By HENRY MORABANG
KAWASO Defence finally won the Port Moresby Rugby League pre-season Super Nines tournament after defeating Bishop Brothers Hawks 18-12 at Lloyd Robson Oval in Port Moresby yesterday.
Defence who finished runner-up to Butterflies last year took sweet revenge when they knocked the defending champion 9-6 in the semi finals to book the date with Hawks in the final showdown.
Hawks had defeated Dobo Warriors 8-4 earlier in the day.
In the plate finals, newcomers PSC Warriors led by former Port Moresby winger Johannes Dame beat Royals 18-4 while Tarangau beat Paga Team One 26-12 for the bowls title.
In the main clash, Defence with the inclusion of former Wari Vele Raiders duo Jarrod Hoada and Geno Ralani, Mendi Muruks Samuel Nap and Brian Bell Bulldogs Andrew Andiki never let their new found teammates down.
In fact, they led by example in setting foundation for the victory for the Cup finals.
Led by their skipper Steven Johns, Andiki, Ralani, Hoada, fullback Nelson Wanga, Orah Roy and hooker Rex Maima had to work overtime to win the title from their Hanuabada opponent.
Hawks on the other hand were led by former Toyota Mioks halfback Edea Morea, Toua Kohu, Vani Morea and Nene Moide who played their guts out but could not do much as Defence were strong in their hand.
Samuel Nap scored two tries to set the Green machines on the path to victory before Geno Ralani scored to bring their score to 14 while Hawks replied a single try try to inside centre Loa Reva to bring the score to 14-4 at the break.
In the second half, Edea Morea put some smile on Hawks supporters face when he touched down to narrow the score 8-14 before a Jarrod Hoada try stretched the lead to 18-8.
Hawks winger Toramo Dairi reduced the scoreline 18-12 but Defence players put up a strong defence to win the match.