SINGAPORE - Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) thrashed Hwa Chong Institution (HCI) 9-1 in the Schools National C Division water polo final on Monday (July 18) at the Physical and Sports Education Branch at Evans Road. They picked up their third successive division title.

Those expecting a neck-and-neck match were disappointed as ACS(I) asserted their dominance from the get-go when they led 3-1 after the first period of six minutes. HCI struggled to keep up with their opponents and their attempts to build up play were constantly thwarted.

The ACS(I) water polo boys, who beat HCI 9-4 in the preliminary round, continued to stretch their lead in the second (5-1) and third (6-1) period before ending the game at 9-1. The two-time defending champions were more adventurous going forward when they played long diagonal passes and also remained tight at the back, denying HCI's forwards an opportunity to surge towards goal.

ACS(I) water polo teacher-in-charge Ho Yee Cheong said: "Our boys performed very well today and I expected this kind of a dominant performance from them. Everyone was confident in their abilities and the boys are just very talented."

Anglo-Chinese School (Barker Road) clinched the bronze medal last week when they beat Raffles Institution 7-6 in a closely-contested affair.