SCHOOL RUGBY

SCHOOL RUGBY

Not everyone who went to SMSS played rugby. But rugby had a big influence on all students regardless, and this is not an understatement.

During our time in SMSS, rugby was like what baseball is to the Americans or cricket is to the British. It can be considered as a priority sport. The school too took a special interest in the development of rugby. I am not sure whether rugby still dominates the scene in SMSS now.

But back then, rugby had a special place in the hearts and minds of the citizens of SMSS.

Rugger players were like gladiators. They had to undergo rigorous  training week in and week out. During tournament seasons, special food was prepared for them at the 'Dewan Makan'. I think it was chicken soup and bread (or was it biscuits? I can't remember).

There were those who did not play the game, but still participated in the training exercises, simply to keep fit.

And of course the cheering squad. Well, come to think of it, everyone who didn't play for the school team cheered the rugger boys every time they had the chance.

For away matches with known rivals, like RMC or the Victoria Institution, busses did not only bring players but also accommodated the 'cheering squad'. There were many cheering tunes that were taught and rehearsed. Even till today, I can still hum a few of those tunes. The one I like the most was "Lan Ngocheng Ada Hantu Jembalang".

In 1980, (we were in form three at that time), if I am not mistaken, both the school's Under 15 and the Under 20 teams won as Selangor Champions. The school headmaster even declared a holiday the day after the celebrations.

Such was the influence of Rugby back then.

I did not know how and why rugby occupied such a central role in SMSS. Some say it was due to a certain teacher, from Scotland, who came and taught in SMSS for a number of years. He taught Math (i think) under a certain inter-governmental program sanctioned by our authorities. His name is Ian Gordan.

I have heard stories that it was Ian Gordan who introduced the sport to the school because he was a rugger player back in Scotland and was keen to introduce this sport to SMSS.

And Rugby took off in SMSS under the stewardship of Ian Gordan.

Now, I don't know. I haven't been to the school for ages. I heard the school has an orchestra and is quite good at it. Winning competitions here and there.