Barbs take 7s title

PNG Barbarians snatched a last- minute win through speedster Bobby Pau in the inaugural Nivani Frangipani Sevens rugby tournament in Kokopo.
The Port Moresby-based team picked up the cup and K10,000 prize money after defeating Gazelle (2) 15-12 in the  final at Kalabond field on Saturday.
Gazelle picked up the runners-up prize of K4,000.
Gazelle were leading 12-10 but an unforced error allowed Barbarians, who are made up of national sevens players, the chance to score right on full-time to clinch the cup.
Barbarians led 10-0 at the break but, in the second half, Gazelle scored their first try through Demas Daplen to trail 10-5.
Albert Patak scored Gazelle’s second try in the right corner and the successful conversion by Israel Eliab gave them what  seemed like a match-winning 12-10 lead with a minute remaining before  Pau scored the winner.
In the plate final, Hangan Pirates of Buka beat Kimbe’s Gigi Hurricanes 21-19 while another Buka side O-Town Barbs came back to beat Kavieng’s Nalik Chiefs 29-20 after trailing 20-7 at the break in the bowl final.
Tournament coordinator Ian Leklek was impressed with the event’s outcome and thanked Nivani Ltd as the major sponsors.
“It was a struggle trying to organise a major tournament but I’m happy with how everything turned out.”
Leklek also acknowledged supporting sponsors – Frangipani Car Hire, Rabaul Metal Industries, SP Brewery, Kokopo Village Resort, Coco-Cola, Remington and PNG Waterboard.