PNG hockey teams bag gold

By ROBINSON LEKA
THE national men’s and women’s hockey teams won gold at the recent Oceania Intercontinental Hockey Fives in Rockhampton, Australia.
Both teams arrived in Port Moresby yesterday after finishing first in their respective divisions following a successful campaign which saw them compete with PNG, the Solomon Islands and Tonga.
The women’s side completed the tournament undefeated, winning all of their four matches.
The women’s final on Sunday saw them defeat Tonga 10-2 and seal their spot as winners while the Solomon Island finished second and Tonga third.
PNG’s Mary Potuan was named the tournament’s most valuable player (MVP) while striker Eileen Solien bagged the most goals of the tournament (11).
“It was a good match-up, playing against the Solomon Islands and Tonga”, said women’s coach Sapau Tapo.
“The final game determined our position to win gold.
“It was good seeing youngsters step up to the international level and performing really well.
“The girls enjoyed the tournament and the heat of Rockhampton.
“This is the first time we took part in the Intercontinental Fives but the girls are already used to playing the format.”
In the men’s division, PNG also finished on top at the completion of their matches after an edging out the Solomon Islands and Tonga who finished second and third respectively.
The Lowah brothers raked in more awards for PNG with Eddie named MVP in the men’s division while his brother Hussein scored an impressive 11 goals, the highest in the tournament.