Cup final called off at half time

By ROBINSON LEKA
THE final of Vice-Chancellor’s Cup between University of Technology Spartans and hosts University of Papua New Guinea Pythons was called off on Monday due to poor lighting.
The match ended 4-0 in favour of the Pythons at halftime as the Spartans refused to take the field for the second half, given the poor lighting at the Vice-Chancellor’s Oval at Waigani.
Spartans coach Noel Kopaya told The National that another reason for their withdrawal at halftime was a decision by organisers to start the match with a 12-minute first half.
“The organisers had only given us 12 minutes to play in the first half,” he said.
“We were informed that if lighting at the venue was good enough, we would continue with an extended second half.
“Unfortunately, at halftime, we felt that the lighting was poor and we couldn’t go ahead with the game.
“We knew that the grounds (short first half and poor lighting) on which the match was abandoned were sufficient.”
Meanwhile, Pythons coach Nathan Woti said it was now up to the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) to decide the outcome of the match.
“Since they weren’t able to take the field, we agreed and the match was just left at that 4-0 scoreline at halftime,” he said.
“My players were prepared to return for the second half.”