Hosts target mixed honours

 PACIFIC Games touch football mixed open matches started yesterday at the Bisini Sports Complex and hosts PNG came up with another comprehensive victory over Kiribati 19-1. 

Getting double tries in the first half was Samuel Vetu, who displayed his speed when the ball landed in his hands. 

Patiyako Bernard, Diallo Luana, Vavine Yore, Marie Alu, Bobby Babona, Grace Kouba, Paul Matuta, Ronald Bibiken, Natalie Kuper, Harry Kea, Nadya Taubuso, Pauline Arazi and skipper Uari Sarufa all got a try each in the first half to lead 11-1 at half time. 

Taoriba Biniati was the only tryscorer for Kiribati in the first half. 

The second half was all about the home side again — dominating possession, forcing errors against their opposition, keeping the visitors scoreless and scoring eight tries to conclude the game. 

The second 20 minutes saw Harry Kea, Ronald Bibiken and Diallo Luana pick up double tries while Patiyako Bernard and Marie Alu got a try each. 

PNG touch football coach Augustine Aisi said that after winning gold medals in the men’s and women’s open on Tuesday, getting a big win against the Kiribati was a good confidence boost for them as they prepare for the challenges in the days to come. 

Aisi has taken seven men and seven women from each of the open teams for the 14-member mixed team.

He believes that the players will deliver the results they aim for in the division, make the finals on Friday and win gold. 

When asked about the Samoan threat faced in the men’s and women’s open, Aisi said they are wary of them (Samoa) but they had prepared well.

Mixed open captain Uari Sarufa, the hero who scored the winning try for PNG in the men’s open said that it was a good game as they followed their game plan and worked well with each other to win. 

PNG will take on Tonga before they face Samoa and Cook Islands and the finals on Friday. 

Mix open results:  Cook Islands 13 def Kiribati 3; PNG 19 def Kiribati 1; Samoa 13 def Tonga 3.