Top-four battle begins

By PARKER TAMBUA
THE Port Moresby Rugby Football League is heading into first week of finals which will see top-eight clashes in the premier and reserve grades while the women’s division will host its top-six playoffs.
The premier matches of the weekend will see minor premiers Kone Tigers face fourth-placed Paga Panthers and defending champions Brothers meet Tarangau.
The losers will have a second chances but the bottom clubs in the top-eight will see Butterflies face Hohola Flies and Souths meet Kone Storm in do-or-die clashes.
The reserve grade will apply the same finals format, with minor premiers Storm facing Souths and Royals meeting Tarangau in the top-four clashes.
The bottom half of the reserve grade top-eight will see Butterflies face Hohola Flies and West play Tigers.
In the women’s division, the top-two teams Paga and Sisters are on standby for next week’s major semifinal while third-placed Tarangau play Royals and Tigers meet Souths.
League administrator Meke Maino told The National yesterday that this year had seen many close matches despite the Covid-19 pandemic causing a revised season.
“It has been a short but successful season and now we have reached the finals,” he said.
“All the matches this season have been more physical, closer and faster than those of 2019.
“We thank all the clubs, officials, sponsors and administrators for making this season a success.
“Best of luck to all teams in the finals.”
Meanwhile, Maino said all the teams that had fielded Digicel Cup players would be fined K500 each.
He said 11 out of the 13 premier teams had fielded Digicel Cup players this season.