Rebels finish second in inaugural super 7s comp

By SULI SULI
WEST New Britain’s Kimbe Rebels bowed out of the Kumul Petroleum Supers Sevens Series behind inaugural winners Morobe Hammerheads.
Rebels made a statement all tournament, appearing in each Cup final of all three rounds at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium in Port Moresby.
However, a lack of discipline cost them the chance of claiming the final round last weekend.
“We trained hard to for the tournament,” Rebels manager Bonnie Giru said.
“We came here to win.
“But we lacked discipline which cost us the win.”
Stacked with sevens experience, Rebels looked confident against Capital Rugby Union Boromas, but the visitors failed to deliver.
Two yellow cards to Paul Peter a minute before fulltime struck Rebels’ optimism to lift the Cup when Boromas interchange Allan Takera scored the match-winning try.
Despite the 12-17 loss, the West New Britons were among the more consistent sides of the tournament.
“Playing in three Cup finals, we proved that we were a better side,” Giru said.
“Our performance was outstanding, I just wish we had taken the Cup home.”
Rebels’ efforts were not in vain as speedster Kennedy Benjiman and Robinson Gala were named as the top try-scorer (18) and top goal-scorer (13) respectively.
Giru said Rebels would come back stronger in the next series.
He thanked all their sponsors, coaching staff and players for their efforts.