Black Orchids 7s organisers praised

Bougainville Affairs Minister and Bougainville Regional MP Joe Lera praised the organisers of the Black Orchid Rugby Sevens tournament for hosting this year’s edition in Arawa, Central Bougainville.
The final was won by perennial contenders Kimbe Rebels, who beat the Turagus 17-5 in the cup playoff.
The East New Britain Stallions bagged the plate with a 17-5 win over Aroma Coast.
Local Bougainvillean side O-Town edged Tigak Brothers 21-17 for the bowl, and in the shield final the Crusaders pipped the Lihir Nomads 24-22.
Capital Rugby Union of Port Moresby lost 10-5 to the Turagus in the cup semi-final in extra-time.
Lera thanked all the participating clubs and officials.
He thanked Sports Minister Justin Tkatchenko for making for attending the opening ceremony last Friday.
“It’s pleasing and it gives hope to see such events of this magnitude played in Arawa — once the provincial capital and centre of such sporting events before the unfortunate Bougainville crisis,” Lera said.
He said the event showed the important role sport had always played in the unification process in the province.
Lera pointed out that the gathering of rugby sevens teams from around the countrywas testimony of the ability sport had to build peace, unity and reconciliation among the people.
Lera said as Bougainville moved closer to its referendum set for June, 2019, the tournament would be one of the many cultural and sporting activities that would unite the people of Bougainville.