Storms clinch Tkatchenko Cup in city league

By JACK AMI
BADILI Warako Storms beat Joyce Bay Roosters 12-4 to bag the Justin Tkatchenko Cup in the Moresby South Rugby League A grade final at the Sir Bill William Skate Oval, Kaugere, yesterday.
The Storms also bagged the K10,000 cash prize and right to participate in the Southern regional club championship in Kerema, Gulf, this weekend.
Forward Benson Lapun was voted the man-of-the-match.
Southern Confederate director Gwaibo Mairi, PNG Hunters assistant coach Nigel Hukula, Port Moresby Rugby League chairman Dr James Naipao, Hiri chairman Micky Kone, Port Moresby Vipers coach Glen Nami and Moresby South district administrator Aisop Mol, who was present on behalf of Moresby South MP and Sports Minister Justin Tkatchenko, witnessed the final.
Roosters were given K5000 for their efforts, along with the runners-up trophy.
The cash prizes and trophies were provided by Tkatchenko, who has been supportive of sports in his electorate.
It was an evenly-contested affair, with the Storms managing to keep their nerve on attack and defence to edge their opponents.
In the opening half, the men from Badili crossed the Roosters line through Ande Warako, with Mckenzie Buka adding the extras for a 6-0 lead.
Late in the first-half, Roosters Junior Wale hit back for his side to trail 6-4 at halftime.
The Storms were the better team in the second-half, with a barnstorming performance from Lapun, who scored the match-winner.
Reliable Buka added the two-pointer from the sideline to seal their 12-4 victory. In the reserve grade final, Sub City Raiders edged Southern Sons 4-0.