Kaupa Cup finals to be played at new venue

KAUPA Cup organisers have resolved to move their rugby league playoffs from Gordon’s Unagi Oval to Bomana for safety reasons, according to an official.
The compeition is an intiative of Moresby North East MP John Kaupa, pictured.
Competition chairman Ben Marme told The National yesterday that becuase of a funding shortage, they would be unable to deploy security officers to ensure the safety of officials, players and spectators at Unagi Oval during the finals.
“Unagi Oval has no fence so it is difficult to ensure the safety of everyone without the presence of security personnel,” Marme said.
“We’ve had no issues with regard to violence throughout the regular season but now that we’re in the playoffs, anything can happen.
“It is because of this that we’ve decided to move the matches to the Bomana Police College Field where it is a lot safer.
“Let me make myself clear that all teams should play by the rules.
“No team should resort to violence if things don’t go their way.
“There is always a winner and a loser. Let the referees do their jobs without fear or favour.
“If players or teams fight, they will be referred to the judiciary. And if they are a found to have committed a serious offence, they will be cut from the competition.
“There is no room for violence in this competition.”
Meanwhile, Marme said the shortage in funding had also forced the organisers to put their women’s soccer competition on hold until further notice.