Hiri netball tourney on

By JACK AMI
BOERA Sailors took centre stage with their juniors leading the Kairuku Hiri Netball Association tournament on day two yesterday.
Sailors are unbeaten in the Under-13, U15, U17 and U21 divisions and look likely for some silverware at tournament’s end.
The Kairuku Hiri netball tournament started on Monday with a colourful opening ceremony at the Rita Flynn Courts in Port Moresbywhich was attended by representatives of sponsors ExxonMobil and Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited. Fifteen associations from the Barakau, Porebada, Boera, Gaire, Bereina, Hisiu, Koiari and Papa villages took part.
KPHL chairman Sir Moi Avei opened the tournament and encouraged the players to compete in the spirit of sports and be better netballers.
Sir Moi said KPHL was proud to be a partner of the a community-oriented event.
The tournament’s other sponsors were Gas Resources Limited and Curtain Brothers.
Invited guests included Keith Iduhu from Fairfax Legal, Solo Damena from LABA Holdings, new Bougainville MP Sam Akoitai, veteran sports administrator Veitu Diro.
Kairuku Hiri president Utalo Avei said the five-day event would end on Friday with the senior finals and also the announcement of training squads (junior/senior) for the national championships in September in Lae.
“There are talented players out there they will be identified and named to represent Kairuku Hiri at the national championships,” Avei said.
The divisions taking part are U13, U15, U17, U21, A grade, B grade and masters.
Yesterday’s U13 games were really exciting as the youngsters showcased their talents from their respective villages with Boera sides doing well across the divisions.
Despite some tense moments as an irate parent complained to the side’s officials proceedings ran smoothly.
Barakau, Tubusereia and Gaire are likely to provide the most resistance for Boera heading into today’s fixtures.