Champs retain titles

 CORPORATE Touch Pom have  retained the national championship title, beating underdogs, Industrial Touch Pom.

CTPM won the men’s and women’s divisions 4-1 and 4-2 respectively in Goroka.

The PITA open men and women teams beat teams from Central, Madang, Mimlon, Kainantu and Goroka during the round robin games but lost to CTPM and drew with Central on the way to the final.

The men’s team advanced to the final by beating Kainantu 3-2 in a 3-man drop off play-off. And the women defeated Madang 3-2 in the elimination final.

PITA won the best and outstanding team trophy in addition to the  runner-up prize.

CTPM had the advantage and were well drilled to pin down their opponent, who in their second season had surpassed expectations at the national event.

 Playing in their first national grand final, has boosted the morale and confidence of the new players.

The women’s team was exceptionally because they had only eight players.

The champion women were Vavine Yore (captain), Jessica Kaiuk (co-captain), April Yore Wartovo, Waylin Thomas, Emma Thomas, Molly Susuve, Morin Toropa and Maggie Tony.

Only Vavine, sister April Yore and Jessica Kaiuk had international and national championships experience.

PITA president Joe Yore thanked major sponsor SP Export Lager.

He said his teams were professionally and were the envy of the other 10 associations. 

He thanked PMMI, NDB, TNT, Eda Ranu and Water PNG for helping their players with air fares to get to the national championships. Their mixed team finished sixth.