Women on show

By JACK AMI
TWO newcomers Kerema and University of PNG showcased their own talent in the Southern Confederation trials at the National Football Stadium yesterday.
The trials are in preparation for the national championships in September in Port Moresby and the Southern region will name its men’s, women’s and Under-20 teams from these matches.
Most competitions in the city have been suspended in order for their representative sides to take part in the trials however Moresby South Rugby League has opted to continue their regular season matches this weekend.
First time participants Kerema lost to Koiari 16-4 and UPNG went down to Central Provincial League 16-0 in Pool B fixtures.
Organisers purposely placed the new entrants and outside leagues in a pool of their own for the matches to be competitive and for them to gain experience and exposure.
Both Central and Koiari sides featured Port Moresby Rugby League-registered which was noted by the match coordinators and action is expected to be taken against these individuals as well as their teams.
Kerema Rugby League chairman Emmanuel Morehari said he was pleased to see his women take the field and represent Gulf.
“I’m happy that we’ve managed to get our teams over to Port Moresby for the trials,” Morehari said.
“Most of our girls are new to the sport but they are enthusiastic and committed. “
This is the first representative football for the majority of Kerema and UPNG players, with their competitions only established this season.
“For us, it’s not about winning but to gain experience and develop ourselves,” Morehari said.
UPNG team manager Aileen Tape said her side were in a similar situation to Kerema.
“We came here to showcase and expose our talents and also experience it for the first time,” Tape said.
The day was dominated by Pool A’s top sides with three teams from PRL set to fight out the top two spots to face pool B’s top two sides in the semifinals.
Standings: Pool A – PRL Development 4, PRL (1) 2, Pom Souths 0, PRL 0; Pool B – Central 4, Koiari 2, UPNG 0, Kerema 0, Hiri West 0
Results: Wed, Aug 1 – Pool A: PRL Development 34 Pom Souths 20, PRL (1) 22 PRL (2) 8, PRL Development 18 PRL (2) 14; Pool B: Koiari 16 Kerema 4, Central 16 UPNG 0, Central 12 Koiari 0
Fixtures: Thurs, Aug 2 – 8am Kerema v Hiri West, 9am Pom Souths v PRL 1, 10am Kerema v CPL, 11am UPNG v Hiri West, 12pm Pom Souths v PRL 2, 1pm PRL 1 v PRL Development