15th Pacific Games

New Zealand Football's appeal to be considered next week

The All Whites were thrown out of the competition in Papua New Guinea’s capital after a protest made by semi-final opponents Vanuatu over the eligibility of South African-born Deklan Wynne was upheld at a disciplinary hearing on July 12.

Vanuatu, who were handed a 3-0 walkover win despite succumbing to a 2-0 defeat in their last-four encounter, went on to play Fiji in the final later that same day, losing 4-3 on penalties at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium.

NZ Football files appeal over expulsion from Olympic qualification tournament

The All Whites were thrown out of the competition in Papua New Guinea’s capital after a protest made by semi-final opponents Vanuatu over the eligibility of South African-born Deklan Wynne was upheld at a disciplinary hearing on July 12.

Vanuatu, who were handed a 3-0 walkover win despite succumbing to a 2-0 defeat in their last-four encounter, went on to play Fiji in the final later that same day, losing 4-3 on penalties at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium.

PNG games rated the best Pacific Games

The facilities were classed as world class and there was a rush to finish them. There were security concerns which the Papua New Guinea Government quashed by having the police and military on the streets.

In Fiji, sporting bodies were getting their best together.

According to FASANOC president Joe Rodan, the Pacific Games was almost equivalent to the Olympic Games for some sports and for some island nations as well.

This was to be my first trip to Papua New Guinea, the "Land of the Unexpected" and believe me I was a bit anxious.

PNG leading 1-0 in gold medal play off

PNG threatened to score in the opening minutes of play when Marie Kaipu was set up metres out from the goal but rushed her kick which went straight into the hands of goal keeper Honorine Pouidja.

New Caledonia’s Marielle Haocas nearly scored not long after when her penalty kick beat PNG’s goal keeper Fidelma Watpore but bounced off the top bar and was quickly cleared away.

PNG got another chance in the 21st minute of play and Kaipu this time did not waste it as she slotted a ball past Pouidja to take a 1-0 lead.

PNG with nose in front vs Samoa

Played in front of a pack PNG Power Dome, PNG surged to the lead at the second quarter after trailing the Samoans at the first quarter break 13-19.

At half time, PNG have put their nose in front 30-28.

The entertaining netball match has two more quarters to play.

     

New Zealand Football to lodge appeal over expulsion from Olympic qualification tournament

Following a 2-0 semi-final win against Vanuatu on Friday (July 10), New Zealand's opponents protested the eligibility of South African-born Deklan Wynne.

The protest was upheld at a disciplinary hearing Sunday as Vanuatu were handed a 3-0 walkover, putting them through to the final against Fiji later in the day. 

Vanuatu lost 4-3 on penalties here following a goalless draw after extra-time at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium.

Seven sports start today

     

Volleyball which started yesterday will continue with match 7-15 today at the Taurama Aquatic Centre courts or BSP arena.

The first match will be played at 9am between American Samoa and Wallis and Futuna. PNG will play at 3pm with New Caledonia.

Tennis which started last week continues today at the Steamships Racquets club.

Sporting codes which begin today are athletics, hockey, karate, netball, body building, beach volleyball and lawn bowls.

Lawn bowls begins at 9am at the Bisini Lawn Bowls Greens between Cook islands and Fiji and ends at 3pm.

PNG Loop's Pacific Games medal tally

More updates will be coming shortly.

Pulsan retains powerlifting title.

Pulsan showed her class outweighing her challengers which got the small but vocal crowd chanting; PNG, PNG!

But the upset of the day, was Livingstone Sikoli of PNG the men's 83kg division champion losing his title to Deamo Baguga of Nauru.

Sikoli settled for second place and Frederick Warsidi of New Caledonia third.

While the silver and bronze medal in the women's 72kg was won by Eibon Jerusha Mau of Nauru and Asenate Manoa of Tuvalu.

Day two of powerlifting continues tomorrow.

Pini leads PNG to win gold in relay

The relay team comprised of Anna-Liza Mopio-Jane, Samuel Seghers, Savanah Tkatchenko and Pini.

PNG clocked a time of 1:40.02 sec setting a record for this event as this is the first time it has ever been included in the Pacific Games.

Each country had two males and two females compete.

Fiji took out silver clocking 1:40.45 sec and New Caledonia grabbed bronze after clocking in at 1:40.57.