Laelam are Lou touch footy champions

LAELAM of Rei village Lou island, Manus, are the new champions of the 2011 LRT rugby touch tournament after defeating Port Moresby Eagles 4-2 in the grand final on Tuesday.
The visiting teams outside of Manus continued to play second fiddle to the village-based teams since the tournament started in 1989.
The Port Moresby-based team advanced to the grand final after defeating a strong Lalesol Eels outfit in the semi-finals.
However, Laelam ensured it was not an all NCD affair when they beat Port Moresby Sharks 10-7 to win the first grand final spot.
Port Moresby were first to score through a penalty when NSL soccer player Hamsan Daniel potted the two points from the sideline after 15 minutes into the first half.
Port Moresby Eagles dominated play in all departments and Lamlae tried desperately to defend their territory.
Port Moresby led 2-0 at the break.
With the home crowd behind Laelam, they lifted the tempo of the game and opened up play after a pep talk from coach Jonah Kavon.
Their efforts paid off when Port Moresby fullback John Vincent fumbled the ball. In ensuing play, Laelam sneaky half Nigel Kauke executed a chip and chase to score his side’s try.
Despite a strong resistance from Port Moresby, Laelam held on to win 4-2.
Laelam got K2,000 and Port Moresby settled for K1,000. Port Moresby coach Lamech Palaso attributed their loss to bad refereeing.
“(However) I congratulate Laelam for winning the grand final. There can be only one winner and Laelam won the game for all Lou islanders,” Palaso said.
In other games, Kive Ngarap Yellow defeated Country United 6-3 and Kive N’garap Black defeated Madang 3-2.
The next tournament will be held in Port Moresby next year.
The Port Moresby LRT president Sike Toulk thanked the National Gaming Control Board for the financial assistance to ensure the two Port Moresby teams travelled to Manus for the tournament.