MIRI: The Miri Division Rugby Union (MDRU) is hoping to improve its position from third placing last year in the upcoming Sarawak Rugby Union (SRU) President Cup in Sibu from May 5-6.
MDRU’s president Antonio Kahti Galis said although the challenge will be tough, his team is determined to go the distance with the inclusion of many new players.
“Undeniably the challenge will be tough especially against the almost unbeatable Sibu Division Rugby Union (SDRU) team, but we are not losing hope as we have many new players in our team,” said Antonio to The Borneo Post when contacted yesterday.
He said the new players were mostly students of SM Sains and SMK Lutong, while the others are working adults.
MDRU will be playing against Kuching while Bintulu (whom they defeated last week) will meet defending champion Sibu.
The 25-member team of MDRU led by team manager Timothy Alexander Lian and coach Landale Cranfield will leave for Sibu on Friday.
Meanwhile, SDRU head coach Michael Ting was reported to be confident in retaining the crown in this year’s edition of SRU President Cup to be held at SMK Sacred Heart Rugby Field over the weekend.
His optimism was based on past records where Sibu won 14 out of the 16 competitions since SRU President Cup was first organised in 1999.
Kuching Division Rugby Union (KDRU) only managed to win the title twice.
“We have been champion for 14 times and honestly, there is no specific reason why we should fail to retain the cup this time. We are optimistic of our chances of winning,” said Ting
The winner of the SRU President Cup will represent Sarawak at the Agong Cup which will be held in Kuala Lumpur during the third quarter of the year.