Royals win women’s title

By VICKY BAUNKE
The Royals club of Goroka claimed the Coca-Cola Ipatas Cup women’s title with a 8-4 win over the Morobe Pirates at the Lae Rugby League ground last Sunday.
The Nowek/Winestar-sponsored side were led by five-eighth Barbara Sesel, who scored an unconverted try, while halves partner Seroz Sabumei also bagged a four-pointer thanks in part to some great lead up work by centres Rachel Kava and Anne Jireh Oiufa while veteran lock Vicky Kuson provided the calming influence the side needed to hold on for the win.
Royals fullback Christy “Bullet” Bulahge and winger Avam Kaiho were the other noteworthy performers for the Eastern Highlands side.
With an 8-0 halftime lead Royals conceded a try midway through the second stanza but held their nerve as the home side pushed hard for an equalising try.
Sabumei was presented the player of the match award as well as K100 by former PNG Kumuls winger Richard Wagambie.
Royals coach Steward Robin was impressed with by his side’s defence which he said was the key to their victory.
Nowek Royals are the first women’s champions of the Ipatas Cup Challenge and even though the women’s finals series did not involve teams from Port Moresby, organisers were pleased with the standard of football on display.
Royals team manager Junior John Supa acknowledged the commitment and effort put into the preparation by the women from both sides.