POM, Gaire match stopped

 IT was the survival of the fittest in Southern Zone trials elimination finals at Kwikila Rugby League oval yesterday.

The best of Papua region, Kavo Gulf, Aroma Coast and Koiari qualified for the semi-finals today while the quarter-final between Port Moresby and Gaire was aborted in the second half due to poor light with the city team was leading 14-0.

In the quarter-finals, Gulf beat Popondetta 18-2. 

The rural team, coached by high profile coach Chris Enara, denied Marshall Lagoon 10-6 before the match was called off two minutes before full time because after fans started fighting. 

The toughest match was between Koiari and hosts Rigo Manuna which Koiari won  in the dying stages with a field goal. 

The Rigo team coped the pressure to with stand the more experienced Koiari team and should be credited for their performance in the trials.

In today’s semi-finals, its going to be a tough account for Gulf and Aroma Coast in a match which is predicted to witness the clash of seasoned players against the village talents. 

And Koiari palys the winner of POM and Gaire.

Southern Zone selector Mark Mom said a 40-man train-on squad would be selected and trimmed down to compete in the National Zone Championships in Lae next month. 

Southern Zone Director Gwaibo Mairi added that the train-on squad would be selected on merit with the opportunity given to the smaller centres showcase their talents.

Mairi said Popondetta, Alotau and Tabubil had spent a lot of money travelling to Kwikila for the trials which inclded Pari, Poreporena, Kairuku, Gabagaba, Gaire, Kerema, Marshall Lagoon, Gaire, Tubusereia and Barakau and it was only fair that every player be considered.

He thanked the Southern Regional Governors; Oro’s Gary Juffa, Central’s Kila Haoda, Western’s Ati Wobiro, Milne Bay’s Titus Philemon and Gulf’s Havila Kavo, Sports  Minister Justin Tkatchenko,  KKKingston and Coca Cola Amatil for making the Southern Zone trials possible.