Rugby Union

Brothers and Defense are certain for the finals but University Piggies and Harlequins will have to fight hard in the final round of the competition this weekend to lock in their spots.

The Wanderers 23 to 20 win against MMB Marlins on Saturday has put the team in a position to give a final crack on the finals bet.

The 20 points draw between the University Piggies and Harlequins have opened the door for the Wanderers to test its muscles for the last time.

Both teams were toe to toe and the scores showed it all. With just one round of the regular season remaining in the Pepsi Capital Rugby Union Competition, before the finals play, the University Piggies was throwing absolutely everything to Harlequins pack to lock its finals spot.

Under pressure Harlequins did well to remain calm and composed to contain the desperate Uni Piggies side to come out with the draw, 20 points all.

Piggies sitting third on the points leading heading into the match. Harlequins was not far behind, with just one win separating them.

Papua New Guinea Rugby Union president, Paul Siwi is pleased with the tractions the event has attracted and is anticipating a good successful event. 

This will be the 21st Commanders Defense Force Cup tournament, with 10 teams ready for a crunch time starting Wednesday July 12. Teams have travelled into Lae from all the military barracks in the country in style, which is great for PNGDF. 

Morobe Rugby Union is hoping to play two teams in the Super 7s Sries tournament and they are Hammerheads and its development Club, Tiger Sharks.

Hammerheads was recently awarded the National Performance of the year 2022, at the SP Sports Awards.

Despite this on field success, Morobe RU President Lionel Kamiak said many of its players have crossed over to Rugby League, leaving the club struggling. However, with the depth of talent in production line, there is enough to cover for the loss.

With three matches left in round two, both sides need a win to keep their finals hope alive. 

Crusaders who sit on 6th place two places above their opposition proved to be tough to handle in the opening 10 minutes of the game. 

The match was expected to be an exciting contest, but after two tries in the first 10 minutes by the Crusaders it was clear it was going to be a challenge for MBB Marlins.

Crusaders scored two more tries in the second half, but due to ill-discipline they conceded two yellow cards leaving them to defend with 13 men for the last 15 minutes.

The Drua dominated the second half after scores were locked 17-17 at the break, the wheels falling off for a Reds team now relying on an under-strength Chiefs to beat the Western Force in Perth to play finals.

Victory on a wet afternoon at Suva's HFC Bank Stadium lifted Mick Byrne's men (6-8) above four teams, including the Reds (5-9), into seventh to assure them a quarter-final berth.

And it bumped the Reds back to eighth - the Force now able to shunt them out of the finals picture and book their own berth with a win over the Chiefs later on Saturday.

Brothers Rugby Union Club, who sit atop the competition ladder, will play a second-placed Defence.

Brothers is the only team in the competition that remains unbeaten in the past 8 rounds. The team won six matches and drew in two, to sit first on the ladder.

Not far behind is the Defence Rugby Union Team. Defence won five matches, drew two and lost one.

Discussions have already begun. The challenge is expected to be held in Lae once this is finalized. At present, both have rugby competitions to complete. 
 
Morobe Rugby Union President Lionel Kamiak confirmed this at the recent SP Sports Awards, when Morobe Hammerheads were announced winner for Best Performance of the Year 2022.

Kamiak said it would be a big showdown because the best in the competition will go up against a quality opposition.  

This award recognizes a team or an athlete who put up consistent performance throughout the year.

Morobe Hammerheads have been one of the best Rugby 7’s teams in the past few years now. But their performances last year in a couple of competitions were exceptional.

They appeared in National Provincial Championship finals, and were the back-to-back champions for the KPHL super 7’s series.

Formed in 2020 they have proved their worth to be in the competition. The team is proud to PNG Pukpuks’ Jackie Winas, selected to the national side following the Wewak 7s competition in 2021.

Dubbed as the “underdogs” in the Madang Rugby Fraternity, they have played exceptionally well in all their games with no losses in the quarter and semifinals. Taking on renowned teams in Madang including Kalibobo Gunners, 6B pirates and Divine Word University.

Ward 4 Councilor Bonny Simon and his wife Gilem are proud mentors of the team. Their sons are also on the team.