Newcomer wins 9s

 LITTLE known Kaugere-based team, Moresby-South Settlement yesterday beat Irupari Gaiva Kala 24-22 in the final of the Digicel Super 9s Southern Region championship at the Kwikila Oval, Rigo, Central.

Skippered by Robin Emil, the son of former Kumul great Aquila Emil, Souths Settlement featured former Kumul Larsen Marabe, former Gulf Isapea fullback Jason Koivi and rising star, Charlie Kumbi.

With that quality in their ranks, Souths were the first to open the scoring after Koivi slipped between defenders and offloaded to Marabe, who then laid on a short pass to utility Lam Eddie to send winger, Maxwell John to score under the uprights and convert for a 6-0 lead.

Irupari centre Steven Gia drew his side level with the city side scoring the first of two tries.

Souths surged to a 12-6 lead as Eddie fended off two defenders before sending John for his second try, mid-way through an entertaining first half. 

Fatigue set in as both sides played at a punishing pace and Irupari’s Joe Geno set up an unmarked Polona Kwapena for a soft try for the Central men to draw level again.

Souths grabbed another converted four pointer through Eddie to lead 18-16 at halftime.

In the second half, Irupari’s Pipi Kilori jinked his way through heavy traffic to get his side in front 22-18.

But it was John’s boot that was the difference after Souths halfback Benson Bip scored a try to level the tense cup final.

John stepped up and converted to give his side the inaugural Digicel 9s Souther leg title.

Both finalists have earned the right to play in the Pacific Balance Fund 9s in Lae on March 14-15.

In the other finals, Moresby-South Taudia were pushed to the corner by a fiery SSG Roosters but snuck home 10-8 to claim the bowl while 2014 PRL premiers, Hekari Tarangau beat City Redbacks 24-22 to claim the plate.