Magpies win MRDC 9s

The National Sports

By BENJAMIN KOITAKA
THE Siporo Magpies out-played Souths 30-18 in the MRDC 9s cup final yesterday at the National Football Stadium.
The Magpies, an invitational team from the Aroma Coast, were led by Digicel Cup player Ross Ravu and comprised talent from that part of Central.
For the runners-up Souths it was their first time to make the Port Moresby Rugby League pre-season tournament but they had the fortune of taking on the 2017 PNG Games nines champions guided by the national nines coach Colin Geno.
Magpies led Souths 10-0 at halftime.
Souths prop Richard John got his team on the board early in the second half with skipper Kennedy Bandi adding the extras to trail 10-6.
Magpies used their size advantage to break down Souths defence which resulted in back-rower Emmanuel Kalamo to cross for the Magpies’ third try for a 16-6 lead.
The Magpies added two more four-pointers to reserve Mari Juda and prop Wesley Kelly to get to 30 points — an unassailable 30-6 lead.
Souths grabbed two consolation tries through Bandi and prop Richard to add some respectability to the final score line.
Magpies coach Geno added another nines title to his impressive list with the win.
Geno said there was talent in rural areas and he was happy to help in developing that talent.
“I want to thank the PRL and PNGRFL for confirming participation at this tournament,” Geno said.
“We started this tournament well and finished strongly.
“Claiming the cup is a real boost for Central teams and especially our local competitions on the Aroma Coast.”
Geno said Souths were good challengers and showed spirit to keep competing to the end of the final.
Souths captain Bandi said his side had given it their best throughout the tournament and were proud of making the final but congratulated the Magpies for being the better side.
“This was our first final and I’m proud we came this far. They were strong and they played well in the final,” Bandi said.
Results: Sun, Feb 24 – Cup: Siporo Magpies 30 Souths 18, Plate: Butterflies 10 Royals 0, Bowl: Kone Storm 4 Paga Panthers 0; Women’s division – Cup: Paga Panthers 12 Butterflies 8, Plate: Royals 10 Dobo Warriors 4, Bowl: Hohola Flies 12 Hekari Tarangau 10.