SMK Taman Fajar edge MRSM to win U-16 rugby title
SANDAKAN: SMK Taman Fajar edged out MRSM in a closely fought Under-16 final to win the gold medal in the ERC Junior 7s & Sumandak 10s Rugby Carival here which ended yesterday.
It was an exciting duel with the eventual champions narrowly winning the match by two tries to one at the final whistle.
Three other categories - Under9, Under-11 and Under-14 for boys were also contested.
SMK Tinusa won the gold medal in the Under-14 event after they defeated MRSM in the final. Both teams played with great determination with the SMK Tinusa boys eventually emerging the winners.
In the battle for the Under-9 and Under-11 crowns, SK Kem Tentera dominated the action in both categories as they played with great enthusiasm and obvious joy to take home the gold medals.
SK Sungai Abnib 3 and SK Rancangan Suan Lambak won the silver medals in the Under-9 and Under-11 events respectively.
The Ladies Open event was won by ‘Sandakan Mixed Team’. MRSM won the silver medal.
The Rugby Carnival was organized for teams in the Sandakan District for boys in the Under-9, Under-11, Under 14 and Under-16 age groups while the ladies category was an open event.
Awards were also given out to the best players in their respective categories, namely Aufazudin from SK Sungai Anib 3 (Under-9), Ibnu Sina from SK Kem Tentera (Under-11), Mohd Ikbal Nizam from SMK Tinusa (Under-14), Azahar Azzizol from SMK Taman Fajar (Under-16), Rahedah Jebri from Sandakan Mixed Team (Ladies)
The best team managers given recognition were Rosman from SK Kem Tentera (Under-9 team), Hasif from SK Racangan Suan Lambak (Under-11 team), Ghani from MRSM (Under-14 team), Mustamin from SMK Taman Fajar (Under-16), Norsyahidzan Saad (Ladies Sandakan Mixed Team).
The Organisers also thanked the teachers who helped to organise and acted as referees during the tournament including Cikgu Muchtar (SM Sung Siew), Cikgu Erlley (SK Sg. Anib 1) and Cikgu Norsyahidzan (SK St. Mary Bandar).
Sabah Rugby Union rugby Development Director Bradley Moni Mika, a former NZ All Blacks player, was present during the two days of the tournament to scout for new young talents.
Sabah Rugby Union president Vela Tan and MRSM principal Mohd Rizalmi Dahman were also there to watch the matches and present the medals, awards and prizes.
A state level age-group schools tournament is slated to be held at the Eagles Rugby Club on September 20 where the best of Sabah’s school teams are expected to battle it out for honours.