Halt local games at Dickson Oval, says league fan

 By ZACHERY PER

RUGBY league fans in Kundiawa, Chimbu, have called for a stop to the use of Dickson Oval for the local competition due to the muddy conditions.

The call was made after the first round of the Digicel Cup challenge between Kongo Coffee Simbu Warriors and Hela Wigmen resulted in a 1-0 victory to the hosts.

Warriors’ half back Mai Tom potted a field goal in the second half to secure two points .

However, the spectators did not get their money’s worth with the muddy conditions deterring what should be an interesting and exciting match on Sunday. 

There were difficulties in identifying the players after 80 minutes of mud bath.

A Warriors fan, who did not want to be named, said the management of the local league should get their acts together and fix up the oval.

“With continuous rain, the field will be muddy so local club games should be rescheduled or played at other venues. Leave the Dickson Oval for the Warriors to host Digicel Cup matches,” the supporter said.

Warriors captain Sigfred Gande was also concerned that the performance of players under the muddy conditions would affect their selections for representative duties.

He said the players trained hard to put up good performances and win games with commendable score lines, however under such conditions would make it difficult for them.

“How can selectors make good selections if the players were denied the chance to  perform under such conditions?” Gande queried.

Warriors played their second game under muddy conditions last weekend. Their earlier game was against Wantok Gaming System Mt Hagen Eagles on June 25. Warriors won 10-4.

They will host the Gulf Isapeas on Sunday.