Ipatas Cup shared
The game was played at Johnson Siki Oval in Wabag, Enga province.
Tambuaks were leading 4-0 when the fight broke out between players from both sides following an illegal tactic employed by Tambuaks player on the visiting Mendi Menjals.
The executive of the Ipatas Cup met on the spot and agreed to split the K30,000 prize money and declared both teams as joint winners of the grand final.
The brawl should not overshadow one of the best Ipatas Cup grand final witnessed to date between host Tambuaks and former champions Menjals.
Enga Governor Peter Ipatas who witnessed the fight was disappointed with the behaviour of the host team players.
Ipatas said officials and players must refrain from encouraging such incidents if they want the game to move forward.
In the first half, both sides displayed what was expected of the champions – bone-crushing tackles and solid defence.
Menjals, sponsored by Mendi MP Pastor Isaac Joseph, did not let their sponsors down when outside centre Robert Toank displayed a clean pair of heels to score the opening try but the pass was ruled forward by the referee.
The visitors from Southern Highlands led by player of the series Joshua Molsi at halfback, captain and forward Charles Kengi, Noel Osil and Ronnie Toank never looked back.
The hosts were led by giant captain Peter Saar, Richard Yallon, Erekail Kandapol and the best forward of the tournament Gewo Pone. Robin Repu also moved forward to ensure that they had not come this far for nothing.
It was after 20 minutes into the first half that a good backline movement saw winger Douglas Pikia score the only try of the match. It was not converted by the Tambuaks defended their 4-0 lead until half time.
At the resumption of play, Tambuaks, who did not have the support of their home crowd, started to employ rough-house tactics but Menjals stood their ground and took everything thrown at them at seven minutes later that the fight broke out in what was easily a very good grand final.
Tambuaks captain Saar later publicly apologised for his players’ action.
Menjals captain and former Mendi Muruks Charles Kengi said he would have wanted to see the game completed.
In the third and fourth placings play-off, halfback Joe Tahon kicked Komab Sharks to a 7-4 victory over Giluwe Tigers.
Both teams scored one try each but Tahon kicked a penalty and a field goal to help Sharks collect K5,000 while Tigers settled for the K2,000 prize.
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