Wednesday 14 October 2009

CHAMPION Port Moresby Rugby Union Womens club, Defence, left yesterday for Brisbane, en-route to the Byron Bay Sevens in Byron Bay, New South Wales, this weekend.

A similar trip last was cancelled because of of funding.

Club officials upon departure, told The National at the Jacksons International Airport that, the side was traveling with its sevens regulars and a handful of talent picks from the other clubs, with the confidence of coming home with some silverware.

The side left the country with pace to burn and a dynamic lineup, including hard running loosies Joyce Jomis, Cathy Keso, and Dulcie Bomai.

Also included in the side is University playmaker Kayla Benny, who should work well with centre, Debbie Kaore at the back.

The tournament, scheduled for Oct 17-18, will be played for the 20th consecutive year running this time around and has attracted 32 teams from around Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and other nations in the region.

Travel and participation of the side at the tournament was enabled through financial support from the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) with K10,000, National Gaming Control Board (NGBC), K8,000 and accommodation assistance of K6,000 from local businessman Neil Daniel.

“The exposure these women will get from participation at this tournament is owed to support from NBC, NGCB and local business houses, and we therefore thank Joseph Ealodona, Simon Sanagke and Neil Daniel”, club official John Larry said.

The team will stop over in Brisbane for two days to acclimatize and prepare, before traveling south for the start of tournament.

The Defence women’s rugby club were champions of the Port Moresby competition over the last two years.