Last weekend was another edition of the Borneo Cobra 10s Rugby Tournament, in Sandakan. Boy it was a big tournament and I’d rate them as 2nd to our COBRA 10s in terms of quality and its intensity. Amongst the participating teams are likes of Chinese Taipei (2 teams includig its national team), NS Wanderers, host Borneo Eagles. With such quality teams participating the crowd were treated to a magnificent display of 10s rugby.

I am pleased to report COBRA’s performance in the tournament as follows:

Results:

Day 1:
bt OSCA 38 - 0, bt Sandakan Prison 66 - 0, bt Chinese Taipeh B 12 - 0

Day 2:
QF Cup beat RMAF Project Gemilang 27 - 5, SF Cup lost to Chinese Taipeh 7 - 0 (penalty try)

The Team:

Azan, Chamath (betty), R Soh (V Capt), Abang, Adik, Ayung, Opek, Rashid, Isoa (Capt), Faiz, Kini, Syed Tariq, Hafizi (lipas), Nazeer (black), Sevu.

I believe the team has gained valuable experience from this tournament, we are talking about defense and match strategy, game reading, taking better options and of course making big tackles. Looking back at the members of the squad, some thought that we are going to be steam rolled in the SF game but we proved them wrong. We had the game planned.

Mind you, it was no joke playing against the much speedy, robust and fancied Taiwanese and lost 7 - 0 (penalty try). Sevu and Rashid were playing with a bleeding eyelid while Faiz with an injured knee. The boys stood their ground and make their tackles felt and also camp in the opponents half for at least 60% of the game. Having said all, I have nothing to say except praises and how proud I was to be associated with a bunch of committed young players.

On behalf of the team, I d like to extend my thanks to the President who was there supporting us and also all the people who has helped to make this trip possible.

Yours in rugby

Naza