SSTMI CLAIMS DOMINANT VICTORY IN THE MCKK PREMIER 7'S 2024 RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP

Sekolah Sukan Tun Mahkota Ismail (SSTMI) has ascended to the pinnacle of the MCKK Premier 7's 2024 Rugby Championship, delivering an emphatic 36-5 defeat to last year's champions, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Jalan Tiga (ARAS). The victory marks SSTMI's fifth NJ Ryan Trophy, adding to their previous triumphs in 2011, 2012, 2016 and 2017.

SSTMI's path to victory was paved with relentless dominance and high-scoring performances throughout the tournament. Their journey was characterised by overwhelming victories in the group stages and decisive wins in the knockout rounds, culminating in a commanding championship performance.

From the first whistle, SSTMI showcased their supremacy with relentless attacks that left ARAS unable to respond effectively, establishing a comfortable 24-0 lead at half-time. The second half continued in the same vein, with SSTMI sealing a resounding 36-5 triumph.

ARAS's Anas Zulqarnain Mizan was awarded the Zaharuddin Alias Best Player Award, while Arief Anaqi Bin Anuar was named Player of the Match.

The awards ceremony was graced by His Royal Highness Raja Jaafar Raja Muda Musa, the Crown Prince of Perak, adding a royal touch to the celebration.

In the semi-finals, SSTMI advanced to the final by comfortably defeating Sekolah Sukan Malaysia Pahang (SSMP) 12-0, while ARAS edged Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Tun Hussein Onn (THOR) 19-14. In the battle for third place, last year's finalist SSMP beat THOR in a thrilling 10-5 win.

In the Plate category final, Kedah's Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan HOSBA (HOSBA) defeated Maktab Sultan Abu Bakar/English College (EC) 25-15. EC, the 2020 champions, had exited the Cup in the quarter-finals with a 33-0 defeat to SSTMI.

Host team MCKK saw their dreams of claiming the NJ Ryan Trophy halted in the quarter-finals by SSMP, who won 26-7. In the Bowl category final, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan King Edward VII (KEVII) claimed the title by outclassing Sekolah Dato' Abdul Razak (SDAR) 38-15.

In the Shield category final, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Telok Mas (AKRAM) from Malacca emerged as champions, defeating Victoria Institution (VI) 14-0.

This 12th edition of the championship saw 24 teams take part, including three international teams – Shizuoka Seiko Academy (SSA) from Japan, Sekolah Menengah Atas Darunnajah (SMAD) from Jakarta, Indonesia, and Taoyuan Municipal Guanyin High School (GHS) from Taoyuan City, Taiwan – adding a global dimension to the competition.