2017

Australian Indigenous blasted their way to set a mammoth target, finishing at 9/347 after batting out the full fifty overs.

Runs came from openers Dary Short (86) and Damon Eagon (77) plus other contributions from Ben Abbatanglo (75) and Cameron Trask (45).

The best with the ball for the Barras was Chad Soper (3/60) while John Boge Reva (2/36) and Nosiana Pokana (2/48) also picked up wickets.

The Barras struggled from the start, slumping to 3/28 after seven overs.

This is primarily due to the effect of the 2017 National General Elections.

Netball PNG Board Chair, Julienne Leka, explained that the Board had gauged the views of Council members with the majority advising that they would not be able to attend this year’s championships. This was due to the national elections, which had affected local competitions throughout the country.

Leka added the annual general meeting will be held either in the fourth quarter of this year or the first quarter of 2018.

The Muruks were on the board first after a try to Casey Kuple in the third minute of the match.

The Hela boys responded seven minutes later through Melvin Paul, who flew over on the wing to score.

These were the only points in the first half with the score tied at 6-6.

It was all one way traffic in the early part of the second half with the Wigmen dominating possession.

This eventually led to points after Missach Welen crossed to score out wide.

This was confirmed by Competition Manager of the PNG NRLC, Stanley Hondina at a press conference today held at the National Football Stadium.

“This is in compliance with our Competitions Operations Manual to have all finals in neutral venues,” said Hondina.

Hondina added the grand final of the Digicel Cup is scheduled for Saturday September 9 at the PNG Football Stadium.

“It will be played on September 9 because the next day on Sunday September 10, the SP Hunters will host the major semi-final at the National Football Stadium.

Competition Manager for the PNG NRLC, Stanley Hondina said a tent will be set up at the Sir John Guise Stadium gate opposite Vision City where tickets can be purchased.

Ticket prices: Club Lounge- K150, Grandstand- K50, Outer stand- K20.

“Tickets will go on sale starting tomorrow, Saturday and on Sunday as well, “said Hondina.

“Everybody in Port Moresby is urged to come and watch the final four teams battle it out for the coveted Digicel Cup.”

This Sunday’s finals of the Digicel Cup will be played at the PNG Football Stadium in Port Moresby.

Marum said Wera will start in the centres with Willie Minoga moved to second rower. Moses Meninga will start at lock.

He added David Loko and Stanton Albert have been omitted from the side for the final round of the season before the finals.

Brandy Peter, Sailas Gahuna and young Muka Peter Kulu have been added to the extended 20-man squad.

The Hunters raced away to a 12-0 lead after tries from Stargroth Amean in the 4^th minute and Watson Boas in the 10^th.

The home side responded with three tries to Carlin Anderson, Paul Byrnes and then Jonathon Reuben just three minutes out from half time.

This left the score at 16-12 at the break with the Blackhawks ahead.

The second half saw no points scored until the 62^nd minute when Israel Eliab crossed over to level the score.

Starting at 2pm, Waghi Tumbe will play host to competition leaders, Lae Snax Tigers.

Across to Goroka, the Bintangor Goroka Lahanis will clash with the visiting PRK Mendi Muruks.

Down to the nation’s capital, the NCDC Port Moresby Vipers have a date with the Kroton Hela Wigmen.

Finally, all the way in Kokopo, the Agmark Rabaul Gurias are scheduled to take on the EPG Enga Mioks.

All three matches in Goroka, Port Moresby and Kokopo are set to kick off at 3pm.

Marum has added young Muka Peter Kulu, Sailas Gahuna, Esau Siune and Paul Wawa in the squad.

The squad:

1. Stargroth AMEAN 2. Bland ABAVU 3. Israel ELIAB 4. Willie MINOGA  5. Butler MORRIS 6. Ase BOAS © 7. Watson BOAS 8. Wellington ALBERT 9. Wartovo PUARA JR  10. Brandy PETER 11. David LOKO 12. Nixon PUT 13. Stanton ALBERT 14. Enock MAKI 15. Moses MENINGA 16. Rhadley BRAWA  17. Karo KAUNA Jnr 18. Muka Peter KULU 19. Esau SIUNE 20. Paul WAWA 21. Sailas GAHUNA

Boas goes up against 13 other nominees, which include his Kumuls teammates and former Hunters players, Justin Olam, who is the 2017 nominee for the Sunshine Coast Falcons, and Thompson Teteh for the Redcliffe Dolphins.

To learn more about the nominees and to submit your vote, visit this page on the QRL website: http://www.qrl.com.au/intrust-super-cup/xxxx-peoples-choice-award.html