Royals set to claim minor premiership

BLACK Swan International Royals edged Tarangau 18-16 in the penultimate round of the Port Moresby Rugby League at the National Football Stadium Oval 2 on Sunday.
Royals claimed a hard-earned two-point win to maintain their lead on the ladder on 42 points with one game remaining in the regular season.
Magani, who drew 18-18 with Souths, are in second spot on 36 points followed by Brothers on 34 points.
Royals coach Steve Gunua said his side were maintaining their form and finding ways to win close matches.
Gunua said his side had wrapped up the minor premiership with the win and they were looking to make adjustments to their game for the finals.
Gunua said the Royals boys who were part of the Digicel Cup teams in the likes of Damien Herod of Enga Mioks, McKenzie Buka of Port Moresby Vipers have really helped the team over the weekend.
The Royals weathered the scorching Sunday heat and used the ball evenly between their pack and the backline and kept in the contest with Tarangau, who are in sixth spot on 27 points, before piping them at the post.
The Panthers scored first off a quick play-the-ball that saw winger Sparo Thomas race 30-metres to score in the fifth minute.
Results: Paga Panthers forfeited Butterflies, Souths 18 Magani 18, Dobo Warriors 6 Kone Storm 6, Brothers 10, Kone Tigers 8, Hohola Flies 38 Defence 0, Hawks forfeited West.