By Ariann Khoo (26S06B) and Kunchur Bharat (26A01B)

All photographs courtesy of RPAC (Y1-4) unless otherwise stated.

A Feat

“R-A-F-F-L-E-S, Raffles!” 

The steady beats of the drums reverberated through the field, spirits high with competitiveness and confidence. Fervent cheers erupted from both sides, the atmosphere buzzing with energy and nerves. First started in 1968, the Kiwi Cup, played between the ruggers of Raffles and Saint Andrews, is an annual match that commemorates years of sportsmanship and camaraderie.

More Than What Meets The Eye

With this match marking the final Kiwi Cup the Y6s are competing in, it was a season to remember. For them, the game represented more than just another competition; it served as an opportunity to validate their efforts made during the pre-season training sessions during the holidays, a confidence boost for the upcoming NSG season, and a source of encouragement.

“It is an opportunity to start the year with great vibes and a high-intensity game, to see what our efforts have amounted to.” 

Daniel Howard Park, Captain (26A01D)

With confidence and an intention to score, the Raffles Ruggers stepped onto the field of the Saints, ready to prove themselves worthy.

The First Try

The Saints started with a kick off, opening the game with a fierce tempo. A clean and confident catch by one of our players ignited immediate cheers from our sea of spectators. As the crowd rippled through the stands, the ruggers went head to head against each other, shoulders tightly locked and their feet planted deeply in the field beneath them. The raw physical intensity of the scrum was visible, with both teams, equally determined and eyeing for possession of the ball. 

Breaking free from the huddle, Team Raffles seized the ball. With the free kick caught cleanly, and in a blur of fast and sharp passes made within the team, the Saint’s defence was torn apart as the first points were scored, concrete evidence of their tenacity and strength. From that moment on, the game belonged to them. After multiple unyielding attacks, Team Raffles dominated every inch of the field, denying the Saints any chance of a comeback. When the final whistle sounded, the scoreboard told the story in stark clarity: a resounding 12–7 victory, sealing a performance defined by blood, sweat, and an indomitable spirit to win.

Coming off a dominant first half, the aim was clear: hold on to the lead. A job that is easier said than done. The clouds overhead grew darker, the thunder louder; both were a premonition of what was to come. Exhaustion had set in amongst the Raffles Ruggers and the momentum of the game began to slip away from them. Saint Andrew’s were not going to make this victory easy. At the 64th minute, the Saints regained possession after a lineout, battled their way through 5 rucks inches away from the try-line, and scored their 2nd try. 64 minutes of work by Raffles, unravelled in 54 seconds.

12-12.  

The Saints’ kicker stepped up for the conversion. The ball hurtled through the crossbar. 

12-14. 

“In that moment, my heart just dropped.” 

Iain Chong Chow, Vice-Captain (26A01C), reflecting after the game

The memories of last year’s Kiwi Cup began to ripple across supporters’ minds as the drizzle picked up, along with the stakes. At that moment, it felt as if Saints had sealed Raffles’ fate. They would have—if a game of rugby only lasted for 65 minutes. Unfortunately for St Andrew’s, it doesn’t.

With renewed tenacity and a thirst for victory burning inside of them, Raffles was determined to make the most of their 6 minutes. In Iain’s words: 

“A lot can happen, in 6 minutes.”

Despite Saints’ best efforts to widen their lead, Raffles’ ruggers refused to give up even an inch of ground as the two teams traded kicks, lobbing the ball back and forth across the field. With barely 4 minutes left in play, a ray of hope cut through the grey, cloud-covered pitch. As the Saints failed to secure the ball in the final lineout of the game, Raffles leapt for the opportunity to hunt victory from the jaws of defeat. A powerful boom rang through the stadium as Raffles managed to propel the ball to the Saints’ half of the field and continued their fight back. Suddenly, amidst the scuffle for possession, a whistle was blown, and a player went down—a penalty kick awarded. Chaw Sheng (27S06D) was out, and Raffles had been given a lifeline.

3 points. 2 minutes left in play. 1 kick to make history as Raffles Rugby’s first Kiwi Cup victory on Saint Andrew’s’ Potong Pasir campus. RI’s fate lay in the hands (or rather, at the feet) of Christian Hunter (27S06D), one of Raffles Rugby’s brand new Year 5s.

15-14. 

By the barest of margins, RI had done it. Players and coaches alike stormed the pitch in a victory-driven frenzy, and the supporters in the stands heaved a collective sigh of relief that had been held captive in their chests for the last 6 minutes. 

Post-Match Interview 

“Our approach to Kiwi Cup was a validation, and I think in a sense we got that today.”

Daniel

During our chat with Daniel, as well as the two Vice-Captains (and twins!) Iain and Aden Chong Chow, this was the sentiment that shone through most clearly. They also took the opportunity to shout out their new DSA players and the man of the hour, who scored the kick that turned the tide: Chris. 

Closing things off, Daniel had this to say, reflecting the wisdom he’s accumulated in his 4 years of captaincy:

 
“I think we can be proud of ourselves today, but ultimately we must keep our heads down, stay humble and keep working towards our ultimate goal, which is the NSG.”

Congratulations, boys! And all the best for NSG.