By HENRY MORABANG
The National Soccer League-bound Hekari United FC beat Telikom University 3-0 in the Cup finals of the inaugural MRDC 7s soccer tournament at the Telikom Soccer Park in Port Moresby on Saturday.
Hekari comprised mainly of PRK Souths was fresh from their semi finals had a good break were much better side against University. The University side had to struggle as they had only 10 minute rest before the finals. But it was a Seven Soccer format which doesn’t worry University one bit as they put up a strong fight against the winners.
United dominated the game with player/coach Jerry Allan scoring the first point of the afternoon to lead 1-0 at the break.
In the second half, University fought back but fatigue took its toll allowing Eric Komeng to score a penalty after Harold Demo was penalised for hand ball and then replacement Kema Jack put the icing on the cake to score the final goal.
United collected the MRDC Cup with K10,000 while Telikom University walked away with K5,000 plus trophy and Inter University, sister club picked up K2,500 while Madang Souths got K1,000.
Markham Yarang made his presence felt to collect the Fair Play trophy which was donated by Kawaso Limited director Kossy Sosoro.
Tournament director Aggrey Watson was happy with the turn out and thanked all the teams for taking part.
Advocate of MRDC 7’s soccer, John Kapi Natto thanked all the teams especially out of Port Moresby teams Madang Souths, Welgris Highlands from Western Highlands, Yasaoro from Hekari in Southern Highlands for taking part in the two-day tournament.
He thanked two Solomon Islands teams, Marist and Toba Kings for making time available to come and take part in the tournament to make it as an international tournament.
“This is the start of something which is going to be bigger next year with invitation to all outside teams from other Melanesian countries including Far North Queensland teams in Australia to take part,” he said.