Aipus Oval is excellent

HeLLO to all our rugby league families in PNG and abroad! Welcome to the 18th edition of Coach’s Corner in your favourite newspaper — The National.
The SP Hunters have a bye this weekend. The people of Enga really turned it on last week for the Intrust Super Cup round 18 ‘Country Week’ clash against the Easts Tigers at Aipus Oval. This oval is the best I have come across outside of Port Moresby in PNG.
The welcome reception at Wapenamanda when the Hunters landed last Wednesday was overwhelming.
To see Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas lead the welcoming group was unbelievable.
Then the drive to Wabag which usually takes 40 minutes took about two-and-a-half hours when people lined up on the roadside. This same welcome lead by Sir Peter was also extended to the Tigers on Friday afternoon.
Last Thursday, the Hunters visited Irelya and Wabag primary schools and the Wabag General Hospital.
I went to check the field out. The finishing touches were being put to the grand stand, corporate lounge and dressing rooms. These are really modern.
I went to mark the field and extend the goal posts. A group of volunteers joined Roderick Puname, Joe Bruno, Mong Tavol and I in marking the lines and painting them.
The spectators are so close to the action on all sides that I must admit, I felt a sense of satisfaction. I can tell you again, it is a top ground in the country and I have seen many.
The weather was kind that we finished the markings and painting by Friday afternoon in time for the Tigers to arrive and have their captain’s run.
Early Saturday morning, the volunteers painted on the meter numbers and it was all set to go.
The people started to line up at the gates as early as 7am. By 12pm (two hours before kick-off), 10,000 people had already entered. The curtain-raisers by the Under-18 boys and girls was entertaining.
The schoolchildren who escorted both teams out were fantastic. The Wapenamanda Four Square International School sang the Australian anthem and the Wabag Primary School students sang the PNG one.
We missed many opportunities again in this game to win. We learned the passionate support by the rural people.
We learned why it was our No.1 sport. We learned the ordinary people on the streets and villages cared about us.
I commend Sir Peter for his leadership, Like in any team, if the leadership is good, the team will head in the right direction.
He leads by example. Sir Peter was at the Aipus early Friday morning to see the progress of work.
His commitment and investment into taking the Intrust Super Cup ‘Country Round’ to Wabag was memorable.
I will do whatever I can in my capacity as Kumul coach to take an international game to Wabag during my time.
Thank you Sir Peter, your government and administration and the wonderful people of Enga and surrounding provinces for a ‘Country Round’ played in a very peaceful atmosphere.
And a big thanks to the media for your coverage of this round as well as the positive image and stories of Wabag to the rest of PNG and abroad.
The Coca-Cola National Schools Championships is on at the Oil Search National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.
The New Guinea Islands Under-14 boys won the inaugural U14 Coca-Cola Cup, edging out Southern on points difference.
The U16 boys were still at it at the time of sending this article.
Today, the U18 boys take to the field and the U18 girls play their championship tomorrow.
Come down and let’s support these boys and girls. There is plenty of skill on display. These players are our future.
A reminder that the appeal to help fellow Kumul Kurt Baptiste is still on.
He had an operation on his knee and has further tests to undergo.
Please deposit any amount of money you can spare to this account: Name: PNGRFL Inc. Trust Account for Kurt Baptiste, BSP Account No: 7017301099, Branch: Port Moresby, BSB No. 088 294, Swift Code: BOSPPGPM. The account will close next Wednesday.
Until next week, play hard, play safe and play by the rules in whatever sport you take part in. And if you are watching from the sidelines, remember there is no room for violence so don’t cause any trouble.

Cheers Mikz