KPZ HAMSTER RETAINED USM RUGBY 10’S 2016 TOURNAMENT TITLE
NIBONG TEBAL, 1 Mei 2016 – KPZ hamster has proven that they are still unbeatable as they retained their title at the 12th edition USM 10’s Rugby Tournament after beating Rhino Empire 28-0 at yesterday’s finals.
KPZ ‘s two year reign showcased an energetic performance when they succeeded four tries whilst perfecting all the kicks as the Rhinos had to accept a zero defeat.
With the victory, the team took home a trophy and RM2, 000 in cash whereas the runner up RM1, 300 along with medals given individually and merchandise sponsored by Red Bull.
In addition, KPZ Hamster player, Mohd Nor Azri was awarded the best player with a plaque as well as a gift contributed by the USM Engineering Campus’s Phantom Rugby Club.
Assistant Vice-Chancellor, Engineering Campus, USM, Professor Dr. Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah said that the successful tournament can be turned into the campus’s flagship and university’s pride.
Ahmad Farhan has also suggested that the organizers should encourage more participation not only locally but internationally.
“We believe that we could gather more teams to compete with all the great teams locally and abroad”, he said in his closing speech at the Sports Complex Fields, Engineering Campus, USM.
He stressed, that it is not impossible to make it a reality as it is proven with the hockey championship organized each year at the Main Campus.
He was accompanied by his wife, Professor Dr. Azlina Harun @ Kamaruddin the Dean, School of Chemical Engineering who also congratulated the organizers namely USM Rugby Club, Engineering Campus and everyone who was involved for the success in organizing the tournament even within the financial constraints.
“God willing, next year we will try to prepare better infrastructure and make this tournament more exciting which everyone would be proud of”, He added.
Meanwhile, according to the Project Director, Mohamad Harith Yaacob Said, this type of tournament is a good step for the students to remain active in sports.
“The tournament is a suitable platform in developing potential rugby players to represent each university and club to a higher level and it is not impossible to produce players to represent Malaysia”, said Harith.
In a brief interview after the tournament he had also congratulated those involved in organizing the tournament which ensued successfully and also expressed his gratitude to the main sponsors Viking TJ Sports Club and Red Bull Malaysia.
32 teams participated in the tournament involving three categories bowl, plate and cup from all over the nation.
The USM Rugby 10’s Tournament has been a compulsory event each year at the Engineering Campus and is conducted fully by 52 project committee members including volunteers with 13 Rugby Union Malaysia referees (KRM) while assisted by Student Affairs and Alumni Division (BHEPA), Health Unit, Security Department, Development Department as well as hostels.
Also present at the event, Head Referee from Rugby Union Malaysia, Lt. Kol (B) Omar Mohamed, Field Operations Expert, Red Bull Malaysia, Miss Marilyn, Head of Assistant Registrar, Development Operations Unit, Registry Department, USM, Mohd. Rashid Abd. Rejab and Senior Officer Youth and Sports Center, USM, Subli Yop.
Translation: Siti Sara Zainal Abidin
Text: Mohd Kamil Ashar / Photos: Bani Faidzzainami Baniyamin