Dragons play down chances

13/11/1998

BANDARAYA Dragons, one of the top clubs in Malaysia, have played down
their chances in the Cobra 10s this weekend as they assembled a few days
ago for the all-local field which will close the rugby season this year.
But the two-day event, which made way for the Commonwealth Games sevens
debut in September, will not be void of top rugby as Cobra Stings are bent
on winning the championship at the Jalan Utara ground in Petaling Jaya.
Bandaraya coach-cum-player Yusli Ramli has set a modest target of making
the quarterfinals.
"My players took a long break after the Commonwealth Games and we don't
think we will be ready to lift our performance. Also, national player
Riduan Chan has injured his shoulder and will not be able to contribute,"
said Yusli.
Bandaraya finished champions at the Terengganu 10s last year, runnersup
at the Penang 10s but lost to Negri Wanderers in the Jonah Jones Sevens
semifinals. Although they have played down their chances, it would be a
mistake to ignore off. Cobra are favourites in Group A with JLJ, Dewan
Bandaraya Ipoh Warlords and Permas Jaya Wildcats.
Cobra team manager Wan Saifuddin said their biggest obstacle would be
RMAF Blackhawks and Bandaraya Dragons of Kuala Lumpur.
Group A: Cobra, JLJ, DBI Warlords, Permas Jaya Wildcards; Group B:
Police United, RAAF Tigers, Kuantan Rhinos, Bandaray Dragons; Group C: SMS
Old Boys, Royal Selangor Club, Johor Scopions, Moroc; Group D: RMAF
Blackhawks, BBMB Knights, Cobra Stings, Intekma Wolves.
(END)