Shoaw, Kolej Abdillah on collision course
KUCHING: Kuching school rugby powerhouse SMK Agama Sheikh Haji Othman Abdul Wahab (Shoaw) stayed on track in their bid to wrest back the MSSM Kuching U18 Inter- School Rugby 15s crown they lost to traditional rival Kolej Datuk Patinggi Abang Haji Abdillah ( Kolej Abdillah) last year.
That 2016 final at Song Kheng Hai Rugby Ground saw Kolej Abdillah beating Shoaw by a penalty kick.
In this year’s campaign, Shoaw have so far beaten all the teams in Group B and top the group.
They opened with a 19-12 win over fast improving MRSM Kuching, blanked SM Sains Kuching Utara 92- 0, hammering SMK Penrissen No. 1 118- 0 and made a whitewash of SMK Sungai Maong 86- 0 to collect 12 points.
“The boys have done very well at the moment after topping Group B. As expected, our first match against MRSM Kuching was the hardest and we still expect a good fight from either SMK St Joseph or SMK Sains Kuching in the cross- over semi-finals.
“The semi- f inal spot wil l only be decided af ter their last Group A match tomorrow morning,” said Shoaw head coach Zulkaranainshisham Sarbini yesterday.
If his team does advance to the final, Zulkaranainhisham said they would most probably meet old rival Kolej Abdillah.
“Either one of the warriors will have to be at their best to get back the trophy this year.
“I hope that my players will keep their spirits high and focus sharply on their tasks. As long as they stay composed, enjoy themselves and play to their potential strength, they will be fun to watch,” he added.
Meanwhile, Kolej Abdil lah have also secured their semifinals berth after winning all their four games, beating SMK Teknik Sejingkat 32- 0, Kolej Vokasional Matang 67- 0, SMK Sains Kuching 36- 5 and SMK St Joseph 59- 0 to top Group A with 12 points.
The competition, organised by Kuching District Education Office, is hosted by Shoaw with technical assistance from the Sarawak Rugby Union.