| Sports |
Souths victorious in first grand
final clash
By HENRY MORABANG
MINOR premier Petroleum Resources Kutubu (PRK) Souths won their
first grand final after defeating Telikom University 2-1 in a
nail-biting Port Moresby men’s premier grand final on Saturday.
In the earlier games, Rapatona proved too be the queen of soccer
after beating Guria 1-nil in the women’s premier grand final
while Maclarance from Tufi in Oro province downing Papindo
Markham Yarang 1-nil.
In the women’s Division grand final, the PRK Souths beat their
PRK Mungkas 2-1. Both teams were sponsored by Petroleum
Resources Kutubu.
Played at the Telikom Soccer Park at Bisini, the grand final
attracted a capacity crowd which include several national
parliamentarian headed by Bulolo MP Sam Basil.
Both University and Souths started their attack on a slow pace
until they find momentum to penetrate into each other territory.
Souths with midfield duo David Muta and Eric Komeng were in
total control in defence and also setting up their strikers Kema
Jack and Frank Tulem.
In the backline, Watson Tagaia, Brian Tuhiana, Lawrence Moses
and Tasola Niebo were up their task keeping a close check on
University strikers Reginald Davani and Garry Moka.
Souths played a much better football than University in the
first half. They defended well and also quick to turn defensive
play to offensive play which caught University backline
flatfooted.
In two such moves, Kema Jack received a good ball after
University defenders fail to clear it to blast the first goal
for the afternoon.
Before University tries to recover for the surprised and shock
opening goal, Kema received another good ball again from Muta to
beat University defenders and goalkeeper Ben Kaiah to scored in
second goal to put his team in front.
Souths really capitalized on lack of coordination in the
midfield to set their strikers.
University tried every trick in the book to comeback but Souths
hold on to lead 2-0l at half time.
In the second half, there were several changes in the team with
injection of Desmond Waku and flanker Eric Willie which saw some
control in the midfield.
In fact, Waku’s presence on the field always keep Souths defence
guessing whenever he touches the ball. Had he had gone earlier
in the first half, Waku’s presence will make a big difference.
University kept on mounting pressure on Souths defence when
referee Salaiau Sosogan penalized Souths for an infringement.
Striker Reginald Davani curved the ball outside the 22 yard
metres into the goal area to find Garry Moka’s head for the net.
The goal really spark of University attack in the last 15
minutes but the time ran out .
Souths captain Andrew Lepani commended his player for a good
win. He said the win his for all the players, supporters and the
followers of the club.
President of PRK Souths Wesley Raminai said the premiership have
evaded them for the last three years and finally, the club won.
“The win is special for the club, and also a sweet revenge for
the club against University who denied South’s first grand final
last year,” he said.
Raminai thanked Petroleum Resource Kutubu, a landowner company
for backing them in the last five years.
Coach John Davani said he was happy with the performance, who
kept their spirit alive until they final whistle.
 
|
