Tumbuaks, Crushers and Spartans into next round

THE Coca-Cola Ipatas Cup’s (CCIC) northern region campaign concluded successfully over the weekend with Kamkumung Crushers, Morobe Tambuaks and Unitech Spartans President’s 13 progressing into play-off stage.
The competition’s technical team with assistance from the Lae Rugby League officials staged what was described as a peaceful and successful CCIC regional qualifier for three days starting last Friday.
With all roads now leading to Wabag for the grand final, the next leg of the competition will be the Highlands regional qualifier in Goroka this weekend before the finals series to be played again in Lae.
Member for Nipa-Kutubu Philemon Embel was hosted by CCIC chief executive officer Timothy Lepa and chairman Wallis Pingin on Sunday afternoon before a packed Lae Rugby League oval audience.
Some of the developments discussed between the minister and the competition organisers have not been made official yet.
Crushers and Tambuaks brushed off critics and opposition to reclaim their spots representing the region, however, the students from the University of Technology, who came in as the underdogs, were the surprise packets in Lae, winning all their matches to qualify as well.
Without a sponsor, Unitech Spartans were one of the teams who managed to heed the deadline in meeting all requirements before the event started last Friday and managed only three days of training.
The students proved their worth and rode over the Lae Rugby League premiers Magani.