A lung-bursting try by forward Isaac Tan to open the scoring set the tone for Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) as they clinched their fourth-straight A Division boys rugby title yesterday.

They beat Raffles Institution 12-3 at the National Stadium in a repeat of last year's one-sided final which they won 36-3.

Last evening's match proved a tighter affair as Raffles pushed their opponents all the way but were unable to add to full-back Ryan Leong's first-half penalty.

ACS (I) hooker Benjamin Lim added another try which scrum-half Matthew Robinson converted for the extra two points.

Neither side could score after the restart. Despite Raffles dominating possession and confining ACS(I) to their half for long periods, the Rafflesians were unable to break past their rivals' defensive line.

Isaac, 17, was playing in his first A Division final and relished the experience. He said: "It was one of the most spectacular tries I've scored this season. It was truly a magical moment."

Despite the narrow loss, Raffles captain Jeff Chen, 18, insisted that there were no regrets.

The fly-half said: "We were disappointed at first but then we realised that we really gave our hundred per cent. We gave our best. Every one was really happy that we played this season together."

His counterpart Joshua Lee was full of admiration for the team in white and green hoops. The ACS (I) captain said: "I was really impressed with the way RI played. I've never seen a team like that play with a will to never give up. They gave all they had so kudos to them."

ACS (I) had completed the grand slam last year after capturing the championships across all three divisions. They are on track to repeat the feat having clinched both the A and B Division titles this year.

Joshua said: "I wouldn't say it is dominance. We are just very blessed to have a such a good coaching team as well as our parent support group."

Correction note: The original report had Isaac Tan named as Isaac Lim. We are sorry for the error.