Incentives for 7s

 By JOHN PANGKATANA

THE best of Papua New Guinea’s rural talent has been given an bonus incentive by T-Rocks Construction Limited to play out of their skins with a K2,500 cash windfall at the Micah Sports Limited Malangan Barbarians Sevens in Kavieng.

Twenty-eight teams will take to the field at some stage today for the three-day tournament sponsored by Kavieng MP Ben Micah at Lugagun Beach Oval in the Nalik area of New Ireland.

The Kainantu-based company that also backs the Kemele University Piggies club of Port Moresby wants to help the organisers promote rugby union.  

T-Rocks principal Berldon Timah said the money would go towards the player of the tournament, top try scorer, rookie of the tournament, outstanding player of the Cup final and standout New Ireland-based player. 

“I hope this adds some spice to this great tournament as it is the youths of today especially in the rural areas that need to be discovered and what better way to ensure they perform with this incentive,” Timah said.

Malangan Barbarians managing director Ronnie Meli Junior said the support goes a long way in helping the outcomes that his team are working on to promote New Ireland rugby.

From the local talents, champion village team Ngavalus Brothers are sure to be a threat under coach Les Kapin with his talented playmaker Mete Kaiposu and the Rebon brothers Murou and Kama.

Kavineg Urban looks to have recruited well with sevens international Smith Lakas, Greg Luka Jr, Jackie Marcus, David Eri and Charlie Maip, Nalik Chiefs threatening with Ralph Pombie.

Neighbouring East New Britain are coming in a big way with several Gurias players in their teams. 

Local champions Tokua Redskins from Rabaul town under Tony Namur and Leon Griffiths are certain to stake a claim as well.

From the Momase teams, Igam Sappers under coach Aiem Pilokos will test the waters with Pirates and current sevens circuit champions Mad Gauns of Madang.

Obvious favourites are the two PMMI Kimbe Rebels teams with classy Gina Ponda, Kevin Vitolo, Freddy Matthies, Michael Vitolo and pacey Oswlad Gela likely to top the try-scoring count.

Port Moresby’s Defence and University Piggies will obviously be a target from the teams as it will be a chance to have a crack at the popular newspaper teams. 

The finals for the Cup, Plate and Bowl will be on Sunday.