Admin issue halts 9s finals

By JACK AMI
THE finals of the Vula’a Ralemana League Nines competition in Hula, Central, were abandoned after teams protested the lack of cash prizes.
On Wednesday, before the finals, the teams started with a one-minute silence in respect of the late PNG Kumuls star Kato Ottio.
But five of the teams in the competition protested against the staging of the semifinals because there were no confirmed cash prizes.
The Vins Heita, Hula Nauna, Texas Eels, Panthers and KC Tigers side argued that without cash prizes there was no point playing the finals. They all passed a resolution with the tournament coordinators headed by Francis Frazer Kouvali that all cash prizes should be awarded based on the point’s ladder after four games.
Kouvali said a resolution and understanding was passed with both parties and the cash prizes should be presented this week by the sponsor.
“I don’t have any control over the prize money as it was the sponsor’s commitment,” Kouvali said.
“This event is coordinated and managed by Vula’a Rugby League with the local clubs from Hula village participating.
He said after round four, Vins Heita remained unbeaten with seven points, followed by Hula Nauna on four, Texas Eels (2), Panthers (2) and KC Tigers (1).
That means that Vins Heita from Gereka are the second time champions in Vula’a Nines after wining the Alleville and now Ralemana Nines.