A fray and a good run out

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THEY did not play on the best pitch condition as Padang Utama in Petaling Jaya muddy pitch was drying up from the downpour. But, it did not matter at all to the players that took part in the second edition of PJ Five Mixed Touch Rugby, recently.  

All they wanted was to have a good run and throw the ball around.  

It drew participation of 10 teams – Olde Tavern, Telawi, Bucks Blue, Bucks White, Green Dragons, KL Barbarians, Old Farts, KL Japanese, Fitness First and Sunway. 

The two visiting teams in the fray were Bucks White and Bucks Blue that came all the way with 13 players from Singapore. 

A KL Japanese player (centre) charging forward with the ball as two players from Green Dragons close down on him.

Unfortunately, both sides from the republic were forced to take early showers as they were eliminated in the Cup competition semi-finals.  

“We have been playing a lot of touch rugby back in Singapore. It was just great to have both teams in the semi-finals,” said Bucks team captain Daniel Kennedy, 30. 

The top four teams in the preliminary round qualified for the Cup competition semi-finals. 

Bucks Blue, which finished third in the preliminary rounds, lost to second spot side Telawi 2-6.  

Meanwhile, top-of-the-group Olde Tavern edged Bucks White 6-3. 

In the final, Olde Tavern subdued the onslaught Telawi before prevailing 4-3.  

The Olde Tavern tries were scored by Greg Somers, Ben Ting, Claire Boudeville before Clifford Wong sealed the match for his side. 

“It was a tough match. We knew that Telawi had the experienced hands on their side. They had a solid team structure and gave us a good run in the final,” said team captain Ben Ting, who also revealed that five players from Pukeko Touch Rugby Club in Singapore were also in action for the winning team. 

Meanwhile, teams ranked between fifth and eighth spots from the preliminary rounds featured in the Plate competition. 

Green Dragons and KL Japanese featured in the more intense Plate semi-finals.  

Head receiving medical attention aftersuffering from a muscle pull.

Dragons with two former SMK Puteri, Seremban, lasses – Sharifah Nurul Wahida Tuan Mat, 23 and Magdalyn Quek Li Li, 22 – were forced to defend hard as the Japanese show plenty of aggression when attacking. 

“The team work required in the game appeals to me,” said Quek. 

Sharifah added that she is still learning the tricks in the trade to improve on her game. 

Despite nursing a cut on his chin, Dragons captain Bruce Head displayed exceptional leadership to pull his team through a half time 1-1 draw and beat the Japanese 6-4. 

“It was a fantastic experience to have the two young girls in our team. Although they have just picked up the game, they are coming along nicely,” said Head. 

But in the final, the Dragons found KL Barbarians’ pace too hot to handle as the Barbarians pulled away with a 3-1 half time lead and clinched the match 7-2. 

Bottom of the table Sunway, comprising four Sunway College students in the pack, upstaged the higher-ranked Fitness First team (ninth position) in the Bowl final.  

Earlier, Sunway lost four of their preliminary rounds matches, scoring only one try and conceded 18 tries. Osman Ismail from Sri Lanka scored Sunway’s sole try. 

However, Sunway took charge of the match against Fitness First by scoring first through Ad Huda.  

Although Fitness First levelled the score, Sunway showed their dominance and held on to win 2-1 after a brilliant breakthrough by captain Kevin Gikundi. 

“We were short of two reserves due to examinations. After the trashing we received in the preliminary matches, we were delighted to win our last match,” said Gikundi, who is from Kenya. 

The crowd tucked into lunch courtesy of CoChine after the final matches.  

After lunch, the players rested in the Cobra clubhouse and were treated to performances from solo artist Kenny Tay and Aziz Rosli’s Elvis Presley impersonation to cap a good day get-together. 

Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) vice president Datuk M. Jegathesan gave away the prizes to the winners. 

Milo, Eau Claire mineral water, Olde Tavern, Prom Ad, CMA Shipping, Fitness First and 9thro Stamino were the event’s sponsors.  

Those interested in taking up touch rugby, can call 012-210 9104 (Claire Boudeville).