Maopa Paio on track

By LESLIE OMARO
MAOPA Paio warmed up for their cup playoff with a 8-6 win over Kupiano Sea Horse in round 3 of the Southern region 9s tournament yesterday.
Yesterday’s win was the third for Maopa Paio. They registered two victories against MCL Bese (16-4) and Buria Reds (16-8) in the earlier outings.
Both sides were led by rugby stars – Maopa by Kumul fullback Joshua Abavu and Pukpuk playmaker Douglas Guise led the Kupiano side.
Guise, fresh from the Federation of Oceania Rugby Union tournament, burst onto the scene in the first half setting up two tries for another rugby convert Madi Ora that unfortunately went begging.
Ora, who was playing in the outside centres, was denied his first try three minutes into the match.
He read a clever inside pass from Guise 2m from the try-line.
But it was ruled to be a knock-on.
Two minutes later, Guise threatened Maopa’s defensive line again creating another set play that brought Ora into the attack and sent him over but was held up.
Maopa then capitalised to see Abavu slipping through several lazy defenders to register the first points.
With a shaky 4-0 lead and three minutes to the break, Kupiano winger Bete Rario showed a clean pair of heels to cross over.
Fullback Palani Ora converted from the sideline to take the lead 6-4.
But Maopa’s Taure Vanua caught a chip kick from Guise inside his half and sprinted 5m before Guise and Ora tackled him.
A quick play by Vanua and some quick hands ensured Geno Rupa scored the match winner with one minute left on the clock.
Guise tried to pull a rabbit out of the hat with some inspiration play but Maopa’s defence was up to the challenge with 21-year-old Anthony Abavu diving on a chip kick to seal victory.
Coach Geno Vali said he was happy with the win and said they were looking to improve on their bowl status by winning the cup final.
“We beat Baruni in last year’s bowl final so we will use that as motivation to go all the way to the cup final,” he said.
In other results, Vapuama Dragons 10 def Nadi Brothers 6, Porebada Bulldogs 14 def Oro Settlers 12, Vewala Pelagai 24 def Kelerakwa Olema 12, Buria Red (1) 13 def Kisere Crusaders 4, Lako (2) 26 def Vapuama 12, Porebada Sharks 20 def Naviu 8, Wanigela Kavela 20 def Koupanama 4, Alotau 22 def Lakwaharu 4, TI Stones 18 def Kelekins Keleiana 4, Boera Sailors (3) 18 def Kisere Eagles 14, Dauma Knights 10 def Viriolo Gliders 4, Roku Vipers (3) 10 def Coastal Brothers 8, MLC Bese 10 def Buria Reds 4.