POM top Southern trials

 By JACK AMI

PORT Moresby showed they are best in the Southern Region after beating Gulf 22-10 in the final of the zone trials on Friday. 

Port Moresby also claimed the K5,000 winners prize at Kwikila, Rigo.

Gulf walked away with K2,500 while the other 18 participating teams collected consolation prizes for attending the trials.

The city team with seasoned campaigners were unbeaten throughout the five-day trials. 

In the semi-finals, Gulf edged out Aroma Coast 5-4 and Pom denied Koiari Nagavas 8-4 to qualify for the major challenge. 

Smaller leagues Aroma Coast, Rigo Manuna, Koiari, Gaire and Popondetta were very impressive and should be a force next year.

Port Moresby was just too strong for the opposition with their big pack rampaging through the crocodile’s defensive line time and again.

The city team scored four tries through Jack Victor, Tebal Henry, Mathew Mawe and Tope Mitaharo with William Mone slotting three conversions.

Gulf try scorers were Gideon Koivi and Samson Pirika while Joshua Alex converted one. 

POM scored three unanswered tries through Victor, Henry and Mawe all converted by Mone in the first half to lead 18-0 at the interval.

Southern Region director Gwaibo Mairi said a train-on squad of 38 players would named this week.

He thanked Southern Governor’s Kila Haoda (Central), Havilla Kavo (Gulf), Gary Juffa (Northern), Titus Phelimon (Milne Bay) and Ati Wobiro (Western) including sponsors Coca-Cola, KK Kingston, PNGRFL and the  PNG Rugby League Foundation.