Dogs beat Eels to claim sixth straight Popondetta title

By JACK AMI in Popondetta
Northern Motel Bulldogs their sixth straight successive Popondetta Rugby League title with a 12-8 victory against the Sambogo Eels in the A-Grade grand final yesterday.
The Bulldogs drew first blood with an unconverted try to Luke Jambara Jr to take a 4-0 lead in slippery conditions.
But in the second half, the Eels equalised with an unconverted try to Clint Punia.
Richard Hoffman used his height and weight to bulldoze his way over for an unconverted try to give the Bulldogs an 8-4 lead.
The lead was increased to 12-4 with an unconverted try to centre Theo Igorobae.
With the match nearing fulltime, the Eels scored a consolation try through Junior Orere.
Both sides were desperate to register more points but poor handling and solid defence denied them from doing so. Port Moresby-based Hanua Rupa refereed the match.
Meanwhile, in the Under-20 grand final Tigers beat Bulldogs 8-6.
Popondetta Rugby League president Peter Oresi and his executive committee thanked Sohe MP Henry Amuli for his sponsorship of K100,000, which K25,000 was for the grand final.
The visiting New South Wales Young Achievers attended the grand final.
They will play a Popondetta select side at 3pm today.