The Steamships 2019 sporting calendar ended on a high note with the successful staging of the STC intercompany mixed netball competition.
A total of sixteen teams took to the courts at the Rita Flynn Indoor Complex last Saturday, with 120 players vying for the prized Managing Director’s Cup.
After pool play, the teams qualifying for the play-offs included Grand Eagles, Gateway Dolphins, CHHO Hotties, Ela Ocean, Truckies Lae, Swire Sailors, Consort and STC Chiefs.
The fast paced finals saw STC Chiefs from the Steamships head office go head to head with Ela Ocean’s from the Ela Beach Hotel, in what was a nerve wrecking and close encounter.
The Chiefs were the surprise victors as they upset the competitive Ela Ocean’s to claim the Managing Director’s Cup and bragging rights for the next twelve months.
“The roller coaster was a bit bumpy for us because Ela Ocean’s is a competitive team and we had to push hard in the second half of the games to edge one point ahead and win the competition,” said Raga Vali, STC Chief’s Captain and Most Valuable Player of the Tournament.
Steamships mixed netball competition is one of three sports on the company’s annual sporting calendar. The intercompany competition brings together employees of the company’s six divisions; Consort, Coral Sea Hotels, Pacific Towing, Pacific Palms Property, JV Ports, East West Transport, as well as sister company Swire Shipping and J/V partner Colgate-Palmolive.
East West Truckies entered a team from Lae to compete in the competition. The Lae side performed well to win the runner up award in the General Manager’s Cup.
Managing Director Michael Scantelbury was on hand to give out the awards which was witnessed by Rupert Bray, Chief Operating Officer and divisional managers.
“Steamships intercompany sports has a long history which started with rugby sevens 25 years ago and expanded to include softball and netball,” remarked Michael Scantelbury.
“It’s the perfect way to create inclusiveness and team building amongst our employees, and a great way to meet colleagues from various divisions. The great thing is everyone plays in the spirit of the game, and on the court everyone is equal.
“You might get the occasional whistle blown on the COO or even a General Manager for running in the wrong courts. It’s a fun day for everyone.”
The competition was coordinated by Stephan Dawanincura from The Right Connections and international sporting elite Mona Lisa Leka, who was the Tournament Director and her team of officials.
Steamships acknowledged its divisions, Mona Lisa-Leka, KB Stone Crew, The Right Connections, Heisi Andrews and his team at the Rita Flynn Courts for their support.