Kolej Vokasional Sibu A and B team players before their showdown in Kuching last week.
SIBU: Fresh from their successful outing at the Sarawak Karnival Voktek 7-a-side rugby championship in Kuching last weekend, Kolej Vokasional Sibu are now aiming for a bigger catch at the National Karnival Voktek to be held in Perlis at the end of May.
Chief coach Paul Chuo said his boys have been putting in extra hours of training at the SMK Sacred Heart rugby field under the watchful eyes of the Sibu Division Rugby Union (SDRU) coach Michael Ting for the past few weeks.
“We are not going to leave any stones unturned in our bid to come back with the title this time round. We know that it is not an easy task but as long as the players play to their best ability, we still believe that anything can happen in the game,” he added.
Since 2008 the school have represented the state in the national event except for 2011. Their best result was third placing in the 2009 edition.
Last year, they were Plate semi-finalists.
“This year, we are hoping for a breakthrough. If we can qualify for the final, then there is a remote possibility of us coming back with the title,” Chuo continued.
The school is actually sending two teams, Panters Vokasional A and B, for the national tournament this year.
Panters A emerged champion after edging Panters B at the recent state-level competition in Kuching. It was the first time that the school returned with the top two placings in the tournament.
A total of 13 teams from six Vokasional schools and one SMK Technique took part in the two-day championship.
“It was not only a pride to the school. It demonstrates the strength that we have built in rugby and it also cemented our reputation in the state as far as rugby is concerned.”
For the national meet, Chuo singled out Terengganu, Kedah and host Perlis as title contenders.
“Even teams like Labuan and Sabah are also catching up and gunning for the title. These teams are getting stronger by the day and we have no choice but to beef our strength in order to give them a run for the title,” he added.
Chuo expressed his gratitude to Ting for uplifting the standard of his charges, especially the junior B team.
“Ting has played a crucial role in guiding the players, teaching them the proper throwing and tackling techniques. I believe all these experience gathered will be put to good use when the time comes.”