SHAH ALAM – MRSM Balik Pulau made history as the first MRSM school to win the Super Schools Rugby (SSR) title, edging two-time champions Victoria Institution (VI) 14-13 in a tense final at Putrajaya Equestrian Park on July 27.
The high-stakes showdown kept supporters from both sides on edge, as MRSM Balik Pulau trailed for much of the match before staging a decisive late-game surge.
Mohd Firdaus Zolkfli scored both tries for MRSM Balik Pulau, including the crucial second try in the closing stages.
Conversions from Zaim Irsyaduddin Hezrey Fardhilla and Aqil Zikry Abdul Malek sealed the win.
Firdaus was named the Milo Grand Final Most Valuable Player and also received the Pos Malaysia Best Forward award.
The team lifted the Tan Sri Wan Aziz Challenge Trophy and took home RM15,000, while VI earned RM7,000 as runners-up.
"They gave everything today. This win is years of hard work paying off,” head coach Izzuwan Sukri was reported saying.
In celebration, Mara chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi declared a nationwide MRSM holiday on Monday.
SSR, organised by Evervive Sdn Bhd, is in its 10th season, with SMS Hulu Selangor and Malay College Kuala Kangsar completing the top four.