Too much Pride for Sharks in AC7s final

 By JACK AMI

GAVUONE Kelerupu Pride 1 thrashed Viriolo Sharks 35-5 in the Aroma Coast Rugby Sevens at Lalaura village, Abau District, Central on Saturday.

The Pride lifted the AC7s Cup and the winners’ cash prize of K10,000 for their efforts after going through the three-day tournament undefeated in six matches.

Public Service Minister and Abau MP Sir Puka Temu and Sports & Pacific Games Minister Justin Tkatchenko each allocated K50,000 to fund the annual tournament.

Pacific MMI Insurance donated K5,000 while Trukai helped with  20 bags of 10kg roots rice.

The grand final was witnessed by Central Governor Kila Haoda, Public Service Minister’s officer Moale Rivu, Sports Minister’s officer Ole Imani, Puri Mao and Pukpuks assistant coach Frank Genia.

It was one-way traffic for Pride 1 in the grandfinal at the Lalaura oval as they scored five tries to restrict to the opposition to a solitary try from Aaron Garo.

Pride’s Kojo Ware collected a double while Palani Ovo, Mathew Poa, Isaiah Poloa each crossed for ties which Terence Uvau converted.

At half-time Pride 1 set an unassailable 21-5 lead and continued the dominance in the second stanza.

Veteran Ware was well supported by Harry Laki, Ovo, Rupert Tete and Uvau as their fitness and smarter play kept the 1,000-plus crowd entertained.

Youngster Laki won the man of the match award from veteran Ware who scooped the top points scorer prize.

The rookie player of the tournament was Baike’s Emmanuel Herea and the Player of the tournament was Benny Mika who collected cash prizes, medallions and AC7s merchandise.

Jubiliant coach Gamu Tete and senior player Ware said they reaped the rewards of their hard work. 

Runners-up Viriolo Sharks settled for K5,000 and a trophy for their efforts.

The tournament, staged for the fifth year in a row, was peaceful and violence-free as players displayed a high degree of discipline which was complimented by a well behaved crowd.

Next year the tournament moves to Kupiano as the host duties are rotated between various areas of the Abau district. 

In the Plate final, Pride 2 tamed MK Brothers 22-5 to pocket the K3000 prize money. Brothers settled for K2,000.

The Bowl went to Kapari Gaigai 1 when they beat Was Wanbel 27-22 to grab K1500. Wanbel were forced to be content with K1,000.  

In the Shield section hosts Lalaura trumpled all over Kapari 2 20-10 to bag K800 while Kapari 2 settled for K500.

Meanwhile, Governor Haoda pledged K50,000 to the Aroma Coast Sevens tournament next year.

Haoda made the commitment to support Sir Puka Temu to stage the event and also develop sporting facilities in Abau district.