Madang gear up for rugby sevens meet

MADANG Rugby Union have put up a rugby sevens challenge for their players and the whole of the Madang community for the festive season.
The challenge will involve unemployed youths and students on holidays to participate and keep them occupied from activities that will bring disharmony and fear to the communities.
MARFU are promoting the theme, “Togetherness and making the right choices” for our youths.
The event will also provide an opportunity for the union to look at players to be drafted into the two Madgauns Sevens teams who are currently in training for next year’s Trans-Highway sevens tournament in Lae and other events scheduled for Kimbe, Buka and Port Moresby.
Madgauns Team One won the 2009 Morobe Sevens Cup five weeks ago.
In the second weekend, the Barbarians showed their class last Saturday stamping their lead in this year’s challenge.
Led by skipper Danam Kuso, Shane Prentuo, Russell Esrom and Danny Polong they brushed aside Eddie Sibolo’s Guinness 14-5 and then thrashed Kalibobo Gunners 39-19 in the main game.
Centre Taina Pewa and Yakson Yakumani top-scored while Lloyd Laurie tried hard for the Guiness.
Village team Panim Doggies led by Victor Manab shocked Nabasa Crusaders in their first match to win 19-17.
However, they puffed out in the second match to go down 33-0 to Redscar Ants, who also beat Chiefs in a close encounter 26-24.
Despite having some of the big names – Matagal Tamilong, Andy Yama and Paul Joseph – cellar dwellars Chiefs will be looking to get their first win on Saturday when they face off with Nabasa Crusaders.
They will meet the village boys from Panim in the main game as well and the Doggies are set to bark louder and bite them in an expected thriller match.
With one win from last Saturday, the Doggies with skipper Victor Manab, Roger, Amos, Jerom, Steven and Tunmai should play more confidently against the class in Chiefs.
Seven teams are participating in the challenge and MARFU is currently looking for a sponsor to support the competition as they play their part in ensuring the youths are occupied in worthwhile activities.
Any interested business houses or individuals are advised to contact president Paul Joseph on phone 720 65260 for more information.