Central leg into playoffs

THE Coca-Cola Ipatas Cup Central leg’s top eight were confirmed yesterday with draws finalised for the playoffs tomorrow.
Competition director Vagi Vali and coordinator David Silovo praised all 16 teams for their cooperation and those that had made the top eight.
“The pool competition ended well with several players identified by Enga Mioks scouts,” Vali said.
“The 15 players will be trialed next month in Port Moresby or Wabag.”
Vali said the quarterfinals and semifinals were scheduled for tomorrow and with the final on Friday.
He said the gold pass winner would then advance to the Eastern End play offs in Minj, Jiwaka.
“The winners then proceed to the semifinals for the major crown in Lae,” he said.
“We have witnessed a tough, clean competition with the top eight teams and this indicates that standards are improving.
“This was evident when reigning champions Hohola Emerging were upset12-6 by Harbour City Tornadoes.”
Meanwhile, the National Capital District leg with 24 teams has experienced several delays, mostly with teams protesting results, but organisers were hopeful the competition would end on schedule. “Everyone does not want to loss but to win with this sort of attitude is not good for the event,” an official said.
“How can two teams win at the same time this is impossible and we should accept the match official’s decision.
“So many players and team officials are using cheap excuses to protest referee decisions and bring the game into disrepute.
“This is uncalled for and unjustified in the true spirit of the game.”