Traditional rivals go head to head in POMAFL round four

Sports

UNBEATEN West Eagles face a tough challenge against traditional rivals Koboni in round four of the Moni Plus-sponsored Port Moresby Australian Football league competition at the Colts Oval tomorrow.
The rivalry between the two teams goes back to the 1980s and 1990s when they dominated the competition.
The two teams are still the toughest in the competition in the modern era and tomorrow’s rivalry will determine whether reigning premiers Eagles keep their unbeaten record intact or surrender the lead Koboni.
Both teams bagged wins over Gereka Bombers and 13Plus Cats respectively with the Eagles in pole spot on 12 points, a game clear off Koboni and Dockers on eight points apiece.
The Eagles’ premiership prospects for this year may have been hampered with the defection of Greg Ekari to the Cats and John James Lavai to Koboni.
But the defending champions still have dynamic youngsters in Danniby Kase and Dominic Meli to fill in the void.
The pair will receive support from seasoned campaigners Jeffery Vogae, Clyde Pulah, Kila Rawali, Dunstall Kase, Jackson Nawi and Alois Mondo to ensure another victory.
The Eagles’ main strength will be their strong marking skills and fast-off-the-mark football which may leave Koboni gasping for air.
But Koboni are a star side, comprising the bulk of the national men’s team in Stanis Susuve, John James Lavai, Amua Pirika, Paul Philip, Brendan Beno, Max Lavai, Jason So-on, Hapeo Bobogi, David Topeni and Douglas Lai Jr. In Sunday’s match, the Cats will need a more coordinated effort in the midfield and in the forward line to upset Dockers.
In the women’s match on the same day, reigning champions Dockers should have too much class for the Eagles.
The teams on bye this weekend are Gereka Bombers, Alavana Swans and Koboni’s women’s team.