Dark 10 ready to steal show at Aroma

NEWCOMER Dark 10 will be out to spoil own clansman Sebisebi’s party in the annual Aroma Coast canoe race on Thursday at Paramana village.
Paramana is about six hours drive from Port Moresby, along the Magi Highway.
Both Dark 10 and Sebisebi are from the Minihi clan of Tubusereia village, 20km east of Port Moresby.
Dark 10 has won the two lead-up races for the Aroma race giving owner Tau Kariko and skipper Renagi much confidence as they attempt the Aroma race for the first time.
The Oil Search-sponsored-Sebisebi won the same race in January this year, beating Marokele of Pelagai and Nasobe
of Tubusereia.
The January race was sponsored by patron of Paramana and Aroma Coast canoe race and secretary for Environment and Conservation, Dr Wari Iamo, whose canoe, Rinarau won the same race last year.
This year Iamo has offered to play host to Sebisebi at Paramana village in its bid to defend its title. 
It is hoped that Rinarau will also take the field.
The National Gaming Control Board has offered K2,000 to the  winner while the runner-up gets K1,000.
Coca-Cola Amatil is providing tents and other promotional materials.
Sebisebi skipper Kala Loi of Hula is very experienced and is aware of the party spoilers in Dark 10, Marokele and Nasobe but he will not give in to them easily.
The ever-present Auna Fonza of Tubusereia will also make its fourth trip to Aroma, and has also won the race previously.
In fact, it will not be a surprise should the Tubusereia contingent make the six-hour return trip along the Magi Highway with the title.
Should the foreign winds favour Dark 10, young Hahane Biale will fancy his chances with Moale Tauna. Biale has been to Aroma previously but this week he will skipper his own canoe.
Rarua Biga has teamed up with Auna Fonza owner, Michael Ligo to give his Maoro a serious crack at the title. Would Ligo sacrifice Auna Fonza by electing for his experienced skipper Mula to guide Maoro?
Others who have lead up race form include Dika Asi’s One Piece and Win Noga’s ‘mix blood’ Charlotte.
Aroma’s Marokele will count on experienced campaigners Elizah and First Aid to try to wrestle the title away from the Motuans, while Gavuone will try their luck with Sparka.
Having said that, the title may yet head to Hula village should Nasobe’s former skipper Murray guide Marshall home.