Welas, Knights to battle for Ramu NiCo Cup

WELAS are determined to give the Knights a run for their money when both sides meet in the Madang Rugby Football League (MRFL) A-Grade grand final at Ron Albert Oval on Sunday.
The winners will walk away with the Ramu NiCo Cup, the first of its kind since the mining company began operating in Madang in 2006.
Last Sunday, the nickel/cobalt developer sponsored the grand final with K10,000, which saw the MRFL committee acknowledge the company by naming the Cup after it.
Knights, on standby last weekend, face North Riders, who beat Sisters. North face Welas in the Under-20 grand final.
During the captain’s run yesterday, Knights skipper Dauna Sipa backed his team to win after featuring in the finals over the years.
“We will take this as another game and play by the rules to win. This is our second time to make the grand final and we are confident of a win,” Sipa said.
But Welas captain Gore Maima said his team defeated a strong Storm side last weekend and they would not provide an easy passage for the Knights. “This is our first time to make the grand final and we are looking forward to win the Ramu NiCo Cup and celebrate,” Maima said.
League chairman Joseph Passingan congratulated the grand finalists and wished them well.
“There is only one winner in every game and may the best team win. I call on supporters to come and enjoy the game peacefully,” he said.
Passingan said he was looking forward to seeing more talent being produced in the province as Madang was looking at fielding a team in the Digicel Cup. Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League Northern Confederate development officer Mark Sako challenged the teams to play a good, clean game for the fans to enjoy.
Treasurer Newman Tom expressed MRFL’s appreciation towards Ramu NiCo for the sponsorship.
“We had asked many business houses but Ramu NiCo came good with K10,000,” he said. “We appreciate the assistance and hope to continue our partnership.”
The grand finals start at 11am.