Northern zone win AFL Easter Cup title

By PARKER TAMBUA
PORT Moresby Australian Football League (POMAFL) Easter Cup Challenge ended on Sunday with team Northern crowned champions after a 35-28 win over the Highlands at Colts Oval.
The inaugural POMAFL pre-season challenge featured representative teams from the four regions.
Northern kicked five goals and five behinds while Highlands kicked four goals and four behinds in their total scores.
The Sam Lai Ila-coached Northern side stormed out of their blocks in the first two quarters kicking three goals and three behinds for a 28-8 lead at halftime.
Highlands only scored a goal with two behinds as Northern dominated the first-half with the lion’s share of possession.
Northern were mostly on the attack in the Highlands 50-metre zone but couldn’t finish off their attempts at goal.
Despite being outclassed in the opening two quarters, Highlands stayed in the contest ramping up their defence as they checked the Northern surge limiting them to two goals and two behinds in the second half.
Ila told The National after the game his side started strongly and finished with some gritty defence and deserved the win.
Meanwhile, POMAFL president Douglas Lai thanked Moni Plus for sponsoring the tournament.
Lai also thanked all teams and supporters for contributing to the success of the Easter Cup.