Funeral Home win 9s

By JACK AMI
THE Funeral Home won the Port Moresby Corporate 9s cup for the second year in a row after beating Property PNG 20-14 final at the National Football Stadium on Saturday night.
The undertakers had to fight their way through the elimination, preliminary finals before getting the chance to defend the title.
Property PNG proved their finals appearance was no fluke as they gave their more experience opponents all they could handle in the 30-minute decider.
They played their hearts out and had opportunities over a tiring Funeral Home but failed to take them and ended up losing by a converted try margin.
Funeral Home’s experience was their biggest advantage over their opponents with former PNG Hunters back Bland Abavu playing first reciever by coach Peter Popal.
But the night belong to Gillespie David, who was named player-of-the-tournament for his outstanding performance and while coach Popal was recognised for guiding the team to a successful title defence.
Earlier in the finals, Funeral Home were pushed hard by Spidertek in the preliminary final before winning 14-8.
Property PNG edged out Price Waterhouse Cooper 6-4 in their preliminary final.
Coach Popal admitted his side did start to tire in the final as they had played in the Snax 9s final earlier that afternoon on the other side of town.
Funeral Home lost Gordon International Ducks 20-18.
“It was very tiring for all the players but fortunately we managed to hold on and get that second consecutive title,” Popal said.
“I want to thank our sponsor for their commitment and financial support that got us this far.”
Popal also acknowledged Sportz Event directors Ivan and Solomon Ravu for providing the opportunity for companies to get their staff involved in a competive sports tournament.
Solomon Ravu said the tournament helped companies get their staff to be healthy and fit and gave them an opportunity to interact with other companies and to build better morale.
In the Plate final, PWC beat Spidertek 12-8 in extra time golden point after the scores were locked 8-8.
In the bowl final, Gapi Consultants were too strong for Goodman Fielder International winning 22-4.
In the pennant final, ANZ Bank edged National Sports Trust Ltd 12-10.
Solomon Ravu commended the teams for their commitments and behaviour.
“This is something that all players and officials representing their firms should be proud off that true sportsmanship prevailed in the end without any issues.”