Official hails Hela team for making CCIC finals

STRICKLAND Raiders, of Hela, have become the second team from the province to reach the grand final playoffs of the Coca-cola Ipatas Cup (CCIC) after Hela Two made it that far last year.
CCIC Hela coordinator Obert Hondole congratulated the team for reaching the finals.
He said the success of Hela teams showed the abundance of talents in the province.
The Raiders will play Northern Pride, of Jiwaka, in the grand final qualifier at the Lae Rugby League Ground on Saturday (1pm kick-off).
In other leg of the qualifier, Kroton East West Ninjas, of Western Highlands, will face Morobe Pride (2:30pm).
The winners will meet in the grand final on Sunday while the losers will play for third spot.
“Congratulations to Strickland Raiders for making the playoffs,” Hondole said.
“Last year, Hela Two made the playoffs and finished third out of 173 teams nationwide.
“This year, we had Hela Two and Strickland Raiders take part.
“The two teams made it to Western End finals and unfortunately, Hela Two were knocked out.
“But the Raiders played well to reach the grand final playoffs.”