Episode 12 of "The Winning Try" revisits the pivotal moments preceding Ga-ram's heroic debut in Hanyang's climactic showdown against Daesung. As anticipation builds around who will emerge victorious in this final rugby clash, Ga-ram's unprecedented entrance ignites a spark within his teammates, fueling their aspirations for glory.
The game kicks off with a bang, the boys' skills shining brightly, yet Daesung secures an early lead with the first try. Far from deterred, Hanyang's squad persists with unwavering enthusiasm, swiftly leveling the scores. By the conclusion of the first half, Daesung retains a narrow advantage, complicated further by Hyeon-sik's devastating injury. The physician's solemn pronouncement underscores the gravity of Hyeon-sik's condition, leaving Hanyang to battle on with just six players. Despite this dire situation, Hyeon-sik passionately pleads with Ga-ram to allow him to stay in the game, arguing that a six-man team would be severely handicapped. Ga-ram, moved by his teammate's determination, concedes, and Hyeon-sik valiantly takes to the field for the second half.
Hanyang manages to add another try to their tally, but they remain trailing by two points. With the clock ticking down to the final five minutes, Seong-jun clutches the ball, only to find himself pinned down under pressure. Calling for a maul, the scene transforms into an intense struggle of raw power and unwavering resolve. Both teams engage in a relentless tug-of-war, Hanyang desperately seeking that elusive try while Daesung fiercely defends their lead.
Interwoven with these intense moments is a montage of flashbacks, chronicling the team's journey from Ga-ram's arrival to their current, crucial standoff. And then, in a heart-stopping climax, Hanyang triumphs, securing the victory. Emotions overflow as players, families, and spectators alike are swept up in an ecstatic celebration, their spirits soaring in unison.
What transpires with Bae I-ji? I-ji and U-jin find themselves engaged in separate shooting competitions. Meanwhile, Principal Kang keeps a vigilant watch over I-ji’s match from Ga-ram's hospital bedside, where the latter remains unconscious post-surgery. I-ji acquits herself magnificently, advancing to the finals with flying colors.
Nak-gyun's fortunes take a nosedive as he is summarily dismissed, leaving Woo-jin coachless. Seok-bong and his spouse endeavor to shield I-ji from this development, yet she uncovers the truth through a call from Seol-hyeon. Realizing Woo-jin's dire need for support, I-ji makes a heroic decision to withdraw from her own competition and steps in to coach Woo-jin instead.
With I-ji’s encouragement, she exhorts Woo-jin to persist, even in the absence of medals. Woo-jin responds by clinching the gold, a triumph that also marks I-ji's ascension to the role of head coach for Hanyang’s shooting team by episode's end.
As for Jeon Nak-gyun, his fall from grace is swift and steep. Jong-man and Heung-nam storm Woo-jin’s event, terminating Nak-gyun on the spot. It transpires that Woo-jin’s mother had filed an assault complaint against Nak-gyun, reigniting the investigation. Compounding his woes, I-ji had submitted irrefutable evidence of Nak-gyun’s unethical dealings with students, sealing his fate under Jong-man’s decree.
Rumors of a strained relationship between Woo-jin and Nak-gyun fuel his desperate bid to confront Woo-jin and seek clarification. Yet, Woo-jin, immersed in her event with earplugs securely in place, remains oblivious to the commotion. Nak-gyun is ejected from the premises amidst the furor. Subsequent attempts to reach Jong-man fall on deaf ears, prompting Nak-gyun to resort to tattling as a last-ditch effort.
What transpires with Seong Jong-man?
Jong-man, capitalizing on the rugby team's victorious wave, aspires to ascend to the principal's seat. Nevertheless, during a post-national championship meeting, Gyu-won makes an unexpected appearance, accompanied by an educational board team tasked with investigating Jong-man. Jong-man remains confident in his innocence, believing they will uncover nothing incriminating. However, just as Gyu-won prepares to depart, Ga-ram enters the scene, holding a flash drive entrusted to him by Nak-gyum. Ga-ram reveals that the flash drive harbors evidence of Jong-man's misconduct – siphoning funds donated by external sponsors for other teams during his tenure as department head and vice principal. Consequently, Jong-man is terminated from his position. As he exits, Jong-man attempts to rationalize his actions to Ga-ram, insisting that if Ga-ram were in his shoes, he would comprehend the necessities that compelled his deeds. Ga-ram, immersed in idealism, believes they can always prioritize students' welfare, but Jong-man asserts that over time, they will recognize the significance of numbers and gold medals.
What becomes of the Hanyang Rugby Team?
Seong-jun, Ju-yang, and Yeong-gwang bid farewell to Hanyang High School upon graduation. Hyeong-sik steps into the captaincy, while Seong-jun secures early admission into Yonhee University. Meanwhile, Ung embarks on training under Sang-hi, Ga-ram's venerable friend who now helms the national youth team as head coach. On graduation day, Seong-jun expresses her affection for Woo-jin by asking him to be her boyfriend, and he joyfully accepts. Ga-ram, assuming the mantle of rugby team head coach, steers the team into a new era.
Do Ju Ga-ram and Bae I-ji find romance?
Following their national victory, Ga-ram and I-ji contemplate their futures. I-ji declares no regrets about stepping away from competitions, embracing her coaching role wholeheartedly. Ga-ram, moved by their shared journey, extends an invitation for I-ji to remain by his side for the foreseeable future, culminating in a marriage proposal. I-ji, touched by the gesture, accepts the pair of rings, and their lips meet in a tender kiss.
How does "The Winning Try" conclude?
The graduation ceremony witnesses I-ji and Heung-nam retaining their positions as head coaches for the aerobics and shooting teams, respectively. In a climactic, triumphant moment, Ga-ram is officially appointed as the head coach of the rugby team, marking a new chapter of triumph and hope for the team and its future endeavors.
