Wotose claim top prize in Goroka 9s tourney

Wotose Crushers were crowned the champions of Goroka 9s after defeating Nagamiufa Dolphins, 15-13 *(Image: Supplied)*

After six weeks of running, the Goroka rugby nines tournament concluded with Wotose Crushers claiming the top prize after defeating Nagamiufa Dolphins 15-13 in the grand final.

The Goroka District Development Authority-backed tournament saw Crushers walk away with a whopping K20,000 prize money while the runner up Dolphins received K10,000.

Competition chairman and former PNG Hunter centre Thompson Teteh, said the tournament was a success and acknowledged Goroka MP Aiye Tambua for supporting the sports initiative.

Teteh, a former Redcliffe Dolphin said the purpose of the tournament was to provide an avenue for rugby league talents in Goroka to be exposed.

"The whole idea here is to create an avenue for our local based players and we have invited coaches like Noel Zeming from the Lae Snax Tigers and others and they will also scout some of the players here from Goroka," Teteh said.

Teteh also commended all participating teams that came from Mimanalo, Gahuku and Goroka Urban for ensuring the successful completion of the tournament without any friction.

The tournament also featured women as the Nagamiufa Dolphins claiming victory in the grand final over the Wanjin Banana Sisters and walked away with K5000 prize money while the Banana Sisters pocketted K3000 as runner-up.

Teteh also thanked 3K Constructions and Awute Coffee Limited for supporting teams with uniforms and playing gears.

He also mentioned that plans are in the pipeline to expand in the future.