National School Games 2023 Water Polo : Rafflesians defeat Hwa Chong Institution Twice for the Championship Gold!

The Rafflesians breached the HCI goal for the 7th and final time for the win! Photo Credit : Team Nila Content Producer, Anbumani Arivalagan.

Back in 2022, Raffles Institution (RI) lost on penalties in the A Division Final, which saw Hwa Chong Institution (HCI) claim their 2nd successive gold medal. 12 months later though at the 2023 National School Games (NSG), the Rafflesians returned with a mission and dealt HCI a 7-6 defeat during a qualifying match on 3 April.

Riding on a 3-match winning streak in the qualifying phase, Raffles Institution met the Hwa Chongians 2 days later again and this was the fight for the championship title at Our Tampines Hub. With a 5-3 halftime lead, the RI "Polo Boys" surged further forward and went on to claim their 1st A Division trophy in 5 years. Final score was 7-5 to the Rafflesians! Meanwhile, here's a pictorial of the first RI vs HCI clash on 3 April, courtesy of Team Nila Content Producer, Anbumani Arivalagan. 

Hwa Chong Institution (Blue caps) attempting to score against RI. Photo Credit : Team Nila Content Producer, Anbumani Arivalagan. 

Hwa Chongians (Blue caps) managed to score against RI. Photo Credit : Team Nila Content Producer, Anbumani Arivalagan. 

Rafflesians hold ball possession as they attempt to buildup their attacking move. Photo Credit : Team Nila Content Producer, Anbumani Arivalagan. 

Rafflesians close in to complete their scoring opportunity. Photo Credit : Team Nila Content Producer, Anbumani Arivalagan. 

HCI regroup with a 3 on 5 team strategy on goal. Photo Credit : Team Nila Content Producer, Anbumani Arivalagan. 

RI regain ball control, while under pressure from their opponents. Photo Credit : Team Nila Content Producer, Anbumani Arivalagan. 

Hwa Chongians receive a pep-talk from their coach during a break. Photo Credit : Team Nila Content Producer, Anbumani Arivalagan. 

Rafflesians with the ball, attempting to draw out their opponents. Photo Credit : Team Nila Content Producer, Anbumani Arivalagan. 

A timely block by a Rafflesian. Photo Credit : Team Nila Content Producer, Anbumani Arivalagan. 

HCI continue to pile on the pressure in search of the goals. Photo Credit : Team Nila Content Producer, Anbumani Arivalagan. 

Both teams tussle for the ball. Photo Credit : Team Nila Content Producer, Anbumani Arivalagan. 

HCI player found himself free for a few seconds, before passing the ball. Photo Credit : Team Nila Content Producer, Anbumani Arivalagan. 

The Rafflesians defend against another scoring attempt. Photo Credit : Team Nila Content Producer, Anbumani Arivalagan. 

Hwa Chongians fought hard to defend their title. Photo Credit : Team Nila Content Producer, Anbumani Arivalagan. 

Rafflesians' defence worked overtime to stop a flurry of attacks from the champions. Photo Credit : Team Nila Content Producer, Anbumani Arivalagan. 

Rafflesians extend their lead after a counterattack. Photo Credit : Team Nila Content Producer, Anbumani Arivalagan. 

HCI refused to surrender and continued to find more scoring chances. Photo Credit : Team Nila Content Producer, Anbumani Arivalagan. 

Coach Yu Lei providing final instructions to his RI team as the match heads to a dramatic finale. Photo Credit : Team Nila Content Producer, Anbumani Arivalagan. 

Rafflesians rallying to create another goal scoring moment. Photo Credit : Team Nila Content Producer, Anbumani Arivalagan. 

The Rafflesians breached the HCI goal for the 7th and final time for the win! Photo Credit : Team Nila Content Producer, Anbumani Arivalagan. 

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