Royals retain title as POMRFL women's champions

The Black Swan International Royals have retained their title as women's champions of the Port Moresby Rugby Football (POMRFL) competition.

The Royals were crowned champions after beating the Richard Wagambie Paga Panthers 24-16 in today's grand final at the National Football Stadium.

It was a double to outside centre Naomi Kaupa late in the match that won it for the Royals.

Two tries in the first half to the Panthers allowed them to take a 10-6 lead at the break.

The Royals hit early in the second half to level up after quick hands allowed Marie Biyama to score out wide.

However, the Panthers regrouped and after consecutive sets of six took back the lead through Captain Cathy Neap who barged over to score under the posts.

Waikili John added the extras to lead by a converted try.

With 15 minutes left, it was still anyone's game.

 But it was the Royals who wanted the win more running in three unanswered tries.

 Kaupa scored her two tries in the last 10 minutes to secure the win and pick up K7,000 in prize money.

 The Panthers settled for K3,500 as runners up.

This is the 67th year of the POMRFL competition that started back in 1949.

Author: 
Troy Taule