Roosters bag Cup, K20,000

By JACK AMI
SHANE Singo Gavu Roosters beat two-time champions Funeral Home Laumas 18-4 in the Fuzzy Wuzzy Rugby League Cup final to bag K20,000 at the Bava Park in Port Moresby last night.
The Roosters were smarter and faster as they outplayed the opposition. They also defended well.
Both sides went unbeaten throughout the tournament but the Roosters had the last laugh.
The Roosters beat the Laumas in the JT Nines Cup final in 2017, the Agmark Nines semifinal in Kokopo and added their latest win over the Funeral Home-sponsored side.
The Roosters led 18-0 with tries to Josh Ericho, Amon Lesley and Chiko Mairi.
Jack Manda converted two goals and Ericho one.
A minute before fulltime, Hapeo Bobogi scored a consolation try for the Laumas.
It was a tough first half with the Roosters in the lead, thanks to converted try by Ericho.
Roosters coach Moses Matuka said: “We were a strong side and I was confident of coming this far to win the Cup.
“All my players did well. They stuck to the game plan.”
His opposite Peter Popal did not make excuses about injuries but pointed out that four games with short turnarounds had taken their toll in the end.
“That’s part of the game. We wanted to retain our title but lost to a better side,” he said.
In the plate final, North Dingos beat Waidex Eels. Royals were too strong for RIL Roadsiders with a 22-8 victory.