Sylvia (sixth right) presents a memento to MDRA’s newly appointed patron Datuk Seri Doris Brodie, in the presence of players and officials including Landale (fourth left).
MIRI: Thirteen women’s rugby teams from Sarawak and neighbouring Brunei will compete in the inaugural Sarawak Rugby Union (SRU) Women 7s on Dec 2 and 3 at Curtin University in Miri.
The teams comprising of five teams from host Miri – Letto Rhinos, Letto Rhinos B, Pink Piranhas, SMK Lutong, and Riam Vipers.
Others are UPM Bintulu, GB13 Roses (Kuching), Panaga Pythons (Brunei), Lady Swan Sibu Women Rugby Team and UiTM 1, UiTM 2 and UiTM 3 (Kuching).
Organising spokesperson and Miri Division Rugby Association (MDRA) coach and development officer Sylvia Lian said the tournament is organised jointly by the Sarawak Rugby Union in collaboration with Sarawak State Sports Council and Sarawak Sports Corporation.
She said the champions will receive a challenge trophy and medals while the runners up will receive medals.
Meanwhile, MDRU chief coach Landale Cranfield was glad that Miri had been chosen as host, in recognition on their efforts to develop women’s rugby in the state. He said SRU patron and State Secretary Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani will officiate and give away prizes to the winners.
“It will be a good opportunity to show off the Curtin University facilities and to progress the proposal that Curtin University should become the centre of excellence for Rugby especially Women’s Rugby,” he told the Borneo Post yesterday.
He added the inaugural tournament is also to scout players to represent Sarawak in next year’s Sukma and to encourage more people including women be interested in rugby.
Meanwhile, public are invited to watch the matches starting at 9am. Admission is free.