The PNG Palais started day one of the World Rugby Women's Sevens Series qualifier on a strong note, defeating Hong Kong 22-14.
The tournament was hosted in Hong Kong from April 4th-5th.
In match three of Pool B on the 4th of April, Fatima Rama, Tavai Lavai and Joanne Lagona posted points for their side in the first half, where the teams went for break with 17-nil.
Right after halftime, Marie Biyama sped past Hong Kong defenders for another PNG try, thanks to Joanne Lagona’s impressive sidestepping and pass.
Unfortunately, Lagona was sent to the bin minutes later for an intentional knock-on.
Hong Kong won the second half, posting 14 points while keeping the visitors to five.
Sadly, it wasn’t enough as they fell short 22-14.
Their second match against Uganda saw the PNG side reign supreme as they registered a 32-nil victory.
Speedsters from the PNG side walked off smiling, satisfied with the outcome.
Their final game for day one was against Kenya.
The Kenyans proved to be tougher than the other two teams faced by the PNG girls.
The PNG Palais went down 10-20.
In the quarter finals this afternoon, April 5th, Scotland defeated the Palais 36-12.
Scotland will meet Brazil this evening in the finals.
This year Hong Kong has hosted 11 international sides in the tournament that drew teams from each World Rugby region.
Nine of last year’s competitors returned, including the 2018 winners, China.
The winner of the World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series Qualifier will be promoted to next season’s HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series, replacing the bottom-placed team at the completion of the current season.
(Fatima Rama dashing for her first try)