Madang claims New Ireland sevens

 By JOHN PANGKATANA

THE Madang Mad Gauns edged the Black Orchids of Bougainville 26-19 in the cup final of the Micha Sports Limited Malagan Barbarian Sevens yesterday.

The Mad Gauns came from a 12-7 deficit at halftime to surge home at the Lugagun Beach Oval, in Kavieng.

A three-try burst by the Madang men in the second 10 minutes kept the Bougainvilleans on the backfoot and gave the Mad Gauns another trophy to their increasing stack of silverware.

Newcomer Joe Joe, national sevens representative Donald Kais  and former sprinter Geoffrey Bai all claimed five-pointers in a memorable second half for the side from the resort town.

They won the K30,000 prize money along with the cup. But it was not easy going for the champions as Bougainville’s Duncan Fama and Chris Kakah  scored in the first half, while wiry Joe got one back for Madang.

Eric Kaiat scored for the Buka town side in the second half to make it interesting but Madang were not to be denied.

The win positions Madang, who have won the Madang and Trans-Highway 7s in recent times, as the new pacesetters in rugby sevens.