Eels bag Tauruba top honours

TAURUBA Rugby League A-grade rivals Eels edged Dogolo Raiders 18-14 in extra time at the Tauruba Primary School Oval on Saturday.
The Eels earned the right to represent Tauruba league in the Southern Confederate Regional Club Championships on Nov 13 in Kerema, Gulf.
This was sweet revenge for Eels as they were beaten in last year’s decider by the opposition after winning their maiden premiership in 2014.
This is title number two from three grand final appearances for the Eels.
The scores were tied at 14-14 at fulltime but in extra time, Eels sneaky halfback Geno Vabuli stepped past several attempted tackles to score the match-winner. The halftime score was 6-4 to Raiders with a converted try to Zachius Tom while Junior Vemuru kicked a penalty.
Gia Leuru scored a four-pointer for the Eels.
Ten minutes into the second-half, Eels scored a converted try through William Vetui and Geno Vabuli slotted the extras for a 10-6 lead.
Winger Norman Vanua crossed out wide for the Eels to lead 14-6.
Raiders fullback Tom bagged his second try for his side to trail 14-10.
The scores were levelled 14-14 when Tom picked up his hat-trick — he was later named man-of-the-match — with three minutes left.
The match was controlled by senior Port Moresby referee Benson Kaupa, who was assisted by Michael Kalpe and Vita Buro.
Local MP Ano Pala was represented by first assistant secretary Api Leka on behalf of the local parliamentarian, who allocated K5000 for the grand final.
Earlier, the Southern Confederate director Gwaibo Mairi, his development officer Kila Vere and former PNG Kumul backs Joshua Kouoru were given the honours of kicking off the Under-20 grand final between Gubuli Sharks and Kippa Manu.
Sharks beat Manu 12-8 with Derrick Araga earning the MOTM award.
League president David Gulaga thanked Pala for his support and Mairi for his presence at the finals.