FAVOURITES Johor defeated Negri Sembilan 16-3 in the men's Under-19 final of the Harps MR Championships in Shah Alam yesterday.
The final at the TUDM Stadium was a nervy affair with only a solitary try separating the two sides at half-time (10-3).
Negri had their fair share of chances but Johor held on for the win.
Asrin Azman slotted three straight penalties in the seventh, 46th and 57th minute, with Shamsul Salleh scoring from a try in the 26th minute, which was converted by Asrin.
Ahmad Alif Husaini Ariffin replied via a penalty in the 17th.
Johor coach Abdul Hanis Mokhta said he had anticipated a tough fight from Negri.
"It was a tight match, and that is normal in a high-pressured situation," said Abdul Hanis.
"We are grateful to win this 15s trophy.
"I think we have a strong team of players here, many of whom are from rugby-playing schools, who can go far in the game."
Kuala Lumpur defeated Selangor 19-8 in the third-place playoff.
Selangor had won the inaugural Harps MR Championship women's title after downing Putrajaya 36-10 in the final on Saturday.