Rugby union takes Rabaul by storm

 RUGBY union is luring sports fans in Rabaul to the Maltech Oval, in East New Britain, every weekend.
Even the volcanic ash is not stopping the players from enjoying their weekend competition.
Tony Aunge, of the Maltech Rookies  team, said the East New Britain Rugby Union competition is getting more exciting for the players and rugby fans.
Last weekend, reigning premiers Tokua Plantations Redskins lost to the Rookies 17-7.
Union president Tony Namur said in earlier A grade fixtures, Cardinals beat Medics, the Hodsco Harlequins, under the leadership of Dominic Kunai, was beaten by the Kokopo Barbarians 17-0.
Namur said Tomaringa Royals edged out Matupit Diggers 19-12 and Brothers lost 5-34 to the Vikings.
Namur said development of the code among the junior players in the Under-19 and U15 continued to draw interest.
In the Under-19 competition, Cardinals defeated Medics 5-0 while Barbarians beat Harlequins.
Diggers lost 24-5 loss to Royals, Vikings defeated Brothers 22-0 and Redskins lost 26-5 to Rookies.
In the Under-15 grade competition, Medics defeated Cardinals 12-10, Barbarians beat Harlequins 21-8 and Royals defeated Diggers 7-5.
Vikings beat Brothers 10-5.