Storm edge Dugongs

The National Sports

By JACK AMI
JCI Storm beat Barakau Dugongs 16-12 to claim the inaugural Ilimo Dairy Farm Hiri East Rugby League A grade premiership.
In an entertaining clash the Storm from Gaire proved too strong for the visitors.
In the Under-20 final, Tubusereia Lakwaharu Raiders edged Rocher Spartans 6-0 to capture the major honours.
Local dairy producer Ilimo Dairy Farm came on board this season and had a representative present on grand final day.
The competition, which kicked off in June, gave supporters an action packed grand finale last Saturday at Gaire village, Central.
Ilimo Dairy is a pioneer in the a local dairy industry and is based in the Kairuku-Hiri District.
Ilimo is the naming rights sponsor for the 2018 season. The Ilimo team was onsite on grand final day conducting awareness on the nutritional benefits of drinking fresh milk, as well sharing with locals information about how PNG’s favorite locally produced milk goes from the dairy to consumers.
Company diretcor Nao Badu presented the trophies to the premiers and award winners.
Badu thanked the organisers for inviting Ilimo to be a sponsor.
“Ilimo’s product is made by locals for locals and so we understands the importance of supporting local initiatives such as the Hiri East Rugby League competition,” Nao said.
During the presentation Badu said community level sporting fixtures like the rugby league competition was a great way of bringing people together in a positive way.
“Players learn the importance of teamwork and cooperation and the wider community bands together to support the teams.
He said district sporting competitions helped create cohesion at community level.
Badu said the level of competition on the day was excellent showcasing the fast-paced style of rugby that is synonymous with players from the Central.
Badu thanked the board of directors of Central Dairy and the management and staff of Ilimo Dairy.
Badu congratulated the organisers, players, coaching staff, volunteers and supporters on a well-run 2018 season. The competition involves communities from the Hiri East District, which stretches from Tubuserea to Gabagaba villages.
For details on the competition Hiri East Rugby League president Lohia Hera can be contacted on 70676346.