Kwikila Dragons farewell veterans Mondo, Otto

KWIKILA Dragons farewelled veterans Jack Mondo and Jubilee Otto in style with a 10-4 win over Saroa Raiders in the Rigo Rugby League grand final in Central on Saturday.
Dragons president Ruth Gorua said their long-serving pair had been playing for more than a decade in the competition and were the mainstay of the district’s representative side Rigo Manunas.
“They both started playing in Kwikila when they were young and they’ve always been around in our competition and regional tournaments,” she said.
“It’s been a long time for the two of them and the win in the grand final was an emotional one.
“Everyone in the team appreciates their presence.
“Jubilee represented the Southern Confederate in 2013 and Jack was a leader of Kwikila and Manunas.”
The grand final saw Kwikila dominating early with Mana Tau scoring a converted try for a 6-0 lead in the first half.
But a strong second half from Saroa saw Mervin Tau scoring an unconverted try to trail 4-6 after teammate Reuben Mairi failed to add the extras.
A break by Central Dabaris forward Heniga Lapanda saw John Fave score Kwikila’s second try, bringing the scoreline to 10-4.
Kwikila continued their momentum and dominated the remainder of the match to claim the win despite disallowed tries by Emmanuel Viritoga and Sigu Jack.