Yamaros make final

By HENRY MORABANG
REIGNING champions VAT Yamaros marched into the Port Moresby Super League grand final after defeating PS Rutz 1-0 in the preliminary final at Bisini Soccer ground yesterday.
The Gerehu-based team will take on their neighbours at Waigani, University, in the season’s decider on Sunday.
After a scoreless opening half, Yamaros came on strongly in the second half using, long balls to find their players.
Solomon Islander Ellezar Konainao, playing in the midfield for Yamaros, combined well with Jerrod Makein and  strikers Chakston Aopi and Patrick Koega to put their team on the front foot.
Despite Rutz clever short-passing game, Yamaros’ focus on playing territory proved the better strategy, seeing them getting possession at the right end of the field.
Konainao volleyed a good ball over the Rutz defence to see Koega blasting the ball into the net for a the goal in the 66th minute.
That score seemed to inject more enthusiasm into the Yamaros XI who turned up the intensity.
Rutz key players Paul Komboi, Ken Gule, Lazarus McOwen and Frank Tulem where hurried in their play all day and never given the time to set themselves.
Rutz could have easily won the match had strikers Tulem and Komboi found the net on a number of occasions. 
Komboi lamented the loss blaming the many missed opportunities in front of the goal.
“We had so many chances to score and win the match but we gave them away.
“Yamaros made use of their chances and converted them to goals,” Komboi said.
“Congratulations to them and best of luck in their title defence,” he added.
 For the women’s grand final, minor premiers Gurias will play University after edging Mungkas 1-0 in a thrilling preliminary final on Saturday.
Gurias’ goal came in the 29th minute after Mungkas’ defence failed to clear the ball which saw veteran Samantha Peninsa pounce and score the only goal of the afternoon.