Crushers win Lae rugby league crown
By SAMPSON BONAI
WIO KIN Kamkumung Crushers won its maiden title after defeating
arch rivals Digicel 14B Pirates 11-6 in the replay of the SP
Lager Lae rugby league grand final yesterday.
Crushers scooped the first prize of K2,500 and the premiership
trophy while prop Mai Tom won the prestigious trophy of the
Player of the Year award.
Digicel 14B Pirates settled for the runner-up prize money of
K2,000, Lae Panthers took out the third prize of K1,200 and
Highway Inn Royals received the fourth prize money of K750.
JKT LIM Morobe Tigers walked away with the B Grade title and the
first prize money of K2,000, Lee Supplies Brothers took out the
runner-up prize money of K1,200, Wio Kin Kamkumung Crushers
settled for the third spot and took out K700 and LB Spiders
finished fourth and walked away with K500.
Lae Biscuit Spiders won the Under 19 premiership title and
walked away with the first prize money of K1,200, Digicel
14BPirates took out the runner up prize money of K800, JKT Lim
Morobe Tigers finished third and got K600 and Lae Panthers took
out K400 for finishing fourth in the finals this year.
The replay of the grand final was deferred to yesterday
following spectator violence a fortnight ago after both teams
Crushers and Pirates locked at 8-8 at fulltime and the rowdy
spectators prevented a decision to play extra time.
Lae league president Russ Kaupa thanked all the clubs for
participating in this year competition and congratulated all the
clubs that made it to the finals and said it was a very
successful season this year.
Club president John Mukale was over the moon as it was an
answered prayer and dream come true for him when he first
assembled the team to take part in the tough league competition
in 2002.
“It is a dream come true, I’m very happy with the players for
making it to the grand final and for winning the big one is a
big accomplishment and a bonus to the club, sponsors and the
supporters,” Mukale said.
