Sekolah Sukan Tun Mahkota Ismail (SSTMI) has ascended to the pinnacle of the MCKK Premier 7’s 2024 Rugby Championship, delivering an emphatic 36-05 defeat to last year’s champions, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Jalan Tiga (ARAS). This victory marks SSTMI’s fifth NJ Ryan Trophy, adding to their previous triumphs in 2011, 2012, 2016, and 2017.
SSTMI’s path to victory was paved with relentless dominance and high-scoring performances throughout the tournament. Their journey was characterized by overwhelming victories in the group stages and decisive wins in the knockout rounds, culminating in a commanding championship performance.
From the first whistle, SSTMI showcased their supremacy with relentless attacks that left ARAS unable to respond effectively. The first half saw SSTMI score two tries and two conversions, establishing a comfortable 24-0 lead. The second half continued in the same vein, with SSTMI securing two more conversion, sealing a resounding 36-05 triumph.
Key player Anas Zulqarnain Mizan from ARAS was awarded the Zaharuddin Alias Best Player Award, while Arief Anaqi Bin Anuar was named Player of the Match for their outstanding contributions to their respective teams’ success.
The awards ceremony was graced by His Royal Highness Raja Jaafar Raja Muda Musa, Raja Muda Perak, adding a royal touch to the celebration.
In the battle for third place, last year’s finalist Sekolah Sukan Malaysia Pahang (SSMP) secured a victory over Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Tun Hussein Onn (THOR) with a thrilling 10-5 win.
In the semi-finals, SSTMI advanced to the final by comfortably defeating SSMP 12-0, while ARAS triumphed over THOR with a narrow 19-14 win.
In the Plate category final, Kedah’s Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan HOSBA (HOSBA) emerged victorious by defeating Maktab Sultan Abu Bakar/English College (EC) with a score of 25-15. EC, the 2020 champions, faced an early exit in the quarter-finals with a 33-0 defeat at the hands of SSTMI.
The host team, MCKK, saw their dreams of claiming the NJ Ryan Trophy halted in the quarter-finals by SSMP, who triumphed with a final score of 26-7.
In the Bowl category final, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan King Edward VII (KEVII) claimed the championship title by outclassing Sekolah Dato’ Abdul Razak (SDAR) with an emphatic score of 38-15.
In the Shield category final, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Telok Mas (AKRAM) from Malacca emerged as champions, defeating Victoria Institution (VI) with a score of 14-0.
This marks the conclusion of the MCKK Premier 7’s 2024 Rugby Championship, a thrilling event that saw enthusiastic participation from 24 teams. This 12th edition of the championship included three international teams – Shizuoka Seiko Academy (SSA) from Japan, Sekolah Menengah Atas Darunnajah (SMAD) from Jakarta, Indonesia, and Taoyuan Municipal Guanyin High School (GHS) from Taoyuan City, Taiwan – adding a global dimension to the competition.
