Sauga Warriors surpise
The National, Thursday February 13th, 2014
By JACK AMI
SAUGA Warriors have surprised many established teams in the Popondetta Rugby League Nines tournament.
On Sunday at the Popondetta league oval the team from Sauga Kunai LLG Ward in Oro Bay District thrashed Royals 14-0 and drew with Sangi Raiders 6-6 to push into the top position.
The Warriors and Sangi Raiders are leading the pack with 18 points each, M4M Bulldogs (1) 17 and Buna Sananada 15 in the top four with two more rounds before the semi finals start. Sponsored by National Rice Distributors representative Allen Lee Horove, the youths from Kunai have displayed talent to frustrate their opponents since the competition started.
The Warriors and Raiders form the nucleus of the Cross Back Spiders RLC who were grand finalist in the 2013 season.
In the other results Buna 4 Sangi Raiders 0, Bulldogs (1) 14 Medics 6, Buna 6 Hoppl Tigers 0, Bulldogs (2) 8 Sorovi 4, Royals 8 Medics 4, Tigers 10 Bulldogs (1) 6, Sorovi 8 Medics 4, Bulldogs (2) 10 Buna 0.
Association president Anko Vamage and his deputy Jeff Mea said many untapped, raw talents especially youths were involved and this shows their keen interest in the game.
Vamage said these youths will feature prominently in the under 19 competition when the season proper starts in March.