It brought not only the first ever meeting of Scotland and Singapore in an international match, but also the first ever FIT sanctioned Test Match on Singapore soil. Speaking of soil, it had to stand up to the first ever monsoon-Touch experience for the Scots. At halftime of the opening Tour match versus Singapore Barbarians it started to drizzle - not anything new for the Scottish travellers. However within minutes the sky had darkened and then split to release a downpour like no other. A few sets of play later and the sub-box was a small pond and the field a muddy swamp with raindrops the size of lychees falling solidly for 5 minutes.

Before this onslaught the game had been an entertaining one, with the slightly rusty Scots still finding their feet against a skillful group of Singaporean-based antipodean ex-pats. Both sides created some clever scores and the heat made it difficult for the visitors in the first half. The game was eventually cut short by captain's agreement with the score at 7-4.

The break in-between this game and the later Test Match versus Singapore Mens Open allowed the Scots to socialise with some of the locals and watch a few exhibition matches with young local players. The fields were down at the redeveloped Turf City which offered some rare field-space in the concentrated space of Singapore. Our host, Bryan O'Connor, looked after us during the break and assured us that the flooded fields would drain in time for the Test Match.

To our surprise, they did, and although conditions were still damp the fields recovered well and the sun came beating down. The enthusiastic crowd encircled the field as the teams lined up for the national anthems. A rousing rendition of Flower of Scotland got the adrenalin flowing and the Singaporeans got the local support going with a musical reply of their own.

The game had a fast start, but no early scores, as both teams sized each other up. A score from the Scots got some confidence flowing and they started to take a little control. But the heat was starting to take its toll on both teams and the game lost some of its early pace. The turf had started to churn a little with the heavy ground and the legs got heavier and heavier. Eventually, after an enjoyable battle, the Scots prevailed 8-1.

A chill out and plenty recovery fluids, followed by some local dinner, ended the day with a pleasant sociable feel. Thanks to those from Singapore Touch who contributed to the logistics and also those who just enjoyed a chat and making us feel extremely welcome.

A special thanks must be given to Bryan O'Connor who endured a lengthy process of assisting organising our trip and helped ensure the existence of the Official Test Match, along with the smaller things like organising our buses around Singapore. We hope to be able to return the favour next year when the World Cup comes around. 

All in all, a fantastic start to the trip both on and off the field for the travellers. They are currently on route to Sydney for the continuation of the tour, where apparently some serious heat (and rain) awaits them, along with some of the most prestigious Touch players in Australia. An update of their warm-up matches against Western Suburbs Touch will follow - along with further updates on Facebook.

You can see a short clip of the national anthem from the Test Match on YouTube.