Local Morobe team claim 26th v’ball title

Normal, Sports
Source:

The National, Thursday July 5th, 2012

By WATSON GABANA
S-ROOTS from the little known Sakrak village near Umi market along the Highlands Highway claimed their 26th victory defeating DM in the final of the men’s volleyball at the Markham district tournament held recently.
The team made up of mostly youths from Sakrak village, a hamlet nestled under the foot of the Sai mountain, has been a champion team since 1986. 
The team has been undefeated since they stepped into the volley courts and have represented Markham district in many a number of tournaments.
They again showed their superiority when S-Roots defeated DM 3-0 in the recently concluded district tournament.
PNG squad player Ramai Kaisa and games partner Alex David proved the necessary on-slaught to claim the crown.
With able assistance from Keith Kaida, Daniel Abiab, Glen Saure, Joshua Wanus, Jacob Singut and setters Gibob and Matai Luke, S-Roots overcame strong attacks from 10 other teams from across Markham Valley.
For the past 26 years, S-Roots have claimed every district tournament and represented Markham and Morobe at national titles. 
They were the runners-up in the 2002 national volleyball championship held in Rabaul, East New Britain to VAVA (Vabukori Amateur Volleyball Association) and finished third behind Raukele and VAVA in 2004.
“The young people treasure the game and play for fun. 
“We’ve come a long way without any recognition from the district or provincial sports authority,” Sakrak sports coordinator Bill Wanus said.
“Our records speak for itself. 
Raima and Alex were recognised and selected in the PNG and provincial squads respectively,” he said.
In all those wins, S-Roots have not been recognised or acknowledged for their achievements.  No financial assistance or prize was given except for a few medallions.
“We’ve achieved a lot.We did not receive any financial assistance as prize money for our efforts,” Bill said,
In the recently completed district tournament, S-Roots defeated  all the 10 teams.