Laumas make playoffs

By JACK AMI
THE Erima Laumas made it through the 16th Southern Region League Nines Cup playoffs at the National Football Stadium yesterday.
The Laumas snatched their third successive win with a 24-8 drubbing of Waro Iruone to remain unbeaten in Pool N.
Laumas senior player George Kose said his side had built up good momentum and were excited about the playoffs.
“Our performance and understanding contributed to the three wins so far but we’ve still got a lot of improving to do for the playoffs,” Kose said.
“We need to polish up on our rucks and defence and take our chances.
“We are in the playoffs but the work is not done yet.
In pool A, defending champions Rovanama (1) thumped Waidex (1) 24-4 to maintain their clean record going into the playoffs.
Rovanama coach Chris Enara, pictured, said that the side had a good mix of experience and youth coming through the ranks from the Central Premier League.
“We’ve won the Southern 9s seven times already but we’re still aiming for an eighth crown,” Enara said.
Going into Pool B Taurama Gaveraia were stretched to their limits by Lealea Knights with scores leveled at 18-18 before speedster Pipi Kilori, pictured, put bagged the match winner on the buzzer.
The former Gulf Isapea winger beat three defenders to touch down near the corner post.
In Pool L, Miro Koivi Karoro upset 2015 grand finalists Bote Titans Hetura 4-0 and in Pool K Miro Koivi Iahe thrashed Destiny 20-4.
Miro Koivi coaches Haoda and Joshua Kouoru have one thing in mind and that is to be the first non-Central team to make the cup final.