Hela set to host Coca-Cola Ipatas Cup

THE Hela leg of the Coca-Cola Ipatas Cup (CCIC) will kick off on Friday with 12 teams set to compete at the Komo Rugby League Oval, according to an official.
Hela CCIC tournament coordinator Orbert Hondole told The National yesterday that it would be the first time for the province to host its own leg of the country’s biggest offseason competition.
The former Rabaul Gurias forward said Hela was known for tribal fights and lawlessness.
“But getting the whole province involved in rugby league would positively impact youths in Hela,” Hondole said.
“We’re grateful to CCIC for giving us the opportunity to host our own leg and help create change in the province.”
Hondole said the 12 teams were from all the districts in the province. “They will play three rounds in two pools of six teams,” Hondole said.
“Matches will be played from Friday to Sunday.
“The top teams from each pool will battle for a gold pass which will see them advance to the next stage.
“Enga Governor and CCIC patron Sir Peter Ipatas and competition manager Sam Koi will come to Tari on Thursday to launch the tournament. After the launch, the teams will join a convoy around Tari with Sir Peter creating awareness on peace and unity.”
The tournament coordinator said Hela had won over Sir Peter and was rewarded with its own leg after a team from the province, Hela 2, reached the CCIC semifinals last year and finished third out of the 174 teams which competed in the event.