Northern leg deferred

By MELTON PAIS
THE Ipatas Cup Northern Leg fixtures have been moved back because of the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League annual general meeting in Lae, Morobe on Saturday.
Chief executive officer of the Coca-Cola-sponsored off-season tournament Timothy Lepa, pictured, said the Ipatas Cup borad had decided to defer the Northern Leg, slated for this weekend in the Morobe capital, to next weekend (March 3-5) in Madang.
Lepa said the decision was made out of respect for the country’s rugby league governing body. He said the fixtures would involve the final nine teams.
The nine confirm teams are Kune Storms, Omili Jets, Noipoko Owls, Morobe Chiefs, Jaka Knights, Huon Gulf Ravens, Owan Titans, Crusaders and K92 Ants.
Lepa said out of the nine teams, Ravens have been penalised and required to pay the fine by the close of business today.
He said the competition which was jointly sponsored by Coke and the Enga provincial government was expected to end by mid March.
“So far, the Paga Panthers from NCD and Toks Mix Dogs from Central, Triple X from Simbu and SK Titans from Goroka have been confirmed for the Eastern end battle for the second stage,” he said.
He said he was still waiting for the other tournaments in the Highlands to confirm their second gold passes for their teams.