Hyacinth tops SJS tourney in Kuching, Columba unplaced

KUCHING (Oct 30): House Hyacinth emerged as the new champions of the SMK St Joseph (SJS) Inter-House Touch Football Tournament after edging House Patrick 2-1 in the final at the school field on Sunday.

Muhd Aniq Syazwan was adjudged the ‘Most Valuable Player’ after the 14-year-old scored two thrilling tries.

House Hycinth cruised past House Hilary 4-1 while House Patrick edged House Henry 2-1 in the semi-finals earlier in the one-day carnival. The other four houses in the tournament were Columba, Adrian, Albinus and Mark. SJS students compete in sports under eight houses which are named after some of the legendary La Salle Brothers who managed the school from 1950 to 1982.

Last weekend’s SJS tourney represents the school’s collaboration with Bay Cats Touch Club (BCTC) since 2022 to promote touch football for students and youths in Sarawak.

“Our collaboration with St Joseph’s School is a springboard, where we can promote touch sport, grow the playing community and produce a strong pool of players in the future,” said BCTC president and tournament organising chairman Geryl Ogilvy Ruekeith at the prize giving ceremony.

The former SJS alumnus added that, in the long run, it is hoped that such collaboration can produce elite players at the national level and could even represent the country.

“From playing at inter-house level, there are avenues for the students once they leave school. There are colleges and universities promoting the sport as well as clubs, associations and social groups actively playing touch across the country,” he added.

Meanwhile, SMK St Joseph senior assistant (co-curriculum) Johnny Lim said the school welcomed collaborations with external parties, especially former students and SJS Old Boys, to provide their skills and expertise in various fields to benefit the students.

“Such collaborations are not only about sports but our Old Boys can always play a role to help students to grow and progress in life in a holistic manner,” he added.

Sarawak Touch Association president Hafisz Rachman Drahman was also present to watch the final.