Taurama win 9s

By JACK AMI
TAURAMA Gaveraia held off a fast-finishing Rovanama 18-16 to claim the Southern Region rugby league 9s cup yesterday in Port Moresby.
The 14th edition of the 9s tournament saw seven-time winners Rovanama, from the Aroma Coast, foiled by the Pipi Kilori-led side in an intense final at the National Football Stadium.
Taurama won their first Southern 9s crown and K10,000 for their efforts, while the runners-up settled for K7000.
This is record of its own, as coach Colin Geno has won the PNG Rugby Football League national zone trials in Lae, the Corporate 9s, Lakwaharu 9s and the Southern Region 9s, earning him the best coach award at the presentation.
Abau MP and tournament sponsor Sir Puka Temu kicked off the cup final and later hailed the five-day event a success.
Underdogs Taurama had to overcome an inform Rovanama over 30 minutes of gripping 9s action at one of the country’s best stadiums and infront of a decent crowd.
Taurama skipper Kiloro and players Clyde Name, Isaiah Kolowa, Kosman Rahe, Macky Sapu, Hura Vali, Fred Rova and Gerea Ekari timed their tournament run to perfection.
Rovanama’s Makara Hura, Gairo Chris Enara, Rex Hura and veteran Davis Mea did their best to win their club a record eighth trophy but were kept out by a committed Taurama side in the last two minutes of the final.
Kilori and Rossy Raru scored for Taurama in the first-half, with Rahe kicking a goal which would ultimately be the difference between the two sides.
Rovanama’s two four-pointers in the opening half were scored by Emmanuel Herea and Aure Uru for a 10-8 score at the break. In the final 15 minutes, Isaiah Koloa and Jimmy Osei crossed for Taurama and Rovanama also went over twice through Vewas Geno and Gapi Roa.
Kilori said coach Geno’s game plan was simple which involved keeping possession and crowding the Rovanama attack.
“We were prepared for them and our aim was to take them out and get the cup,” Kilori said.
Winning coach Geno said in 9s football, there was little margin for error but his side kept their discipline in defence and stayed ahead whenever they got the chance.
“Our defence was a key part of the win,” Geno said.
Rovanama coach Chris Enara said despite being a close final the side that had the better tactics won.
“They just wanted it more, they were much hungrier than us,” Enara said.
In the plate final, Taurama Gaveraia made it a double beating Mogeana Blues 12-10; in the bowl final,  Koiari North Dingos beat Waidex (2) 10-6; in the pennant final, SSG Roosters overcome Miro Koivi Karoro 14-6.
Tournament director Ivan Ravu said two training squads picked to play the Port Moresby Vipers and Gulf Isapea will be announced next week.