IN a closely contested match, Sekolah Sukan Malaysia Pahang (SSMP) retained the MCKK Premier 7s title for a second consecutive year after defeating Johor’s Sekolah Sukan Tunku Mahkota Ismail (SSTMI) 19-14 in the Cup final.
The 14th edition of the tournament was held at the rugby grounds of Malay College Kuala Kangsar (MCKK) in Perak, where SSMP lifted the NJ Ryan Trophy again after completing their title defence.
SSMP had also beaten SSTMI in last year’s final.
Apart from the main Cup competition, SMK Tun Hussein Onn emerged as Plate champions after defeating Sekolah Sultan Alam Shah 24-19.
In the Bowl final, SMK Hosba overcame SMK Syed Sirajuddin 17-12.
MRSM Balik Pulau claimed the Shield title with a 22-0 win over Royal Military College.
The prizes were awarded by Raja Kecil Besar Perak Raja Datuk Seri Azlan Muzzaffar Shah.
A total of 24 school teams from Malaysia, Japan and Indonesia competed in the three-day event.
The tournament featured matches across group and knockout stages, offering competitive exposure against local and international opponents, the organisers said in a media statement.
The standard of play reflected continued development of school rugby and the tournament’s growing competitiveness, they said.
MCKK Premier 7s, they added, continued to serve as a platform for young players to gain match experience and test themselves against other leading school teams.
The participation of foreign teams also gave the tournament an international element, while allowing local teams to compete against different playing styles.
The tournament has become one of the main school rugby sevens competitions in the region, bringing together teams from Malaysia and abroad.
