(Back row, from fourth left) Mohamad Effendi and Rudi with the SMK St Columba players.
MIRI: A SMK St Columba hockey team returned to Miri all smiles after they emerged champion in the Girls U16 seven-a-side tournament organised by the Sarawak Hockey Association last weekend.
The school beat eight other teams in the competition played at Sarawak Hockey Stadium in Kuching.
“I am very happy and proud of them.
“There is no hockey field in Miri and they have been practicing on the school concrete field,” coach Rudi Naziri told The Borneo Post yesterday while attributing the triumph to the strong will and determination of the players.
The team, which comprised Form 2, 3 and 4 students, beat SMK Spaoh 1-0 in the final.
The players and coach expressed their gratitude to SMK St Columba school principal Subah Nyareng, Senior Assistant Co-Curriculum Mohamad Effendi Panglima, the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) who supported the game including finding sponsorship.
Rudi expressed the hope that the government will look into the long-standing request by Miri hockey players to have a proper hockey field here.
“Despite not having a hockey field in Miri, our hockey players have strong determination and have won numerous tournaments including outside Miri.
“I believe its only fair that they be rewarded with a hockey field, not only for matches, but also to train comfortably.
“I’m sure our team can go further if the facilities are available,” he said.