Palais lose to Hong Kong

Normal, Sports
Source:

The National, Wednesday October 30th, 2013

 By KYMLIE RAPILLA

THE Papua New Guinea Palais went down fighting to Hong Kong 22-10 in the bowl final of the Asia Pacific women’s 7s championship over the weekend in Shanghai, China.

The Palais struggled in the matches on Saturday going down to Hong Kong in their first game 34-14. 

They then lost to Japan 39-7, followed by a 45-0 thrashing at the hands of hosts China. 

PNG managed a 17-12 win against Samoa.

In the bowl playoff, Hong Kong had the upper hand throughout the final finding gaps in PNG’s staggered line.

The Palais came back strongly with two tries from speedsters Jill Yalon and Joanne Lagona despite playing with only six players due to having a player sent off for a spear tackle.

In the second half, PNG failed to make use of their chances with poor options. 

This gave Hong Kong the momentum and they kicked on scoring a convincing 12-point win.

“The team will need to work on their strength and speed. That was let us down,” coach john Larry said of the Palais’ performance.