Hosts shut up critics at trials

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The National, Wednesday July 31st, 2013

 By JACK AMI

SOUTHERN Zone Trials hosts Rigo Manuna proved critics wrong to lead Pool C unbeaten after two matches at the Kwikila Rugby League oval yesterday.

Manuna, who shut out Kairuku 24- 12 on Monday, maintained their streak again yesterday beating Alotau 12-8.

They face Gaire Boas today, who are also unbeaten in the pool, for the final challenge of the pool which will decide the top spot. Boas beat Kairuku 16-0 yesterday.

This is the moment of truth as the two rural teams battle it out in true Papua spirit of strong, tough and clean football.

The strong performance by the hosts proved they were serious about selections in the Southern Region training squad.

President Freddy Nanai Silona said the pool playoffs would be tough and teams had to be prepared for it.

In Pool A, Kavo Gulf made a strong comeback to tame rural favourites Aroma Coast 13-8 to keep their hopes alive for the finals. 

The Gulf team under the watchful eyes of former Kumuls Tuksy Karu and Gideon Kouoru’s pep talk, ensured the crocodiles played extremely tough to contain the raw talents from Aroma Coast.

Gulf must win their last game against NCD Suburban Ducks and secure a good margin to qualify for the playoffs tomorrow. The same applies to Aroma Coast who face a tough account from hot favourites, Port Moresby.

The city affair between Port Moresby and NCD Suburban Ducks in Pool A was locked at 6-6.

Port Moresby leads with three points, Aroma Coast and Gulf on two and Suburban on one. 

In Pool B, Popondetta got back in the winners seat thrashing a young Tubusereia Lakwaharu 18- 4. In the other encounter, unbeaten Marshall Lagoon thumped Gabagaba 26-8.

Pool D and E results were not available.

All the pool matches will be completed today and with the playoffs confirmed for.

Southern Zone selectors former Kumuls Arnold Krewanty, Philip Boge and Mark Mom are still in progress of selecting a training squad which should be named by Friday after the final.

Today’s draws: 0800 Gulf vs Ducks, 0900 Pom vs Aroma Coast, 1000 Marshall Lagoon vs Tubusereia, 1100 Popondetta vs Gabagaba, 1200 Rigo vs Gaire, 1300 Alotau vs Kairuku, 1400 Poreporena vs Rigo Coast, 1500 Kerema vs Tabubil, 1600 Barakau vs Rigo Central, 1700 Koiari vs Pari.