POM women’s rugby has new champs

WOMEN’S rugby union in Port Moresby has a new champion after PRK Southern Chiefs caused a major upset on Saturday in the POMRFU women’s final defeating favourites Defence 24-19 in a high quality match.
After taking the bridesmaid honours for the last two seasons in sevens and 15s, Chiefs showed that the women’s division is still an open contest out scoring and outplaying the barracks women 17-0 in the second half after trailing 19-7 at the break.
Big Fijian centre Elina Ratulevu played superbly in defence and attack scoring her side’s only first half  try off a penalty after a quick tap 5m out.
Defence’s response was both quick and brutal as gun fullback Dulcie Bomai, centre Debbie Kaore and scrum half Natasha Larry all crossed for a sizeable 19-7 lead at halftime.
But Chiefs better focus and tactics came to the fore in the second half as Defence committed unforced errors and looked to only be hanging on for  fulltime siren .
Chiefs’ forwards Bonnie Lavare and Encie Simitap scored to bridge the gap to 17-19 with minutes remaining.
Chiefs’ captain Kila Karara  then capped off a great comeback scoring the match winner after sustained pressure in the opposition 22m produced an overlap.