Barbs claim top spot in Madang Xmas challenge

Normal, Sports

BARBARIANS have wrapped the top tag in the Madang Rugby Football Union (Marfu) Sevens Christmas challenge after winning both their matches last Saturday.
They were made to work hard in the first game against a fired-up Redscar Ants, who had Council Bonny on the sidelines barking orders.
Youngster Peter Kolkia, Mark Alex and substitute Muruk Joseph had the measure of the Finsch Road boys but could not finish them off as Danny Polong, Yakson Yakumani, Martin Avi and Apelis Kania maintained their composure to come out 12-10 victors, then stepped up to see off Panim Doggies.
Nabasa Crusaders brushed aside the luckless Chiefs and Kalibobo Gunners.
Gunners, who had former Pukpuk wing Geoffrey Bai with Masella Zale, Micah Zale and Peter Chanel lost their way as the Lakman-inspired Crusaders scored a winner right on full-time.
Chiefs’ nightmare continued when they lost both games and are now out of the finals.
After Saturday’s games, Barbarians lead with 12 points, Gunners eight, Guinness and Crusaders on six, Redscar, Doggies four and Chiefs yet to register a win.
Six teams will be battling for the Bowl, Plate and Cup when the finals kick off on Saturday (Boxing Day).
Favourites Barbarians and Redscar Ants are the only teams have sealed their fate for the Cup and Bowl finals respectively.
Both Guinness and Panim Doggies will battle in their last pool match to determine the winners reaching the finals playoff for the Plate or Cup.
Skipper Eddie Sibolo will look to spark his boys Papa Joseph, Ben Aro, Alfie Mick, and Blasius Kenneth to pile up points against the village boys who will have the support of Madgauns giant, Tui Fitiao and skipper Victor Manab.
Marfu on behalf of the players and their families, would also like to convey their sincere condolence to the family of the late Reah Henao, who passed away in Lae, Morobe province.