KENINGAU: Saga Keningau team emerged champions in the men’s U-21 category of the Datuk Robert Tawik Cup Rugby Championships.
Saga Nabawan came in second. The OSCA team won the first place in the Plate category while Kalawon team came in second.
In the Bowl category, the Crocz won first place. Pangazou team came in second.
The first place in Shield category went to Titaniun team followed by SFX team in second place.
In the Women’s U-21, Angels Warrior won first place in the Cup category while the STJ Eagles came in second. The first place in the Plate category was won by the SAGA Keningau. Sumandak Crocz came in second.
In the Bowl category, the first place was won by the KTRC Pigeons while Bingkorian Dragons came in second.
Kll Rugby team won the Shield category.
All the prizes to the winners were presented by Robert.
Meanwhile, the public’s perception of rugby as a violent and dangerous sport needs to be corrected, said Robert, who is Assistant Minister of Works.
He said rugby is the same as other sport with its rules.
“The commitment of veteran players who participate in this sport tournament can open the eyes of the public who often think this sport is violent and dangerous,” he said when closing the Datuk Robert Tawik Cup Rugby Championship for men’s and women’s under-21 category held at the SMK Keningau 2 rugby field here.
He said the tournament was as a platform for the community to see and evaluate for themselves the abilities and experience of veteran players who have represented the district and state at the national level.
Robert told that there are also former Sabah and National rugby veteran players participating in this tournament.
“A tournament like this will be able to unearth new talents who will hopefully be able to represent this district in rugby tournaments held at the state and then national level.
“I also congratulate all the winners. Think of the win as just a bonus but the real win is the close relationship between the team, players, tournament officials and the community.
“The close relationship through rugby is something unique because it is formed from a sport that is considered violent by the public,” he said.
He also thanked the Keningau Rugby Association for the success of this tournament.
“I assure you that I will always provide support and assistance to the development of sports in this district, including rugby, to ensure that State Government’s wishes in the direction of Sabah Maju Jaya can be realised,” he said.
Twenty-one teams consisting of U-21 men’s and women’s and veterans took part.
