Ipatas shield gets underway

ENGA Governor Peter Ipatas has initiated and sponsored a rural rugby league competition in Pilikambi, Upper Lagaip constituency of Laiagam electorate in a bid to develop sports at district level.
The competition is called Pilikambi rugby league (PRL) and would be sanctioned by the PNGRFL.
The season proper is underway with eight teams in contention for the Ipatas Shield.
The teams are Pili Rocks, Konam Kyiak, Kapil Kond, Lepai Nalum, Lau Warriors, Station Bulls, Yango and Maimai Brothers.
Organisers said from Wabag yesterday that since Ipatas started the competition last year tribal fights and other illicit activities like drug and alcohol consumption had decreased.
“We are thankful to Governor Ipatas for sponsoring the competition.
“People have so far changed their negative lifestyles and young men are now taping into sports very seriously.”
The villagers said Ipatas had bought eight sets of uniforms for the clubs to play in.
Ipatas’ aim was to motivate and encourage villagers to participate in sports like rugby league and refrain from tribal fights and other social problems.
PRL has so far produced three players for the Toyota Enga Mioks bemobile team this year.
Meanwhile, Ipatas has pledged the organising committee that he would upgrade the facilities.
The Enga Governor also secured trophies and other items for the prizes along with cash for winning teams.
The games are played in two divisions – A and reserve grades at Kepelam sub-district government station oval every Saturdays and Sundays.