15 teams to slug it out for 7-a-side rugby title
SIBU: The 3rd edition of the 7-a-side Sibu Closed Rugby Championship, slated to be held on March 2- 3 at SMK Sacred Heart Rugby Field, has attracted a record number of 15 teams.
Sibu Division Rugby Union (SDRU) chief coach Michael Ting was surprised with the number of participating teams.
“The big number of entries is a testimony to the sport getting popular among the schools here,” he added.
Of the 15 teams, two are from Mukah Maktab Rendah Science Malaysia, who is sending Team A and Team B.
“The rest of the teams are all from Sibu,” he said.
The 13 teams are Sibu Swan, Sibu Swallow, Saints DT, Borneo Wanderers, SMK Sacred Heart School, Kolej Vokasional A and B, SMK Sedaya A and B, 9th Border Rejiment, Panthers KV Sibu Senior, Rangers A and B
Meanwhile, three teams - Sibu Ladies, SMK Sedaya A and B - will slug it out for the women’s title.
Ting said the aim is to select players to represent SDRU in future rugby tournaments such as the coming Sandakan 10’s, the Bernard Ting-Allan Richard Wan- Moh Ung Bing 15 - aside Rugby Memorial Cup and the Sibu 10-aside Bro Albinus Rugby Challenge Cup.
“Besides, it will also give the players a platform to test their stamina, perseverance and showcase their skills.”
Ting said the players had already been conducting their daily training at their respective centres before the Chinese New Year.
“Tough battles are in store during the friendly championship,” he added.