SHAH ALAM: Favourites Putrajaya lived up to expectations as they lifted their maiden Agong's Cup title after edging defending champions Terengganu 18-15 in the final today.
Putrajaya came out strong in a fiery-tempered opening half and took a 13-5 lead at half-time at the TUDM Stadium here.
A determined Terengganu fought back in the second and briefly led 15-13 but could not hold on to their advantage in the closing stages.
Putrajaya's Simione Tuivanuavou scored a brace of penalties in the 14th and 25th minutes. Their tries were scored by Sakeo Raloa in the 39th — converted by Fairuz AB Rahman — and Badrul Muktee in the 71st.
Terengganu's tries were scored by Nor Azmi Saruman (42nd) and Alif Ikhmal Noor Hisham (48th), the latter converted by Faris Pead. Faris also scored a penalty in the 56th.
Putrajaya coach Brad Mika praised his charges for showing character to fend off Terengganu late in the game.
"I was on the edge of my seat for the whole game. Credit to Terengganu for putting up such a strong fight," said Mika.
"It could have gone either way. The boys showed real character towards the end by just holding on to the ball.
"It was our game management that got us out of that tough period.
"This win is the result of all the hard work from all the team officials, president and players. They gave their full commitment despite the limited training time."
Putrajaya's previous best achievement was reaching the semi-finals in 2009.
Terengganu coach Nik Safuan Ismade Nik Man said he was proud of the determination shown by his players.
"As we had expected, it was a tight game, and the team which made fewer mistakes won," said Nik Safuan.
"Things did not go our way, but I am still proud of our players who sacrificed a lot to make it this far. We gave Putrajaya a tough time."
Police finished third in the tournament after edging Armed Forces 35-34 in the third-place playoff at the same venue.