Siviri Young Tigers defend Kerema league crown

By JACK AMI
KEREMA Rugby League premiers Siviri Young Tigers bagged back-to-back premierships after beating Five Bulls 21-6 in their grand final on Sunday.
The Tigers were making their second appearance in a final and went 2-0 in deciders after an impressive second-half display.
The Tigers will now represent Kerema in the Southern Confederate Regional Club Championships on Nov 13 in the Gulf capital.
Tigers, with the experience of Gulf Isapea fullback and captain Ilave Sapea and five-eighth Mark John, engineered the win for the Siviri side.
John was the man behind the attack, coordinating his forwards and the backline to see his side play most of the match in the opposition half.
He went on to receive the best and fairest award of K100 donated by Elore Guest House owner Alex Hearo. Tigers led 4-2 at halftime.
In the second-half, Tigers kicked on with an effective plan and great game management by John, who combined with Sapea, Richard Eric, Michael Araua and Jeffrey Mero while hardworking forwards Howard Frank, Sai Lepa, Michael Irua and Mero Eddy did their part.
Bulls’ forwards Roy Ravi, Pennington Akia, Charlie Akasiki, Solomon Eddie and John Kavi did their utmost best to make it hard for the Tigers but in the end were unable to make a difference.
They conceded three tries to Eric, John and Arau, while Sapea kicked two goals and potted a field goal.
Bulls consolation four points was scored by Akia in the 35th minute.
Gulf Governor Havila Kavo presented the A-grade and B-grade grand finalists with K1500 and K1000 respectively for their efforts.
Kavo, Kerema mayor Jack Nari, Southern director Gwaibo Mairi and PNG Rugby Football League development officer Kila Vere were impressed with the standard of rugby league displayed.
In the Under-20 Pariva Sharks beat Erema Warriors 6-4.