Rugby fans turn out in numbers as Mantas secure Sports Tok 7s title

By HUXLEY LOVAI
The Mantas (Valley Hunters) claimed the inaugural Sports Tok 7s title after defeating the Coasters 29-21 at Bava Park in Port Moresby over the weekend.
Rugby fans turned out in numbers as they were treated to some exciting action.
In the women’s final, Wanderers were too strong for Nova, winning 14-5.
The Mantas used their speed to great effect as the young side found their way around the Coasters who were solid down the middle of the park.
Mantas coach Max Katal said: “I told the team that we would have to play fast as our opponents were bigger than us.
“So we just had to make them run. We did that and played well.
“Our defence needs a bit more work but we will get there eventually.
“The average age of the players is less than 23, so it was a great experience for them to have a feel of playing against older players.”
Sports Tok’s Elsie Passingan told The National that they were surprised by the interest shown by the teams.
“We didn’t expect that both fields will be surrounded by supporters on the first day, we just wanted to support a competition,” she said.
“With the encouraging performance of the PNG Pukpuks who managed to qualify for the Commonwealth Games and the Rugby Sevens World Cup, it was decided that Sport Tok would host a rugby 7s tournament during the Easter weekend.
“Apart from writing stories, we are trying to sponsor any sporting event. We want to make the Sport Tok 7s an annual event.”
Results: Bowl final – 7s Academy 26 Juggernauts 0; Plate final – 7s Development 19 Black Orchids 7; Cup final – Mantas 29 Coasters 21.