Competition cancels pool matches due to bad weather

By JACK AMI
THE Southern Region League Nines round three pool matches scheduled for yesterday were all cancelled due to heavy downpour on Monday night.
Sportz Events director Ivan Ravu said to avoid injuries and safe guard the surface at the National Football Stadium the games had to be deferred.
“We are concerned about the safety of the players due to the heavy pitch and slippery conditions at NFS,” Ravu said.
Ravu said due to the heavy downpour overnight the round three games scheduled for yesterday were cancelled and deferred to today.
“But the weather forecast (for yesterday) was proven wrong when it was all fine today with the glaring sun as usual in the nation’s capital,” he said.
“Teams were disappointed but accepted the decision as their safety comes first.”
“We made the decision early this morning at 7am (yesterday) when it was still raining to defer the games.”
He said the play-offs, quarterfinals, semifinals, preliminary finals and grand finals would be moved back to Thursday and Friday respectively.
“Our selectors are also selecting potential prospects for a training squad for a Central franchise in the 2018 PNG National Rugby League Digicel Cup semi-professional competition,” he said.
“We are confident of selecting the best potential and hopeful prospects that have performed extremely well.
“There are a lot of experienced players who will be the foundation of the Central franchise.
“Several of our elite players playing with other franchises have indicated that they want to play for the new franchise.
“This is where most of all our players will be selected from to represent the Central franchise.”