Club honours late founder with gutsy win

PORT Moresby Rugby Football League club Butterflies honoured their patron and founder, the late Peter Oresi, with a 16-8 win over Hanuabada Hawks at the Santos National Football Stadium on Sunday.
Oresi established the club in 2004 and joined the league in 2006 after winning the 2005 Ipatas Cup against Mendi Menjals in Lae.
Butterflies were the first to score through rangy forward Jack Kuman who powered his way over the tryline. Five-eighth Mauwe John’s conversion was successful and Butterflies led 6-0.
Hawks hooker Junior Paddy scored an unconverted try to trail 6-4 at halftime. After some calm words from coach Michael Boeo, Butterflies came out firing in the second half.
Kuman scoring his second of the afternoon after stepping several defenders to plant the ball beside the uprights to lead 12-4.
Centre Raymond Frank got one back for Hawks to trail 8-12 before Butterflies Under-20 product Yanimo Uravo finished a swift backline move to seal their fourth win of the season.
Butterflies forwards Kuman, Kono Junior, Joshua Kiponge and hooker Ishmael Aima laid the foundation for the victory.
Port Moresby Vipers duo Rex Tandowa and Yeki Benjamin performed solidly for Butterflies after being overlooked for the Digicel Cup side.
Butterflies captain Ronnie Seronte and wingers Henry Marai and Joe Oliver had a busy day.
Boeo dedicated the win to club owner Oresi. He said Oresi had done a lot for Papua New Guinea rugby league as an ambassador of the sport.
League chairman Dr James Naipao said: “He respected rugby league.
“He was a rugby league personality until his passing.” Meanwhile in other A-grade results, Magani edged Dobo Warriors 8-6, Paga Panthers beat Hohola Flies 24-10, Royals shut out Kone Storm 10-0, Kavo West triumphed over Kone Tigers 14-6 and Tarangau defeated Defence 12-10