New signing spurs Spartans bid for women’s title

 NEW signing Jemaima Merauje brings much needed experience to a relatively unknown Spartans side following a mass exodus of players in the Capital Rugby Union women’s competition this season.

Tomorrow Merauje lines up beside workaholic Dulcie Bomai and Geua Larry to lead their young chargers onto the Monier Park for the second weekend of the sevens competition.  

The West Papua woman was in the Chiefs colors last weekend beating Spartans in the Cup finals 10-7.

This week she was at the Spartans training and brought a lot of confidence to her new team.

The John Larry-coached Spartans are up against Brothers, Kaila Benny-led University and Nova in pool A. Nova, with Lynnette Kwarula and Patricia Torea to lead the onslaught should give the champions a good run for their money.

While in pool B, favorites Chiefs have to contend with a tough challenge from Harlequins, Wanderers and Defence. 

Last weekend’s Cup winners Chiefs are on a high after their win and looking for a back-to-back title. Experience is definitely an advantage with Kila Karara, Pauline Arazi, Menda Ipai, Rutha Acanufa and young Freda Waula to use.

Defence, however, will be without the services of Jillian Yalon but Lillian Mulake and Nitonga Saulo will take charge of the soldiers. The side is made up of mostly female soldiers from Murray Barracks who should come out firing after a slow start last weekend.