Sukma XXI: S’wak women’s rugby team wins third prelim against Johor

MIRI (Aug 20): Sarawak’s Malaysia Games (Sukma) XXI women’s rugby team continues going strong as they won their third preliminary match 14-5 against Johor today.

Rugby Sports Development Officer Rohizat Achop Borhan Janang told reporters that the team has been well prepared in all aspects including management, technical and psychology, and if they maintain the consistency, they might even end the game with silver or gold.

“Sarawak women’s rugby has never won any medal, and the highest they ever got was fifth place,” he said.

From the three preliminary games, Sarawak had accumulated a total of 69 points placing first, with Pulau Pinang, Johor, Melaka and Kedah in fifth place this Sukma XXI.

Rohizat boasted that the Sarawak women’s rugby team has become the most “feared” team in this Games.

“Despite being short of one player, meaning six players playing against seven players of the opposing team, this shows that Sarawak is committed to fight through into the final.

“Now that we are the top teams in Group A, we will face Pahang or Sabah tomorrow.”

Amid the winnings in preliminary matches, he said the players were immediately being given emotional support to calm their emotions after each game which is pivotal to keep the players focused on the next game.

Commenting on the men’s team losses in all three preliminary matches, Rohizat said he is optimistic that the men would make a comeback tomorrow.

“We are looking to reclaim a win tomorrow,” he added.