PETALING JAYA: A determined Royal Town Warriors side upset defending champions Penguin International RFC 14-10 in the final to claim the Cobra Rugby 10s title today (Nov 2).
Penguins (UK) started the match strong in overcast conditions at Padang Astaka and did not take long to score the opening try of the match.
Warriors took some time to settle into a rhythm and once they did, came back strong and had a marginal 7-5 lead at half-time.
They again had the momentum in the second half and managed to close out the match 14-10 despite an injury time try from Penguins.
The win sees Warriors, the Royal Klang City Council’s rugby squad, joining a special group of Malaysian teams who have won the Cobra 10s.
Hosts Cobra, Borneo Eagles, RMAF Blackhawks, Royal Malaysian Police and Royal Selangor Club are the only other Malaysian sides who have won the Cobra 10s since it was first held in 1967.
Warriors’ team manager Shahizam Tukiran said it was a meaningful victory for his squad.
“We entered the tournament as underdogs and the plan was to take it one match at a time,” said Shahizam.
“The players followed our plan almost perfectly in the final and defended very well. This win is the result of their hard work and discipline.
“This is only our second appearance in the Cobra 10s and to win it is amazing.
“This win means a lot to us as a team and personally, it is one of the highlights for me after spending many years in the sport.”
Warriors had beaten Pakuranga Rugby Club (New Zealand) in the semi-finals earlier today while Penguins had downed hosts Cobra.
Cobra later defeated Pakuranga 14-10 in the third place playoff.
The women’s final was an all-Malaysian affair which saw Sumandak Sabah beating Dingoes 24-0.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
