Morobe does it again

By HUXLEY LOVAI
THE Morobe Hammerheads claimed the inaugural Jonah Lomu Legacy Sevens beating the Black Orchids 22-7 in the cup final yesterday at Bava Park, Port Moresby.
The victory for the Hammerheads caps off a successful year for the Morobeans in sevens after they defended their national sevens title in October beating the Rabaul Stallions in the final at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium, Port Moresby.
The team captained by national representative Max Vali were fittingly presented the cup by Nadene Lomu, the widow of the All Black great Jonah Lomu.
The Hammerheads showed why they are national champions as they played their brand of measured rugby, patently going through the phases, building pressure with great support play that overwhelmed the Bougainvilleans.
The Morobeans also had some tricks up their sleeves as skipper Vali showed great speed and footwork to the cheers of the crowed.
The Hammerheads opened their account through Eliud Hosea in the second minute but determined Black Orchids defence kept the Morobeans at bay until the sixth minute when Maluai Patala crossed over with a runway try, showing great speed as he dashed 90-metres.
Both tries where unconverted giving the Hammerheads a 10-0 lead at half time.
The Black Orchids began the second half with intent stringing together passes probing for an opening in the Morobe line.
Their efforts where hindered by handling errors, giving the Hammerheads the opportunity to pile on the points which they did with tries to Andrew Purani in the eight minute and Vali the 10th minute.
The Bougainvillean’s persistence paid off as they scored a consolation try in the twelfth minute to Nathan Baramun, bringing the final score to 22-7 in favour of the Hammerheads.
Captian Vali after receiving the cup said: “Thank you to the sponsors and organisers of this competition, for giving us the chance to come and play rugby in the nation’s capital.”
President of Morobe Rugby Union Avea Hiarua was delighted with the performance of the team.
“It’s an awesome feeling to be on the winning side and to take out the NPC 7s back-to-back, and now winning the inaugural Jonah Lomu Cup is a blessing for Morobe Rugby”
“It is through team work that we have a great development system that creates a pool of talented young players,” Hiarua said.