Gaivakala remain 9s champs

By LESLIE OMARO
GAIVAKALA (1) maintained their status as the champions of Southern Region 9s tournament after defeating Porebada Broncos 24-14 in the cup final last Friday.
Gairo Varo, who was named the player of the tournament for scoring the most points, played a key role in their title defence along with another veteran Collin Geno.
Geno playing lock forward  scored a try in each half, his second try sealing the match and handing Gaivakala back-to-back 9s titles.
In total the Aroma Coast side scored five tries to Porebada’s three tries with the second half proving to be a handful for the Motuan side.
Gaivakala piled three tries after half time to blow the opposition away and leave capital city dwellers high and dry after what seemed like an upset in the first half.
Both teams scored two tries apiece in the opening half with Arua Karua and Dairi Iageti scoring for Porebada to match Varo and Geno’s four pointers.
Trailing 10-8 at half time the Broncos led by veteran five-eighth Garo Morea threatened to over take the lead when Morea himself scored a try.
A successful conversion by Davis Mea  saw Porebada trailing at 12-14 but as fatigue crept in Porebada’s defence gave way which saw Gaivakala scoring three tries to wrap up the match.
Wingers Wari Niuni and Alova Varo touched down minutes apart before Geno put the icing on the cake to seal the victory.
Gaivakala picked up K7,000 as cup winners while Porebada received K4,000.
In the other grand finals, Maopa Paio defeated MK Brothers 10-6 to win the plate while Kupiano Sea Horses led by Pukpuk Dougie Guise thrashed Kapunarau 20-8 to win the bowl.
Taurama Waves upset Wanigela Kavela 12-10 to win the pennant.
The plater winners received K2,500, runner-ups K2,000, bowl winner K1,500, runner-up K1,000, pennant winner K850, runner-up K550.