Madang 7s giving hope to youths

By JOHN PANGKATANA
THE Madang Rugby Football Union (MARFU) continues to give hope to youths.
The PJ Sevens tournament is one of those avenues that provide a pathway for excellence among local clubs.
Although the Madang Mad Gauns are consistent performers on the provincial sevens circuit, they are still fighting for recognition of their players on the Papua New Guinea Sevens front.
Now in their second-year – borne out from the departure of former association president and PNG Sevens icon Paul Joseph – it has drawn 10 clubs with six Under-20 teams as well for the last three weekend tournament.
At the soggy DWU Oval (Diwai Park) on Saturday, reigning champions Sigma Construction 6B Pirates, with a full strength team, showed they are in the running to defend their cup despite two losses a win and a draw.
The team that is looking sharp are the Cassell Agency Diwai Esi Cruzers led by Mad Gauns skipper Tobby Towaili.
The Cruzers drew with the Pirates 14-14, nailed Royals 24-5, beat the Leatherbacks 19-5 and were strong over Cardinals, winning 24-0.
New team Royals, with the Kaias brothers Donald and Woka, are the dark-horses and could surprise this weekend following their wins over Consort Shipping Vikings (19-0) and 26Reds (24-0).
The other teams taking part are Highlands Warriors, Europcar Kalibobo Gunners and Madbogs.
Madang Rugby Union co-ordinator Stephen Komes said to compliment their efforts they had snared a number of local companies to support the running of the 2013 season.
Komes thanked Sigma Construction, Madang Butchery Shop (MBS) Wholesale, Madang Star International Hotel, Europcar PNG, Ela Enterprises Ltd, Fabies Guest House and CADU for contributing towards developing the game.
He said last year Madang Open MP Nixon Duban made a pledge during the 2012 Madang 7s.
 “He has come good with K10,000 to assist the MARFU finance field hire, a marquee tent, tables, chairs and water bottles to run the games,” Komes said.
He praised former Port Moresby Rugby Football Union president Arnold Amet Jnr for committing K5,000 towards the prize-money.
The PJ 7s tournament is focused at strengthening their clubs towards selecting the 2013 Mad Gauns 7s train-on squad of 20 players.