Harlequins claim cup

 HARLEQUINS broke a 10-year draught to bring back the Momase Trans Highway Sevens cup to Lae after beating Gerehu Cowboys 10-5 in the cup final on Saturday.

In the plate final, Royals beat Morobe Development team 27-12 and Madang’s Kalibobo Gunners walked over Lae Pirates 29-5 in the bowl final.

For the shield final, Unitech Wolves beat Markham’s Sagasec team 27-5.

Harlequins edged a rugged Goroka Kilatuas in their semi-final and Cowboys earned their final slot beating competition favourites Kimbe Rebels.

The NGI Hornibrooks-sponsored side scored the first try of the final through the player of the tournament Romney Romney Junior when he out-paced the defence to bag a corner try for 5-0.

The side from Gerehu in Port Moresby, showed no nerves and led by Pukpuks legend Paul Joseph and man mountain Tui Fitiao proceeded to control the rucks and win the territorial game. 

Dean Malane levelled the scores with a try before the halftime hooter sounded.

The second half was anybody’s game with the scores and with the afternoon heat taking effect mistakes started to creep into the game however both teams courageously put up strong defensive efforts.

With clock ticking down referee Patrick Hou penalise Cowboys for ruck infringement and Harlequins spread the ball quick from a quick tap and Romney finished off a sweeping movement with the match-winner racing down the left flank and beating a despairing dive from Koini Kidi.

The Cowboys can hold their heads high having performed admirably over the two-day tournament.

Harlequins bagged K10,000 in prize money as well as the cup.

Harlequins 10 (R.Romney Jr 2 tries) Cowboys 5 (D.Malane try) HT: 5-5 at SCRUM Oval, Lae.