Flies claim first title

By MELTON PAIS
A MATCH-WINNING field goal by Hohola Flies halfback Benton Leme sealed his side’s first Port Moresby Rugby league premiership with a 7-6 win over the Paga Panthers in the grand final at the National Football Stadium yesterday.
The Panthers had some strong players on their side to strengthen their defence but Leme kept his cool and slotted the clutch point with seconds left on the clock.
Generally, it was fair games with one try each for both sides.
However, Leme was the man to watch with his ball distribution giving his side every chance but the match was a typically bruising affair with both sides employing a rush defence.
The Flies entered the competition in 2010 and had made one grand final against the Butterflies in 2014 but had yet to win a premiership.
Last year they made it as far as the major semifinal. It would not  have been a victory if it were not for Leme who joined the club in round 16 this year.
The twenty-year-old from Tsak valley in Wapenamanda district, Enga native made his presence felt from round 16 all the way to grand final day and gave the Enga-dominated side a shield for their trophy cabinet.
One of the funny things about Leme is that, he started his rugby league career with Paga Panthers and joints the Hela Wigmen in the Digicel Cup match this year and he joins the Flies lately.
He said he was very much delighted to play against the players who were once his brothers.
“I don’t have anything against Paga. They gave me a chance and I’m thankful for that,” Leme said.
Flies 7 (Jimmy Kepon try; Benton Leme con, field goal) Panthers 6 (Mark James try; Roger Laka con)