Royals rue missed chances in Capital Rugby Union loss

By PARKER TAMBUA
UNIVERSITY Piggies beat Royals 19-15 in round nine of the Capital Rugby Union competition at Bava Park on Saturday.
Royals, who fielded former Rabaul Gurias forward Andickson Yamason, almost caused an upset, but poor choices in attack cost them the A-grade match.
Royals coach Edwin Noki told The National after the game that he was disappointed with some of their choices in attack.
“We were very competitive all game,” he said.
“We competed in every play.
“But I am disappointed with some of the choices we made in attack.
“We created a lot of opportunities for our backline to score tries, but went for the wrong options, which cost us.
“In one of our attacking plays, we created an easy overlap, but instead of the centre running straight to draw defenders and pass, he went for a kick instead and it ended up out on the full.
“It shows that some of these players lack vision.”
Noki said they were also lacking experience. “I understand that most our players come from rugby league,” he said.
“That is why they are struggling to adjust which sometimes affects the way we attack.
“But I believe we will only get better as they play more games.”
However, Noki said he was proud of the competitiveness of his men despite their loss to an experienced University outfit.
Meanwhile, former Hela Wigmen forward Ham Tina starred for the Piggies, scoring a try and setting up another.
Earlier on Saturday, Brothers beat Valley Hunters 19-5 in the A-grade and Nova smashed Marlins 36-5 in the premier division.