Coca-Cola Ipatas Cup

Ipatas Cup finals to resume

The games will commence with the first 16 of the Western-end before the move to the Eastern-end leg of the finals.

The 2022 edition of the annual event also celebrates its 20th anniversary of uninterrupted rugby league games since 2002 making it the biggest and longest running offseason rugby league competition in the country.

SHP team banned

According to the Tournament Judiciary Committee, Butterflies players and team officials assaulted match officials, players and supporters from an opposing team.

CCIC Competition Manager Sam Koi said after reviewing the reports from the Judiciary Committee, the Board stated that it does not condone violence in any shape or form during the CCIC games and the assault of match referee by senior players will not be tolerated.

ENB ready for Ipatas Cup

Kokopo Muruks, Kinabot Spiders, Rabaul Panthers, Gnut Chiefs, TN Lions and Kerevat Black Bass have complied with all the tournament requirements and are ready to kick off the games.

It has been eight years since East New Britain hosted the first Coca-Cola Ipatas Cup tournament back in 2013 under original CEO and former mentor, the late Timothy Lepa.

Back then, Kokopo Muruks were declared champions and got the Gold Pass. Muruks also won the Kimbe challenge the previous year in 2012 and made the semifinals.

Minj Bulldogs in top form

In the historical match, when two Jiwaka teams faced off in the 2018-2019 Coca-Cola Ipatas Cup grand final, the team from Minj were a force to be reckoned with when they trampled the Banz Bulls, 21-6.

Straight after the official kick off by Governor William Tongamp, the boys from Minj started attacking the Banz defenders until their perseverance paid off with a try.

The boys from Minj were too swift and too agile for their younger Banz counterparts.

They relentlessly attacked their rivals’ line until the score was 16-nil by half time.  

New finals format for Ipatas Cup

CEO Timothy Lepa says this is to ensure a smooth outcome for the competition.

The Coca-Cola Ipatas Cup started in December 2018 and is expected to conclude in the first week of February. 

For this year’s finals, teams will not be playing on their home turf.

“Teams in the Enga challenge will not play off in the Eastern end in Wapenamanda but they will play in Goroka,” stated Lepa.

“And teams in Goroka, Simbu will go and play up in Wapenamanda, teams in Lae will come and play out.

“We’re moving all the teams around to neutral ground.”

NGI challenge gets K30,000 boost

New Britain Palm Oil Ltd say they are happy to support the NGI leg as it will be hosted in their home province of West New Britain.

The last NGI challenge was hosted in 2012.

NGI Ipatas Cup competition manager, Sam Koi, in thanking New Britain Palm Oil Ltd, said West New Britain has produced quality PNG Kumuls players over the years, including the legendary Marcus Bai.

“So we’re hoping this time we can find another Marcus Bai, or another two or three that can actually go through the Ipatas Cup.”

Ipatas Cup on schedule: CEO

The competition was moved forward to December 2018, instead of its usual start in February, to make way for the other national and international competitions.

Coca-Cola Ipatas Cup CEO, Timothy Lepa, says the competition has been progressing well despite its many challenges.

Bearing in mind that other semi-professional rugby league competitions are hosted in the country, the CEO says they expect to run the grand final next month in Lae.

Ipatas Cup progressive report presented

Since Coca-Cola’s partnership with the competition in 2001, raw talents have been given the opportunity to pursue their dreams on the international stage.

The 2018 Coca-Cola Ipatas Cup progressive report was presented today in Port Moresby.

During the presentation, the competition’s CEO, Timothy Lepa, highlighted the crucial role the offseason competition plays in PNG rugby league.

Toks Mix Dogs win Central Challenge

The Andrew Stone coached side have now advanced to the CCIC finals which will see them face off with the winners from the other centres.

Coordinator of the Central Challenge, Indy Verena said eight teams took part in the three day tournament that was held at Kwikila station.

The tournament started on Wednesday this week and ended yesterday.

Mix Dogs and Paga Panthers win golden passes

In the Central playoff, Toks Mix Dogs proved too strong for their opponents City Redbacks beating them 30-6.

Two early tries put the boys from Tokarara in control as they took a 10-6 lead at half time.

The second half was a one sided affair with the Mix Dogs running in four unanswered tries.

Fullback, Gabriel Taune played a blinder scoring two tries and converting them both.

The second final which was for the NCD playoff was a more tightly contested encounter that saw Paga Panthers defeat QPR Wanderers 14-10.