15th Pacific Games

Aussies beat PNG 19-0 in women’s 7s

It was a physical encounter but speed what was what the Australians had over PNG as they ran in their first try through Sarah Halvorsen to lead 5-0.

Minutes later, quick hands to the wing put a flying Brooke Walker in to score to extend Australia’s lead to 12-0 after a successful conversion.

Right from the kick off at the second half, Australia spread the ball out wide and a try resulted seconds later.

Australia held onto this lead until the final hooter.

PNG defeats Samoa in men’s basketball

Samoa led in the first quarter 22-14 but PNG bounced back to take over 43-35 at half time.

PNG maintained the lead in the third quarter thanks to key players Allan Wright, Purari Muri, Gabriel Elavo and Matiineng Leahy taking their score up 59-48.

Despite height advantage, Samoa couldn’t keep up with the fast play by the home team.

This is PNG’s fifth win out of six games taking them to the top four.

PNG coach Joel Khalu was pleased with the boys’ performance and is confident PNG will make it to the medal playoffs.

2 more gold for PNG

In the second session of the day, medal count for the host nation continues to flow.

PNG has now won five gold medals in powerlifting in day one of competition.

In the women's 63kg Melissa Tikio (PNG) got gold, Sanimere Abariga of Fiji won silver and Delia Dabwido of Nauru settled for bronze.

And in the men's 66kg Staron Slade of Nauru spoiled the PNG party winning gold, while PNG duo Henry Kelo and Brown Bilong sharing the second and third placing.

But in the men's 74kg division, PNG had the upper hand over Nauru, collecting two medals.

PNG Lewas cruise over New Caledonia

Opener Konia Oala scored an unbeaten 108 runs.

Her knock included 13 fours and 4 sixes belted all over the park.

Varoi Morea also pitched in with 42 runs to set up a mammoth target of 194 runs after batting out the full 20 overs at the at the loss of 3 wickets.

The New Caledonians struggled to build partnerships and lost their first five wickets for 23 runs.

Middle order batsman Louise Wawine top scored with 15 runs.

PNG’s Bonnie David was outstanding snaring 4/10 followed by all-rounder Tanya Ruma who returned with figures of 3/9.

PNG thrash Tahiti 48-0

Five tries to PNG was the tale of the tape as they did it easy over a Tahiti side that was no match.

Bomai racked up 6 points converting three of the five tries.

In the second half is when Bomai grabbed her two tries one after the other.

The kicking responsibilities were left to Kymlie Rapilla who added the extras for both tries.

Alice Alois grabbed the last try for PNG in what has been PNG’s easiest win yet.

But PNG’s acid test will come tonight when they play Australia tonight at 8:30pm.

PNG, Samoa, Tonga prime opposition for Fiji: Ryan

Ryan told PACNEWS upon their arrival at Jackson International Airport  Tuesday that Samoa is always a tough team to play against in any 7s tournament.

“ I haven’t seen the team yet  so I don’t know the strength of the side  they brought over  but they will be looking to qualify for Olympics in November, so I’m sure with the new coach as well  they send for this tournament I’m sure they will be a huge threat as well .They always tough to play against.

“I think PNG, Tonga and Samoa this three will make up a prime opposition this week,” Ryan told PACNEWS.

PNG Loop's Pacific Games medal tally

More updates will be coming shortly.

Fila Fuamatu powers to Pacific Games

The powerlifter is perfecting her form in preparation for the 2015 Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea.

She will represent Samoa in the male-dominated sport. 

"I just want to encourage others," she says.

"There are so many opportunities for women out there. They just don't know how strong they are."

Fuamatu, wo lives in the Auckland suburb of Onehunga, was born in New Zealand but worked in Samoa for eight years as a sports co-ordinator.

It was during this time she discovered all of the benefits of being involved in sport.

Games Village opens to athletes and officials

The village was officially launched by Prime Minister Peter O’Neill when he did the unveiling of a plaque today.

The village has ten blocks with 30 rooms in each block and will house 4000 athletes and officials. It also has a mess that will be serving 10, 000 meals a day.

O’Neill visited the village and was pleased with the outcome of the K230 million facility and thanked the contractors for the hard work.

He said PNG had set a standard and the village was a testament to the government’s commitment in making the Games a success.

Games Baton receives big welcome at Ela Beach

Three lagatois escorted the baton ono shore from nearby Manubada Island to be welcomed by 20 dancing Hanenamos.

The baton will continue its 100 days journey in the nation’s capital after having toured Central Province last week.

The baton was handed over by Central Governor Kila Haoda to Motukoita president Miria Ikupu who then handed it to the Oil Search Ambassador for NCD Rea Obui.

Obui then presented the baton to NCD Governor Powes Parkop who gladly received it and said it’s a big indication of what is about to come in the city.