SEMASHUR creates history at MCKK Premier 7s

Wins maiden title after overcoming hosts, MCKK All Blacks in a pulsating final

KUALA KANGSAR (3 MARCH 2019): Sekolah Menengah Sains Hulu Selangor (SEMASHUR) created history at the MCKK Premier 7s when they won their maiden title at the expense of their hosts, MCKK, 24-10 in a pulsating final today at the MCKK Rugby Field, Kuala Kangsar.

The Cup final which was played in scorching temperatures in Kuala Kangsar, was even more heated up on the field as the two teams traded blows, with both teams on a mission, in MCKK’s case, to end their six year wait for the title since 2013.

MCKK Premier 7s 2019 champions, SM Sains Hulu Selangor (SEMASHUR) in a commemorative photo with Yang Teramat Mulia Raja Ja’afar ibni Almarhum Raja Muda Musa, Raja Muda Perak (standing sixth from left) and also other VIP guests after defeating MCKK 24-10 in the Cup final at MCKK Rugby Field just now.

Two quick fire tries by Farhan Haziq Asyraf Johan and Adam Faiq Kamarul Zaman and a conversion put SEMASHUR 12-0 on their way before Muhammad Harithshah Kaharudin’s lung bursting run from inside his own half closed the gap to 12-5 for MCKK at the end of the first half.

After the restart, Farhan Haziq added another try to extend Semashur’s lead but MCKK All Blacks, urged by their home support, did not give up and their efforts paid off when Ahmad Zaril Hariz Mohd Nazaruddin crossed the line to reduce the deficit to 10-17.

But SEMASHUR was not to be denied, scoring a converted try through Muhammad Najmuddin Norhisham to spark scenes of celebration amongst their travelling contingent.

MCKK All Blacks will have to extend their wait for the coveted NJ Ryan trophy to at least another year, having last won the title six years ago, ironically against SEMASHUR in a 19-7 victory.

“Alhamdullillah, praise to the Almighty, we have finally won this title. It’s not easy to win this prestigious tournament as we faced many challenges during our run up to the final,” said SEMASHUR coach, Mohd Soleh Abdul Hamid during the post-match interview.

“Previously, we met MCKK during the 2013 final which saw us lost 7-19. We had a really tough run up to the final, facing the Japanese team, Shizuoka Seiko Academy, KGV, a strong team from Negeri Sembilan and Terengganu’s rugby academy (SMK Sultan Sulaiman).

“Then, we had to face last year’s finalists (SSTMI) in the semi-final. In the final, we started off strong and we managed to take advantage of our opponent’s failure to settle down, to score two quick tries,” he added.

SEMASHUR qualified for their maiden final, overcoming hot favourites, Sekolah Sukan Tengku Mahkota Ismail (SSTMI), 20-14 despite being 10-14 down at one stage in the first semi final.

Meanwhile, MCKK All Blacks needed a sudden death try to dispatch Sekolah Alam Shah (SAS) 17-12 after they were locked 12-12 as the final horn was sounded.

In the 3/4th place playoff, SSTMI went home with the bronze medal after overcoming SAS, 24-12. Meanwhile, in the plate final, English College (EC) from Johore overcame a spirited challenge by Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama Sheikh Haji Othman Abdul Wahab from Sarawak, 24-15.

For the record, SSTMI has won four titles in 2011, 2012, 2016 and 2017, MCKK (2013), Scots College New Zealand (2014), Hong Kong Sports School (2015,) SMK Sri Mersing in 2018 and newly added to the list, SEMASHUR.

Final results:

Cup:

Semi-final: Sekolah Sukan Tunku Mahkota Ismail (SSTMI) 14-20 SM Sains Hulu Selangor (SEMASHUR), Kolej Melayu Kuala Kangsar (MCKK) 17-12 Sekolah Sultan Alam Shah (SAS)

¾ placing: Sekolah Sukan Tunku Mahkota Ismail (SSTMI) 21-12 Sekolah Sultan Alam Shah (SAS)

Final: SM Sains Hulu Selangor (SEMASHUR) 24-10 Kolej Melayu Kuala Kangsar (MCKK)

Plate:
Final: English College (EC) 24-15 SMK Agama Sheikh Haji Othman Abdul Wahab (SHOAW)

Bowl:
Final: SMK ABI (ABI) 5-25 Sekolah Tunku Abdul Rahman (STAR)

Shield
Final: Shizuoka Seiko Academy (SSA) 19-14 SMK King Edward VII (KEVII)

Best player award Zaharuddin Alias:
Hariz Ezzat Hamidon (SEMASHUR)