Wong (sixth left) with SRDU committee jointly cut the cake during the appreciation night.
SIBU: Sibu Division Rugby Union (SDRU) has capped another fruitful season as the year draws to a close.
Its patron Dato Sri Bartholomew Wong said this was made possible through close collaboration and active involvement of the players and coaches in their dream to make Sibu a rugby powerhouse.
“Let us continue to work hard and keep up our fighting spirit to ensure that our reputation in the rugby fraternity will continue to remain sky high,” he said at the inaugural SDRU appreciation night on Tuesday.
Among those at the event were Sarawak Rugby Union (SRU) deputy president Louis Jarau, SDRU president Jeffery Ting, chairman Anthony Ting and secretary cum coach Michael Ting.
Wong also acknowledged the strength of SDRU team as it was rare for them to return empty-handed from major tournaments.
“In most championships, I dare say we will return with a podium finish and that is something all the players ought to feel proud of,” he said.
According to Wong, rugby is a gentleman and interesting sport that is worth playing and watching.
“When I was young, I used to take up the game but had to opt out due to the tough training regime and over the years, my love for rugby continue to grow as I realise that it is a beautiful game.”
Wong also donated RM10,000 to SDRU and pledged to continue to support the development of rugby in Sibu wholeheartedly.
On the appreciation dinner, Wong hoped to turn it into an annual event and shower the players and those involved in the sport with incentives.
Louis, in his brief remarks, said SRU president Richard Song has highly praised SDRU for its efforts and success in the sport and he wanted Sibu to produce more players next year.
Louis also said some of the players would be selected for next year’s Sukma.