Briefs
PNGTF demands apology
THE PNG Touch Federation has demanded an apology from the coach of the PNG senior men’s team, Augustine Aisi, and team manager, Peter Bernard, after media reports that the team had been poorly organised culminating in it being left on the streets of Sydney during last month’s World Masters Games. PNGTF vice president Monica Paul said both Aisi and Bernard were well aware that the federation was not able to provide any funding for the trip. She said they were advised to secure adequate funding from sponsors and to make their own arrangements. However, it turned out that only two players from the 28-man squad had paid their K2,000 levy fee before departure. She said the team had received a total of K25,000 in sponsorship and along with the levy fees it should have catered for transport, meals and accommodation. She challenged Aisi to explain the use of the funds and to take responsibility for the team’s woes.
Morobe 7s on
MOROBE rugby last week confirmed the scheduling of the Morobe Sevens for Nov 14-15. The tournament, a follow on from last month’s Lae Sevens, will be hosted at SCRUM (Supporters Club Rugby Union Morobe) Oval will feature sides from the local competition as well as the rural local level governments (LLG), districts and invited sides from Madang. Amongst teams from the rural areas will be October Bowl winners Sagasec from Tararan Markham, newly claimed rugby territories Salamaua LLG and Bulolo district. The Morobe off season rugby sevens tournament is a lead-up to the Trans Highway Invitational Sevens, which will be held on Jan 16-17.
Storm receive prizes
IT was all singing and dancing at Nambis Trading in Konedobu to celebrate the much anticipated presentation by Port Moresby Suburban rugby league to the premiers Kone Storms last Saturday. Kone Storms defeated Tatana Island Storms 12-6 in the Port Moresby Suburban Rugby League grand final last month to qualify for a spot in the Port Moresby Rugby Football League (PRL). Kone Storm will now replace Maiari Eagles who finished last in their debut year in the PRL. POM Suburban RFL president Billy Yaki donated a cow to go with the prize money of K5,000.
Gomis question funds use
MEMBERS of the Gomis rugby league competition last month demanded to know how K50,000 donated to the competition by local MP and Petroleum and Energy Minister William Duma was used. Disgruntled Gomis rugby league members claimed the distribution of the funds was not done properly last week at the Gomis rugby field in Mt Hagen city. They claimed that only K25, 000 was distributed to the clubs as reimbursement for their affiliation fees, buying trophies and pay cash money to winning teams, paying the referees and other people who provide services to the league.
Six make EAP team
SIX PNG cricketers have been selected to represent East Asia Pacific at next year’s Australian Country Cricket Championships in Albury (Victoria) from Jan 3- 14. On Sunday, Chris Amini, Kila Pala, Assad Vala, Loa Nou, Willie Gavera and Vani Vagi Morea left Port Moresby bound for Brisbane and seven days of matches and intensive training at the Cricket Australia Centre of Excellence in Brisbane. While there, the six will be under PNG national coach Andy Bichel, former test stars Greg Chapell and Craig McDermott.
Kondo b’ball champs
KONDO Easts from the Country Basketball Association in Mt. Hagen are the new queens of the National Sprite Club Champions that was held last month in Lae which saw seven provinces vie for the champion’s trophy. The “ambulgas” from Hagen were too good with forward Angela Geana leading the way at Sir Ignatius Kilage indoor stadium.
According to their coach Soman Geana, Kondo East came out as winners walking away with K1,000 cash price after beating Chimbu 38-24.