Tei Kariko edge Tigers to win inaugural Gulf Cup

 By JACK AMI

TEI Kariko Iokea edged Kerema Bay Young Tigers 13-12 to win the inaugural Gulf Governor’s League Cup at Kerema Oval on Saturday.

The Iokea team snatched the cup and K5000 for their efforts, with several of their players selected to trial for the Gulf Isapea next month.

Most of the players selected are untapped talent from the province’s four PNG Rugby Football League affiliates.

Tigers settled for K3000. Consolation prizes were presented to the other teams as well for their involvement.

Eight teams from the affiliates of Tei Kariko, Kerema Urban, Kerema Central and Malalaua competed in the event.

Governor Kavo was present to witness the grand final, along with with Gulf Isapea chairman Jacob Ivaroa, PNG Sports Foundation special projects coordinators Peter Agula and Michelle Bowen.

The governor said the event would be an annual challenge and his successors in future should continue to support the event. 

He praised the players for their outstanding performance during the three-day event.

Tei Kariko scored tries through Susuve Sepoe and David Haria, before the Tigers’ responded through a Gerard Mauru’s try, which was converted by Jeffrey Mero.

The half-time scores were 8-6. 

In the second half, Tigers’ Emmanuel Fred pounced on a loose ball in-goal to score and Max Morgan added the extras to lead 12- 8. 

That lead was short-lived as a good passage of play in the Iokea  backline resulted in Laufa Kombia scoring to force a 12-12 deadlock, which Lokoloko’s field goal shattered minutes later to seal the game.

In the semi-final, Tei Kariko 1 edged out Tei Kariko 2 in extra time 20-16 after the scores were tied 16-16 at fulltime, while Young Tigers beat Pusu United 11- 6. 

Both losers were given K1500 each.

Gulf Isapea chairman Ivaroa said the Port Moresby and Kerema-based Gulf Isapea training squads would be announced this week. 

Ivaroa said the teams would go into a month’s intensive training with their respective team managements. 

He said the each squad was allocated K3000 and training gear to help their preparationa for the first trials in Kerema next month.