Crocs into Commander’s Cup final

By KEVIN TEME
PNGDF Commander’s Cup hosts, Goldie River Barracks and the Air Transport Wing Eagle Warriors will meet the Igam Barracks 1134 Crocodiles in the Cup final tomorrow at the Goldie River Barracks Oval.
The Crocs were the first to book a grand final berth after beating the current defending champions, the First Royal Pacific Island Regiment  Diggers 12-8 while Warriors beat 2009 runner-ups, the Headquarters Chiefs 19-13 in yesterday’s other semi-final.
 Lae came as the underdogs but turned the tables on the Taurama men in a hard fought encounter.
Diggers scored first through Gerald Warkia two minutes into the game.
Ellison Garesa missed conversion and they led 5-0.
The Crocs played a conservative game keeping the ball in tight before unleasing John Tukar who equalised in the 10th minute 5-5.
Both sides threw everything into the contest as they entertained a vocal crowd that had followed the tournament since last week.
Diggers were the villains since they were the defending champions and had to cope with rowdy fans who booed them at every opportunity for their aggressive style however, that did not deter them as they grabbed the lead with a penalty for an 8-5 lead.
Diggers’ led by veteran Willie Kes, Robin Mori, Adolf Allen, Albert Waiketi, Cliff Kua and fullback Albert Kulume threatened to extend the lead on several occasions but the Crocs defence held firm.
Halftime saw Crocs receive a stern talk from coach Philip Mabara and it seemed to give the Lae soldiers a boost in the second 40.
They managed to score first through Lloyd Koi to lead 12-8.
Lae closed up shop and held on for a well-earned victory.
Mabara said the plan was simple: just play the game in the opposition half at all costs.
Meanwhile Igam Barracks CO Lt-Col Kelua thanked sponsors Kelly Naru, Regiment Trust Fund, FM Service Station, Intercity Freighters, Highway Electrical and Waghi Valley Transport for assisting the Crocs during the tournament.
“We’ve got one more game to go and we’re look forward to it,” Kelua said.