Southern rugby league 9s finals on

By LESLIE OMARO
THE finals of the Southern regional rugby league 9s tournament will start today at the Lloyd Robson oval when Maopa Veivili KRR clash with Koki PNG Gardners for a spot in the cup quarter-finals.
The two teams are among 11 others – Badili Vanagi Blacks, Porebada Broncos, Gaivakala (1), Gaivakala (2), Alotau, Kai Marshalls, Maopa Paio, Sabama Black Cats, Taota Mantas and Lako (2) – battling to keep their hopes alive in the playoff for the cup.
Maopa Veivilli captain and playmaker Geno Ralani yesterday said he was positive about their game against Koki.
“We had a good outing winning our three games against Koita Cowboys, Lako and Papa. We are confident about tomorrow (today),” Ralani said.
Coach Geno Kapa said they were aware they would be up against some of the best teams in the region. They will be playing their best football.
“We have the belief that we can cause some upsets. I will be banking on Solo Tiki to carry our hopes to the cup finals,” Kapa said.
In the other matches, MK Brothers will clash with Porebada Broncos, Badili Vanagi Blacks will meet Gaivkala (1) and Gaivakala team (2) will face Kai Marshalls.
After round three, 13 teams are on nine points apiece. However, MK Brothers (1) are clearly on top with a greater points difference of 36.
Porebada Saints, Vewala Pelagai and Tatana Stones are on 8 points after registering two wins.
From the 16 teams playing in the cup quarter-finals, eight will advance into the cup semis while the others compete in the plate quarter-finals.
Port Moresby-based Alotau should find it tough against Maopa Paio led by Kumul representative Joshua Abavu.
Sabama Blacks Cats who are eyeing their first title will meet Taoata Mantas of Pari.
“We are positive about our game tomorrow (today). We believe in ourselves that we have the players to take us all the way,” former Kumul Tuksy Karu said.
Karu is part of the Black Cats’ coaching staff.
The pennants and bowls quarter-finals, played today, will include the winners of yesterday’s semis.
The results of yesterday’s pennants playoff are; Super Vewala 14 def Iagava Rocks 8, Maopa KV 16 def Raukele Emborah 4, Inauaia Roosters 18 def Varvarona Kwikila 16, Hula Waves 24 def Porebada Bulldogs 10, Taurama Waves 14 def Tubusereia 4, Papa Roadsiders 8 def Baruni Seas Eagles 4, Pinu Country Cowboys 14 def Egalauna 8 and Wanigela Kavela 14 def Nadi Brothers 12.
Draws for the quarter-finals are; Super Vewala play Inauaia Roosters, Taurama Waves meet Pinu Country Cowboys, Maopa KV face Hula Waves and Papa Roadsiders clash with Wanigela Kavela.
And results from the bowl semi-finals also played yesterday, Buria Reds (1) 18 def Boera Sailors 10, Kapunarau 14 def Vapunama 10, Kupiano Sea Horse 22 def Porebada Sharks 0, Lako (1) 12 def Baruni Eagles 10, Abadi Panthers 10 def MK Brothers 4, Gabagaba Geana Sharks 16 def Viriolo Gliders 4.