Sukma: Sarawak Women Rugby Sevens team content with silver after exceeding q-final target

MIRI (Aug 22): The Sarawak Women Rugby Sevens team had to settle for the silver medal after being defeated by Selangor by 7-12 in the finals today.

Initially, team captain Josie Mavcellina Gone managed to score a try, earning the Sarawak team five points, and a conversion score of two points.

But just before the first round ended, Selangor rebounded with a try, bringing the score to Sarawak 7-5 Selangor.

In the second round, Selangor scored another try and a conversion, bringing their total points to 12 to win the match.

Sarawak head coach Sylvia Alexander Lian told the media later that they had actually fulfilled their target of winning the quarter final, hence, qualifying into the final for a silver medal was a pleasant surprise for them.

“Our initial target was to fight through the quarterfinal and now, despite not being able to secure gold, we are still happy,” she said.

In fact, Sarawak Women Rugby Sevens team first took part in Sukma 2018, and the highest ranking they ever reached was fifth place.

“It is important to also note that Sarawak’s team is the only team led by a female head coach.

“A year prior, we were restarting from zero where we have been doing selection for players in Miri, Bintulu and Kuching.

“Being able to reach this far wasn’t an easy journey, but we are thankful we made it,” she said, adding that they were actually preparing the team for the Sukma 2026.

Terengganu meanwhile settled for bronze after defeating Sabah 17-5.

For the Men Rugby Sevens event, Johor won gold, while Terengganu silver and Negeri Sembilan bronze.