2 weeks Ago By Charlie Dumavi
Fullback Wabo Rausi led Buria Reds to carve their name onto the Motu Koitabu rugby league shield as the 2024 season A Grade champions by defeating TI Stone 16-10 at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium on Saturday. The Reds walked away as winners with K10, 000 cash prize-money on top of the cup and shield received. Excited Reds coach Iru Vere who has been anticipating to take the title to Hiri West gave all the credit back to his players for the effort throughout the season and during the grandfinal clash.
“We are so proud to take the Motu Koita shield to Hiri West,” Vere said. “I am happy because our boys have made it from the beginning to the end so on behalf of Buria officials I would like to thank the players. They played very hard and achieved what they wanted.
The village people are waiting for us to celebrate.” Setting the pace for big dance Baruni Eagles snatched the U20 division title over Ranuguri Broncos 4-0 and walked away with K6000 along with the division shield and trophy. It was a usual sunny day in Port Moresby with the wind blowing against the packed to capacity Sir Mick Curtain grandstand but it failed to blow away the vocal support coming from the fans.
Reds took an early 10-0 lead after the kick off with two tries by fullback Wabo Rausi and as they continued their ball play that kept the Stones at their own half until the break. Having crowned the minor premiers of the season, Reds gave their all to take the win with Tegana Apa leading at one edge to the other with Rausi cleaning up every ball that gets kicked into his territory. Stones returned with a strong start in second half with two tries though Heni Iamu and Daune Gaigo but failed to hold up their defence to contain the determined Reds away.
Reds continued their effort as they stretched the Stones defence and cracked it open with a try by Morea.
