SMK SERI MERSING DETHRONE SSTMI
Defending champions handed shock defeat
SMK Seri Mersing notched an upset 14-12 win over defending champions Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School (SSTMI) to emerge winners of the Malay College Kuala Kangsar (MCKK) Premier Sevens in Kuala Kangsar yesterday.
The hot conditions during the final did not deter Seri Mersing from playing their best rugby.
They took the lead through a try by Faiq Aslah Mohd Satar.
SSTMI replied through Nor Faisol Arshad but a defensive error allowed Seri Mersing to extend their lead to 14-5 through a Faiq Aslah try.
A determined SSTMI pulled one back with a last minute try but it was not enough to stop Seri Mersing from securing the NJ Ryan Trophy.
MCKK settled for third after defeating SMS Pokok Sena 10-7.
Tunku Datuk Seri Kamel Tunku Rijaludin presented the prizes on behalf of the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah.
Seri Mersing assistant coach Shafie Buang said his charges’ discipline was the key to victory.
The school finished third last year. “The commitment of our players helped us go unbeaten in the tournament.
“We would like to dedicate this win to our head coach (Zulkefli Mohd Amin) who worked so hard to prepare the team,” said Shafie.
In the plate final, SBPI Gombak defeated Royal Military College 29-0 while Sekolah Sultan Alam Shah overcame MRSM Kuala Terengganu 14-12 in the Shield final
The Bowl went to SBPI Kuantan who downed SMK King George V 24-19 in the decider.