Rikis returns for Piggies in POM rugby

By KEITH PUARIA
UNIVERSITY Piggies go to ‘war’ tomorrow against the harbour-based Motuan Warriors in the final regular round of rugby’s traditional Port Moresby Rugby Football Union shield competition.
The reigning champions’ dominance was tested all season, but it was their 20-20 draw with the Warriors in round one that took away a little “fire in the belly”.
Veteran lock and former Pukpuk skipper Willie Rikis returned to the playing paddock three weeks ago from a two year sabbatical, and has added a touch of control and direction in the go-forward.
Ball playing prop Jims Rekisa joins No. 8 George Oki and current Pukpuk skipper Ray Vagi in what could well complete the formula for the fiery Piggies running pack.
Halfback Jackson Pato will again be behind his pack for this final game.
The Warriors on the other hand have over-achieved this season under the guidance of rugby’s own ‘master-chef’ Frank Mackanuey.
Mackanueys troops have transformed into serious contenders with a clear touch of the way he moulded his former club Wanderers, who play in the other city competition – Capital Rugby Union (CRU).
The no-nonsense pack of Badia Kohu and hard-hitting Pari men Nelson Nao and Albert Hitolo has stamped its mark especially in loose matches. Teenager Mellison Vaira has also come of age at only 17 to create problems around the contact area.
Sarivita Kairi and Terence Uvao have been the main ‘buttons’ in attack and are sure to create havoc.
The wine is not coming out of the cabinet yet this week, but a win tomorrow will consolidate the Warriors as front runners for the title in two weeks.
Other matches in the round are Valley Hunters against Kone Sharks, and competition leaders Defence against the rugged Juggernaut.
The finals schedule will be finalised this afternoon at a special management committee meeting.
POMRFU may look to have its two weeks of finals straight after this weekend’s matches and then have the top four of each grade prepare for the conference challenge against CRU clubs.
CRU meanwhile have five rounds left before the end of regular rounds.