Ravens get golden pass to cup playoffs

 By MELTON PAIS

THE Coca Cola Ipatas Cup Morobe challenge ended on Sunday with two teams winning gold passes to the final playoffs.

Competition chief executive officer Timothy Lepa said the first winner of the gold pass were the Huon Gulf Ravens, while the second winner would be decided tomorrow between Kamkumung Crushers and Morobe Chiefs, who were equal on points. Lepa said the winner would be decided by percentage.

He said unlike previous years, only eight teams participated in the Morobe leg. 

“These eight teams were then divided into two pools, with four teams in each,” he said.

“With the less number of teams participating, we were able to compete the CCIC challenge quickly and efficiently over the weekend.”

Lepa said the final Ipatas Cup challenge would be at Wabag, Enga, this weekend to wrap up the tournament across the country.

“We will stage the semi-final competition involving all the golden pass winners from each leg,” he said.

“The Eastern comp will feature gold pass winners from Port Moresby, Morobe, Goroka and Kimbe competing against each other in Lae in the following week. The Western comp will feature the gold pass winners from the Highlands region, who will compete in Minj, Jiwaka.

“The two winners of each hand will then travel to Wabag on the third week for the grand final challenge.

“The winner will walk away with K100,000 from the major sponsor of CCIC and Governor of Enga Sir Peter Ipatas.”