half time, Annabelle Woo scored the 2nd try by attacking the blind side from a penalty. The second half saw Iran trying their best to get back into the game and they eventually scored a converted try. Singapore defended very well for the last 2 minutes of the game to emerge Bowl Champions.

Final Tournament Standings:

1. China - Cup Champions
2. Thailand - Cup Runners-up
3. Kazakhstan - 3rd
4. Uzbekistan - 4th
5. Arabian Gulf - Plate Champions
6. Guam Plate - Runners-up
7. Hong Kong - 7th
8. Chinese Taipei - 8th
9. Singapore - Bowl Champions
10. Iran - Bowl Runners Up

Related Posts:
IRB: China Crowned Asian Women's Champions
Guam Plate Runners-Up
Gulf take the plate

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