CCIC western end finals completed

THE Coca-Cola Ipatas Cup (CCIC) western end finals were completed on Sunday with Gumini Pythons and the Hela Two surprising tournament regulars by winning all their games from Friday to Sunday and earning the right to represent the western end in the national finals in Lae on March 1.
The game of the tournament was played between the NK Storm and Kala United as both teams played with structure.
The Storm and United had a blend of youth and experience as the game went down to the wire with less than a minute left and the scoreline was 8-6, in favour of the Storm.
The game had everyone on their toes till fulltime as both teams defended well and played open football in attack. Storm were more composed with the inclusion of experienced pair Misach Wallen and Daniel Tapol.
On Sunday, the first team to qualify was Hela Two who defeated competition favourites Storm 2-0 in the first final.
Hela Two created history by being the first Hela team to qualify in the CCIC’s 18-year history.
Manager Sam Koi said it was satisfying to see rural talent using the competition to showcase their skills and shine against regular sides.
The second final was won by Pythons who defeated Poroma Nuggets 10-6 as both sides played aggressively with big hits and strong runs.
However, the team from Chimbu’s Nuggets made use of their limited opportunities to score two tries and defended well until fulltime.
With the two teams from the western end confirmed, the focus will now be on the eastern end Finals in Lae over the coming weekend where 16 teams will battle for the top-two spots.