Ravens fall short in tournament quarterfinals

PAPUAN Compound Ravens fell short in their Sports Tok Sevens Cup quarterfinal against Moni Plus Novas before they went on to claim the Plate ahead of University Piggies.
Brothers also failed to defend their title as the hosts were dethroned by Black Orchids at Bava Park in Port Moresby.
Ravens proved their worth as one of the top sevens rugby union sides after the reigning South Pacific Brewery-sponsored Sports Awards club of the year beat Piggies 17-5.
“We did well in our pool games,” Ravens captain Ipson Tete said.
“It was disappointing not to make the Cup final as the level of confidence was high.”
Tete said this year’s campaign was more competitive compared with previous seasons.
He said it was one of the reason their youngsters were unable to cope with the pace of the game.
Tete said the absence of Max Vali and Maluai Patala had impacted their campaign.
“Some of our big-name players were not with us,” he said.
“Given the growth of the game and high standard of competition, most of our young players struggled to adapt to the Ravens culture which we had built over the years.”
Meanwhile, Tete congratulated organisers on the fifth anniversary of the tournament.
He said the tournament had produced some of the country’s top sevens players.
“It continues to provide a platform to expose upcoming talents,” Tete said.
“The tournament is helping grow the code in the country.”