17 June 2019 – Malaysia finally earned our first ever point in the ARC Premier. That point came in the 7th game since Malaysia first involvement with the Division starting from 2018. Bunga Raya fought hard in Match Week 3 of 2019 Asia Rugby Championship but felt short to the top seed team, Hong Kong at Hong Kong Football Club.
Brad Mika’s boys produced their best performance ever against the tournament favourite, as they stunned the Dragon with the Etonia Saukuru first try of the match. Etonia also scored Malaysia second in the second half. 34 years old Fairuz Abdul Rahman was once again showed why he is the one to rely on, as he contributed 9 points from 3 conversions and a penalty as well as his combination with Badrul Muktee which produced Bunga Raya 2nd and 3rd try. Timoci Vunimoko also scored his first try of the campaign, Malaysia third in the match, but it was a little too late for Bunga Raya to secure the first ever win in the Division.
Malaysia went down 24 – 30 to Hong Kong but the result saw Bunga Raya claims the first ever point in the Premier class. They earn a Bonus Points as they lost the match with less than 7 points. That match also saw Malaysia recorded the most points ever in a Premier match, as well as it is the first time Malaysia scored 3 tries in a single Premier match.
Bukit Jalil National Stadium is set to welcome Hong Kong for the return leg on 22nd June 2019. The match week 5 will be the last game for Malaysia in 2019 campaign. The match is schedule to start at 8.00pm.
Malaysia rugby fan can secure their match ticket now. It is available online at myticket.asia or you can head to Axiata Arena and Malaysia Rugby Union office to buy yours today. It will be RM30 for the grandstand and RM15 for the normal seat
Photos courtesy of Asia Rugby