Rabaul Stallions sweep Sepik 7s

By ROBINSON LEKA
EAST New Britain’s Rabaul Stallions bagged a clean sweep of the Greater Sepik Sevens rugby union tournament with their men’s and women’s teams topping their respective divisions in Wewak on Sunday.
The men’s Cup final saw Stallions beat 15 City Pirates 5-0 to claim K20,000 while the Kimbe-based runners-up bagged K8,000.
Sepik Tenkiles were awarded K5,000 after the hosts beat K3,000 recipients Madang Malabecks 14-7 in the Plate final.
Maprik Crane Crushers claimed the Bowl and K2,500 after they crushed East Sepik Development 29-7. The women’s Cup final saw Stallions dominate again with the Rabaul-based side defeating Tenkiles 25-20 to pocket K10,000 while the hosts bagged K5,000.
Nova claimed the Plate after the Port Moresby side beat West Coast Mumuts 5-0.
Tournament director Immanuel ToMarum told The National yesterday that the two-day event had attracted a host of female rookies with Tenkiles and Mumuts impressing PNG Rugby Union (PNGRU) officials.
“The PNGRU staff members were impressed with the progress of the local women’s teams,” he said.
“Mumuts were formed after we ran the Get into Rugby programmes for schools along the west coast and this was their first tournament for their men’s and women’s teams. This was also the first time we had a Tenkiles women’s team take part.
“It’s great for inclusivity in the game.
“We also appreciate the presence of Nova who were the only team to come from Port Moresby.
“Their participation helped raise the standard of the game and got our women to be competitive all tournament.”