We had our 9th MSSS/IJM/SRU Age Group Rugby 2011, also known as the Khoon Siah Cup, last weekend. It was heartwarming to see so many young talents running on our fields, fearless and the turn out was indeed unexpected! So, let’s cut to the chase, and I am just gonna pass the ball to my partner in crime, Ben, for the full report. Roger out!
Participation of 45 teams set new record
It was a recording-shattering turnout at the 9th MSSS/IJM/SRU Age Group Rugby Tournament 2011 held in Sandakan over the weekend.
Forty-five school teams of different age groups from all over Sabah came for the tournament.
“It is an unmistakable indication that rugby is quickly gaining popularity here in Sabah. Although we limited entries to only the best teams from each district, the response was still truly overwhelming,” noted an elated Sabah Rugby Union President Vela Tan.
“I believe our sustained development programmes have taken root and we are now seeing the fruits of our labour. Give it another 5 years and I foresee great things for the game of rugby here,” added Vela.
Six categories of competition were held. They were the Under-10, Under-12, Under-15 and Under-18 for boys and the under-15 and Under-18 for girls.
In the prestigious Under-18 boys category, Sabah College (Kota Kinabalu) once again proved themselves to be the best when they outplayed SMK Sandakan in the final. SMK Sandakan, fielding mostly Under-16 players, found themselves in a bind against a very skillful Sabah College squad who were also more experienced and physically bigger. The 24 – 5 scoreline showed their superiority and helped Sabah College successfully defend their title. Third place went to SMK Pengiran Omar II when they beat MRSM KK 19 – 10.
In the Under-15 boys final, it was SM La Salle’s (Kota Kinabalu) turn to shine. Their speedy forwards proved unstoppable as they chalked up a 19 – 0 victory over opponents SMK Sandakan. SM Sains Lahad Datu emerged third after their 19 – 10 win over SM Pengiran Omar II.
SM St. Michael Penampang was dominant in both the girls events. Their Under-18 girls outplayed archrivals SMK Mat Salleh Ranau 24 – 0 in the final to retain their crown. SMK Gunsanad Keningau claimed third spot by stopping SM Sung Siew Sandakan 10 -0.
SM St. Michael also met SMK Mat Salleh Ranau in the Under-15 girls final and again SM St. Michael came up tops 12 – 0. SM Sung Siew Sandakan beat SMK Kuhara Tawau for 3rd spot.
SK Pekan Keningau II were the heroes in the Under-12 boys event. Showing skills well beyond their tender age, they dominated SK Sacred Heart (KK) to win 54 – 0 in a lop-sided final. SK Muhibbah Raya Tawau got the third spot with their 22 – 5 win over SK St. Mary Sandakan.
Hosts Sandakan finally got a measure of satisfaction when SK Kem Tentera Sandakan narrowly scraped past SK Muhibbah Raya (Tawau) by just one try in a very closely-contested final. SK Bandar II Tawau were third by virtue of beating SK Sri Tanjung Papat Sandakan by 27 – 0.
Ardent rugby supporter Goh Khoon Siah was on hand to give away the cash prizes and trophies to the champions, runnersup and third place winners in all categories which were all sponsored by him.
The annual tournament is a joint effort by the Sabah Education Department and Sabah Rugby Union to promote the game with IJM Plantations Berhad also channeling in substantial funds via Sandakan Rugby Club under the former’s CSR program.
Sabah Rugby Union President Vela Tan expressed his thanks to the sponsors for their staunch and sustained support of the game.
“The tremendous participation of over 650 students and their teachers/coaches from different districts of Sabah is very encouraging for SRU. Rugby has a bright future in Sabah,” predicted Vela.
Another Age-Group event is scheduled for July this year. This will be played in the 7-a-side format.
-Benno Ong-
Under 10-Boys
Under 10-Boys
Under 12-Boys
Under 15-Girls
Under 15-Girls
Under 15-Boys
Under 15-Champs
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