3 hours Ago By Merolyn Ten
THE first ever Erave Rugby League competition affiliated with the PNG Rugby Football League concluded its season with two Grand Finals played at Erave Station in the Kagua-Erave District, Southern Highlands Province on the weekend. From both matches, Junior TeeRock defeated Kawaso Bulldogs 11-10 in a close encounter in the Under 20, while in A grade, Ambu Roosters beat Puki Riders 8-6 in another tough outing. Erave Rugby League director Emmanuel Vincent Eralia explained that Erave Rugby League was one of four PNGRFL affiliated leagues in the province.
“No violence or disturbance occurred throughout the competition, unlike other senior leagues around the country. “I commend and acknowledge all the officials under association president Daniel Mere and vice president Aron Epawe and the executives for making sure the league operated smoothly following the PNGRFL calendar to successfully completing the games on time,” he added. Eralia further thanked the eight participating clubs, and the various sponsors for their support during the season.
He further explained that there were four specific reasons why the youths came together to take part in the rugby league competition. “The first reason was to divert their individual characters to becoming sports men, thus leaving no time for all the negative social activities such as the consumption of illegal drugs and home-brew. “We also want villagers especially mothers to sell their fresh produce during the game times to generate a little income to sustain their family in terms of providing an avenue for cash-flow,” Eralia added.
He said another very important reason was to gather all communities in the Erave Local Level Government to stay connected and in unity through sports. “Importantly, the avenue also provided an avenue for the youths to be seen by scouts from the bigger leagues or franchise clubs in the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup with a pathway to the PNG Hunters and the PNG Kumuls. “This is because we believe the young men at the village level have better strength and high fitness levels than those in the city competitions.
But, our village talent do not have the chance to be exposed and be able to market themselves,” he added. We are now looking at identifying selected players from the eight teams to form a strong team to play in the forthcoming Southern Highlands Provincial 9s at Mendi, he said. He further said they further hope to involve their grand final teams in the PNGRFL sanctioned Highlands Club Championships coming soon.
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