Hangan Pirates claim Tsiamalili 7s series title

By ISAAC LIRI
THE Hangan Pirates were crowned champions of the Tsiamalili Cup Sevens series in the men’s and women’s division last Saturday in Buka, Bougainville.
The community rugby sevens festival, which held six tournaments last year, saw the Pirates come out on top after points were calculated following the final leg of the series, the recent Christmas and New Year sevens tournament at the Hutjena Oval.
Tournament coordinator Kelly Havara said the Pirates were the most consistent side over the series maintaining discipline both on and off the field and it was no surprise that they finished on top.
“The Pirates have been the best side overall in the series and it was no surprise that they won it,” Havara said.
“They are one of the most disciplined teams in our provincial competition and showed that over the six tournaments of the Tsiamalili Cup sevens series.
“We though they would win because they were the most diciplined team in the entire competition since it began.”
Despite the Pirates’ impressive run to win the series they lost to Haka Tau Taiin 12-5 in the last leg of the series 12-5 on Saturday in the men’s division. Meanwhile, Autonomous Region of Bougainville Rugby Football Union president Peter Tsiamalili Jr spoke of the series as an instrument used to promote peace in the once war-torn island.
The cup is named after his late father Peter Tsiamalili Sr.
“Rugby sevens has continued to drive peace by way of getting our youths, men and women participate in the code keeping them active,” Tsiamalili Jr said.
“More importantly it allows our youths to continue to interact with each other from North Bougainville all the way to Central and South Bougainville.
“We are a strong advocate for peace by peaceful means since 2003, with 14 years of rugby on the island, we have continued to be faithful to that cause.
“We are grateful to all our sponsors and individual supporters from around the country and internationally as well.
“More importantly we are thankful to our club presidents, our chiefs in our constituencies, ABG leaders, ex-combatants, churches, youth leaders and women’s groups who are our partners.”
All participating teams in Tsiamalili Cup series were presented food stuff along with K300 in cash to celebrate the New Year despite of their performance.