Ipatas Cup enters first finals

Sports

THE Coca-Cola Ipatas Cup (CCIC), the country’s biggest offseason rugby League, enters its first finals for the western end in Minj, Jiwaka, today.
The finals will see 16 teams representing Hela, Southern Highlands, Enga, Western Highlands and Simbu battle for the top-two spots to represent the western end in the national finals in Lae between Feb 28 and March 1.
Kala United, Yakuman Brothers, Tsak Pembe, Hela 2, Gumini Pythons, Mendi Hawks, Poroma Nuggets, JBS Hawks, Asi Bulldogs, City Tigers, NK Storms, Dakon Waiyer 9ers, Works Panthers, Kimininga Warriors, East West Ninja’s and Cane Construction Bulldogs have qualified for their respective provinces and will be playing every game to the best of their ability as the finals format only allows for the winners to proceed to the next day while the losers for Friday and Saturday bow out.
Out of the 174 teams that participated in the competition throughout the country, the first 16 teams now have the opportunity to showcase their talents to claim the to- two spots for the finals.
New teams that have qualified are Tsak Pembe, Kala United, East West Ninjas, Hawks, Asi Bulldogs and NK Storms. They will be out in force to prove their might against teams such as Yakuman Brothers, Poroma Nuggets, JBS Hawks, Cane Construction Bulldogs and City Tigers.
Kala United and Yakuman Brothers kick off the finals. This match will be followed by the fixture between Tsak Pembe and Hela Two. The third game will see Gumini Pythons face Hawks.
The Asi Bulldogs will be led by veteran David Loko against City Tigers. Favourites NK Storm, who have former SP Hunter Daniel Tapol, face Dakon Waiyer 9ers.
Coca-Cola Ipatas Cup competition manager Sam Koi congratulated the teams for making it this far.