2 August 2019 – Malaysia 7s Women participated for the first time in the region top 7s series during the weekend.
Tan Thiam Jin’s team head to South Korea knowing that this is much higher level compare to what they used to. Being the 8th seeded team, Malaysia welcoming match was the toughest that they can ask for. The 2018 Series champion, Japan proved to be levels above Malaysia as the Panthera suffered 0 – 50 defeat in the opening match.
Malaysia recorded their first try ever in the second match. Norfarhana Aziz became the first ever women player to score a try in the Series as she ran 80 meters from Malaysia own half to score against Sri Lanka. Euphrasia Claris also recorded her name in the record book as she added 2 more points from resulting conversion. Malaysia however lost the match 7 – 35.
Panthera ended the group stage winless with 35 – 0 defeat to Hong Kong on the second day.
It was the South East Asia rivalry as Malaysia face Thailand in the Plate Semi Final. The SEA Games gold medalist is still a level above as they scored 6 tries as Thailand win the semi final 36 – 10. Malaysia 10 points came from Emily Chua Pui Yee and Maslina Ahmad Ismail.
Malaysia finally got their first win of the series in the 7th/8th ranking match. It was as tight as it can be as Malaysia got better over Singapore by a single try. Norfarhana second try in the series broke the deadlock in the first half with Euphrasia added 2 more points. Both teams unable to add more point in the second half for Malaysia to finish the tournament in 7th spot and collect 2 points for the overall series championship.
The team will head to China for the second series in 2 weeks time.
Photos from Asia Rugby