Central win corporate nines

CENTRAL provincial government won this year’s Corporate Nines Challenge, beating Goodman Fielders International 20-14 at the National Football Stadium Oval 2 in Port Moresby on Sunday.
GFI were first to register points, with a converted try through right wing Gama Barea.
Three minutes later, Central replied with an unconverted try from Jerod Lewa, and right on halftime GFI centre Jamie Mavako scored, putting his side in front 10-4 heading into the sheds.
In the second-half, Central’s Rico Jimmy managed a try in the corner, narrowing the margin to 10-8 after an unsuccessful conversion attempt.
Central’s Gabby Edene then scored to put his side in front for the first time but GFI replied to get back in front.
Edene picked up his second five-pointer to put Central in front again and just on the buzzer, crossed for a hattrick and get his side the title.
In the plate final, Spidertek survived a comeback by PWC  to win 12-6 while in the bowl final, Digicel’s defensive efforts paid off as they beat Bishop Brothers 6-0.
The pennant was won by the Department of Finance, who beat AES 14-6.
Complementary awards were given to the competition’s standout performers: Gabby Edene from Central provincial government earned the the top point-scorers award; Arnold Leana from Spidertek received the player-of-the-tournament award; the team-of-the-tournament went to Department of Finance; and the coach-of-the-tournament award was given to Central’s Colin Geno.
Tournament director Solomon Ravu thanked all participating companies for making the tournament a success.
“It was wonderful to see all teams come out and enjoy the tournament,” Ravu said.
“We had the use of the National Football Stadium for two days and we managed to complete all games successfully.”