Gaivakala hold off Alotau

By LESLIE OMARO
DEFENDING Southern Region 9s champions Gaivakala (1) escaped the clutches of defeat after a narrow 22-17 win over Alotau in the quarter-final yesterday afternoon.
Winger Alova Uaro scored the match-winner on full-time when he side-stepped several defenders to score near the uprights.
Earlier, it was one-way traffic when Gulf Isapea speed star and Alotau winger Pipi Kilori grabbed a hattrick of tries scoring one in the first half and two in the second.
He grabbed his first four-pointer after seven minutes when he caught a cut-out pass and dashed 30m to score.
But it was Gaivakala who drew first blood when Nelson Geno and Gairo Varo each grabbed a try before Kilori’s try had Alotau trailing 10-6.
Two minutes into the second half, Kilori struck again this time grasping a chip kick from Paul Geru on the halfway mark.
Kilori easily beat his two opposing players before diving safely on the ball for his second.
A horrible pass from Gaivakala in Alotau’s red zone contributed to Kilori’s third try which he neatly picked up and ran without any pressure to score under the uprights for a 16-10 lead.
Four minutes Gaivakala’s Varo scoring his second try which was converted by Nelson Geno to level the scores at 16-16.
From the restart Alotau gained valuable yards which enabled playmaker Andrew Peter to kick a successful field goal from 20m.
Any hopes of a comeback from Gaivakala was inevitable but with a minute remaining Uaro scored to end Alotau’s dream run in the tournament.
Gaivakala will meet Maopa Veivili KRR today in the preliminary finals after Maopa defeated Porebada Saints 16-8.
In the other preliminary final, Porebada Broncos will meet Sabama Black Cats who defeated Vewala Pelagai 10-6.
Porebada defeated Kai Marshalls 8-6 to set up a date with Black Cats.
And in yesterday’s pennant quarter-final results, Super Vewala 18 def Iauaia Roosters 12, Taurama Waves def Pinu Country Cowboys 6, Hula Waves 20 def Maopa KV 10, Wanigela Kavela 32 def Papa Roadsiders 10.
In the bowl quarter-final results, Kapunarau 16 def Noma’Arina 10, Lako (1) 26 def Gabagaba Geana Sharks 8, Kupiano Sea Horse 22 def Buria Reds 8 and Central Waga Hots 14 def Abadi Panthers 8.
In the plate division, MK Brothers 20 def  Gaivakala (2) 12, Taota Mantas 16 def Lako (2) 14, Maopa Paio 12 def Badili Vanagi Cats 0 and Koki 10 def Tatana Stones 8.
The plate semi-finals will start at 12pm. Maopa Paio will face Koki PNG Gardner, Taota Mantas will meet MK Brothers at 12:30pm.
The cup preliminary finals will start at 1pm followed by the grand finals for pennant, bowl, plate and cup.