Premiers open MRDC comp with 18-12 win

By MELTON PAIS
PORT Moresby Rugby League Super Nines defending champions Tarangau (2) opened their campaign with an 18-12 win over the Butterflies (2) at the National Football Stadium oval two yesterday.
Tarangau crossed for the game’s first try through Manu Bikay after some good leadup work by playmaker Solomon Pokari.
The defending champions ran in two more tries — all unconverted — but the Butterflies struck back through winger Robin Kunjap and centre Yeki Benjamin to trail 14-8 at halftime.
The second half was a tighter affair as both sides could only manage a try each with the warders winning a contest they had led throughout.
Tarangu 2 take on the Hanuabada Hawks 3 today.
In the opening game, Hawks (1) edged Paga Panthers (1) 12-8 in the opener.
Today’s fixtures will see Panthers (1) taking on West (1) while Hawks (1) face o Kone Storms (1).
The start of the tournament was scrappy as most of the teams did not turn up on time resulting in forfeitures, according to coordinator Meke Maino.
“Brothers (1) were forfeited by Butterflies (1), Tarangau (1) were forfeited by Souths (1) and Kone Storm (2) was forfeited by Paga Panthers (2),” Maino said.
“We do not want this practice of coming late to the field and complaining after realising that your team has been forfeited.
“That’s why I’m calling on all the team managers to make it your business to bring the teams to the field on time. First game for tomorrow (todasy) is scheduled to kick off at 9am. Those teams who are set to play should be ready to play.”