Dobo Warriors are minor premiers

By KEITH PUARIA
EDA RANU Dobo Warriors sealed the Port Moresby Rugby Football League minor premiership after the final round of the regular season over the weekend.
They picked up 44 points to top the standings and a place in the final eight.
The Koiari team also bagged the K4,000 cash prize, ahead of Brothers 42, Paga Panthers 40, and Royals 37.
Last year’s premiers Tarangau are fifth with 37 points, BBE Hawks 36, Souths 32 and Magani also with 32 points.
“Congratulations to Dobo Warriors for taking out the minor premiership. The hard work of the club’s management and the players has been rewarded,” Port Moresby Rugby League Board chairman Samson Unagi said while handing over the K4,000 cheque.
Dobo Warriors President Wari Varage commended the board.
“Thank you for recognising the club and players. The players deserve all that they get for their efforts, a special one to super coach Paul Noe. Hopefully we can go all the way,” Varage said.
 “It’s been a very tough season both on and off the field for the Port Moresby League, and we couldn’t have done it without the support of the other clubs, players and the match officials.”
“Special mention must also go to SP Brewery for their continued support and sponsorship of the city league,” Unagi added.
“Thanks must also go to our corporate clients and supporters, and team sponsors.”
Unagi also apologized to the clubs and stakeholders for the issues that they had to face in the season.
He said though there were some areas the board could have done better, it was important they all had come together at this stage to finish the season on a high note.
“Then we can go about setting our house in order properly.”
The league will go into recess before the finals, as it goes about assisting the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League in getting the PRL grounds ready for the Sept 23 Prime Ministers XIII match.
Finals will commence on Sept 29-30 and continue into October.