Rugby League
The PNG Rugby Football League sanctioned Agmark Rugby League 9s competition successfully ended its weeks of round-robin matches during the Easter long weekend setting the stage for the top six teams to fight it out for the annual Agmark Cup this weekend.
Last year’s defending champions Hoodsco Wanderers will be put to the test when they face off with their next door neighbours, Vlas Crusaders in the second of two sudden death playoffs scheduled for 10.30am on Saturday. This match is expected to be a thriller.
The first elimination final at 10am will see last year’s runners-up TN Lions lock horns with newcomers, Page Park Cowboys of Rabaul. Both teams play fast open style football and love to throw the ball around so fans can expect an entertaining clash. Meanwhile top team in Pool A, ABK Saints will be on standby to meet the winner of Lions/Cowboys match while top team in Pool B, Razorbacks will meet the winner of Wanderers and Crusaders.
Agmark 9s match coordinator Mapua Tamtu said the big Cup decider and third place playoff will be played on Sunday as curtain raiser to the 2018 Digicel Cup opener between the Agmark Rabaul Gurias and Simbu Warriors at the main Kalabond oval.
This year a total of 16 teams participated in two pools (A and B) with only the top three in each pool advancing to the Cup playoffs.
Mapua, on behalf of the organising committee, also thanked teams that missed out in making the finals for their commitment and participation this year.