Bang 36 claim NGI 9s

By JACK AMI
PORT Moresby’s Bang 36 edged Central’s SSG Roosters 14-12 to claim the New Guinea Islands Super Nines cup at Kalabond Oval on Sunday.
Bang 36, a side dominated by Royals players from the Port Moresby Rugby League, led 8-4 at halftime and held on to win with a conversion the difference between the sides, who both scored three tries a piece.
The Roosters, who were the losing grand finalists in last year’s tournament, did well to make the final but were unlucky not to come away with the silverware despite their best efforts — luck was not on their side.
For the champions, this was Bang 36’s debut appearance at the tournament and one they will savour as they add this trophy to their cabinet.
Defending champions KMA Vims NCD Cowboys were knocked out in the quaterfinals.
Bang 36 earned K50,000 as the cup winners’ prize money while the Roosters, despite suffering the disappointment of losing consecutive grand finals, received K20,000 for their effort FH Erima Laumas picked up K10,000 for claiming third place.
Bang 36 upset host STK Saints of Kokopo comprising Agmark Gurias squad members, in the semifinal to progress to the Mosin-sponsored Agmark Super Nines Cup.
Joe Tabutabu Junior and John Stanley bagged four-pointers in the first half for Bang 36 to hold an 8-4 lead and speedster William Aquila crossed for the Charlie Wabo-coached side with Stanley kicking what would be the deciding goal.
Seasoned nines player Steven Gia in a playmaking role was instrumental in the side’s victory.
The Roosters had their opportunities but failed to execute at crucial periods in the second stanza.
With experienced players like Karo Kauna Junior, Jackins Mark Olam, Ilave Sapea, Junior Belo and Chicko Mairi they will rue not being able to control the match and in particular kick the conversions to their three tries.
Bang 36 founder Brian Kombe said he was happy with team effort that had seen them win matches from the pool stages and throughout the finals.
“We came to Kokopo for the first time as the underdogs but we were unbeaten all the way to the cup final,” Kombe said.
“I’m proud of all the players who played to the best of their abilities.”
Roosters owner Gairo Gavu said the final was a missed opportunity for his team, who squandered their possession and could not find a way around the opposition defence when they needed to in the second half.
“We had the opportunities to put pressure and score tries but we failed to make use of those opportunities and that has let us down for the second time,” Gavu said.
Gavu commended his players for making back-to-back finals and despite the disappointment of losing, his men were by no means outclassed as indicated by the close scoreline.