Bumpers thump Pirates to snare Kandiu Cup

 By MELTON PAIS

FREEWAY Bumpers claimed the Kandiu Easter Cup on Tuesday, with a 12-6 win over SOB Pirates at Ipi Park, Hohola, Port Moresby.

Compared to teams that competed in last year’s Michael Kandiu-sponsored Easter Cup, this year’s competition had 10 more teams enter the fray after seeing the goodwill of the sponsor, pictured, whose “no team is a loser” motto has been a hit.

Competition coordinator Michael John Herkah said that last year they had only 14 teams in the Easter cup but this year the number had increased to 24, with all games exhibiting a high level of intensity.

The Bumpers bagged the cup and K5000 for their efforts.

Bumpers captain Junior Yambi was named the best captain and player of the tournament for leading his side to their second title after winning last year’s tournament.

During the presentation of the trophies to the grand final winners and the runners-up in the plate and cup divisions on Tuesday night, Kandiu told the participating teams that they would all be recognised through his office.

He said the cup and plate winners, as well as the runners-up, may have claimed the lion’s share of the prize money but the 20 other teams would also get something for their involvement.

In the plate final, Malapin Brothers pipped BP Mix with a field goal for a soccer score line of 1-0.

Kandiu said he had made a commitment of K100,000, which was to be used over five seasons with K20,000 for each cup tournament, during the inaugural competition last year.