Brothers keep title defence alive

By JACK AMI
FOUR teams, including defending champions Nego Coast Brothers, survived the Southern Nines quarterfinals at Bava Park yesterday.
An experienced Brothers outfit took down Waira Vanua 14-0 to book a date with North Dingos Green.
Lako One meet Maopakala Hobbys in the other match for a spot in the cup final.
The form team of the tournament are Lako One, led by former PNG Hunters rake Gahuna Silas.
Lako One beat Wanigela Kavela 22-14 and North Dingos Green — led by Edene Gabbie and Adam Korave — outplayed Mahuru Eagles 10- 0.
Brothers coach Colin Geno warned his players to remain focused for the Dingos clash. “We are not underestimating any team,” Geno said.
“We must work hard in defence.
“These teams are also good, so we have to play it right to come out on top.”
Waira Vanua were proud of their efforts despite going down to the Brothers.
Coach Nixon Peni said: “We had nothing to lose coming this far, so it was a good experience for the village youths as rookies of the tournament.
“We did not expect to make it this far but we did and I’m proud of the boys for coming this far and bowing out of the cup race.” Sportz Events executive director Ivan Ravu said the presentation of the cup, plate, bowl, pennant and other awards would be made after the cup final.
The cup winners will walk away with K10,000 and runners-up K7000.
The player of the match in the final gets K300.
The player of the tournament also gets K300.