Defending champions Anglo-Chinese Junior College (ACJC) retained their Schools National Water Polo Championships A Division boys' title with a narrow 8-7 victory over Hwa Chong Institution (HCI) at the Co-Curricular Activities Branch swimming complex on Thursday.

The first quarter saw the score tied at 2-2, but ACJC pulled away in the second quarter, taking a 5-3 lead with Syed Isa scoring twice.

In the second half, ACJC keeper Daniel Au pulled off a series of saves which ultimately kept a spirited HCI side at bay and ensured the victory. Said ACJC captain Brendan Teo, 17: "It feels great because we overcame them not by individual skill, but by a team effort."

HCI coach Lee Sai Meng attributed their defeat to a poor start. He said: "We were too nervous in the first two quarters and did not dare to take shots. We could have drawn if we started as well as we played in the last two quarters."