Northern clinch U18 title

By MELTON PAIS
Northern walked away with the U18 national schools title after winning their three matches at the National Football stadium yesterday.
Northern defeated New Guinea Islands 16-12 in their opening match and thrashed Southern 32-6 in their second.
Northern’s final game saw them taking on the Highlands, who were physical throughout the tournament.
However, Northern remained focused to snatch a 12-9 win.
Both teams were locked 6-6 at the break, but the Highlands came out firing and were rewarded with a field goal through five-eighth Joel Koi Sam.
A penalty goal pushed the Highlands further in front after Northern were flagged for a dangerous tackle.
However, Northern had the last laugh when they scored the match winner through their winger Jared Mitti.
Halfback Joshua Lau made sure of the conversion to secure the title for Northern.
Today will see the women’s U18 championship kick off. This is the first age level female national championship.
PNG Sports Foundation CEO Peter Tsiamalili Jr will officially kick off the women’s championship.
Results: Round one – Highlands 32 Southern 6, Northern 16 NGI 12; Round two – NGI 4 Highlands 0, Northern 32 Southern 6; Round three – NGI 30 Southern 6, Northern 12 Highlands 9.
U18 Women’s Fixtures: Thurs, Sept 13 – 0930 NGI v Northern, 1020 Southern v Highlands, 1120 Highlands v NGI, 1210 Northern v Southern, 1310 Highlands v Northern, 1400 Southern v NGI, 1500 Awards Presentation.