Organising chairman Zulkaranainhisham Sarbini (left, standing) and SMK Agama Anuar Kiprawi, senior assistant for co-curriculum (seated second left), posing with representatives of participating schools after the draw and meeting at SMKA Shoaw yesterday.
KUCHING: School rugby giants SMK Agama Sheikh Haji Othman Abdul Wahab (Shoaw) and Kolej Datuk Patinggi Abang Haji Abdillah (Kolej) are set to renew their rivalry as the MSSM Kuching Under-18 Inter-School Rugby 15s tournament kicks off at Song Kheng Hai pitch from Jan 22-25.
Joining in the fray are SMK Teknik Sejingkat (Teksej), Maktab Rendah Sains Mara Kuching (MRSMKu), SMK St Joseph (St Joe), SMK Sungai Maong (Suma), SMK Penrissen No.1 (SMKP1), SM Sains Kuching Utara (Sakura), Kolej Vokasional Matang (KVM) and SMK Sains Kuching (Sainsku).
Defending champions Kolej are drawn in Group A with Teksej, StJoe, KVM and Sainsku while last year’s first runners-up Shoaw will have the company of MRSMKu, SMKP1, Suma and Sakura.
Kolej will open its campaign to retain the crown on Sunday (Jan 22) with the game against Teksej in the morning and take on St Joe in the afternoon while Shoaw’s opener is against fast-improving MRSM Kuching.
A total of 24 games will be played over four days, with the final slotted for Wednesday at 4:30pm.
The ultimate prize is the challenge trophy donated by ex-KRFC vice president Abang Azman Abang Annuar.
The competition is organised by the Kuching District Education Office, hosted by SMKA Shoaw with technical assistance from the Sarawak Rugby Union.