U18s Recover From Controversy
QLD PNG’s Thame Kellemer set the standard for the match when a few minutes into the game he pulled off what had to be the tackle of the day.
The Cook Islands were awarded a controversial try by the referee as the player clearly dropped the ball. However the referee’s decision stood and further salt was rubbed into the wound when they kicked the extras putting them in the lead 6 – nil.
Somewhat shell-shocked from the disappointing start to the game, the Kokomos were hit by the hard-charging Cookies again, making it 10 to nil.
The QLD PNG boys recomposed themselves and Jayden Sharp put the first points on the board for QLD PNG. Lachlan Medcraft made sure of the extras. The score as they headed into halftime PNG 6 – Cook Is. 10.
The Kokomos’ boys came back firing. Isreal Talligatus scored early locking the scores up at 10 all after Medcraft missed a difficult kick from the sideline.
Not long after the PNG boys had regained possession and a series of great attacking plays put them 20 metres out from the try line when Jayden Sharp put up a pin point perfect kick to the corner and Jamahl Rose showed a quick pair of heels in the chase for the ball and scored in the corner.
The Kokomos were in front for the first time leading 14 points to Cook Is 10.
The Cook Islands boys, however, were not about to throw in the towel. They hit back with two quick tries and again marked their authority on the game. Cook Islands now had 6 point lead over the Kokomos.
The Kokomos boys showed real heart and dug deep, not willing to concede a loss and they were rewarded for their efforts. Danny Willie scored in the dying seconds of the game and Lachlan Medcraft made sure of the two points to record a draw against the Cook Islands.
When asked about the u18s performance, Coach, Lee Sharp, thought the boys played well and he was really happy with the effort. Looking at what he needs to see in the upcoming QPICC carnival, he stated that he would like to see the guys start the game at the same tempo as they finished it.
- Published in Cook Islands, Match Report, News, Under 18
U16s Kokomos Struggle
The U16s struggled through the first half in their trial match against the Cook Island boys. The somewhat lacklustre first half was disappointing with the Cook Islands piling on 18 points. PNG, on the other hand, put four points on the board thanks to a try by Bodhi Banister.
What was said to boys at half-time remains unknown but the second half performance was an entirely different story. Cook Is scored a converted try early in the second half, extending their lead to PNG 4 v Cook Is 24.
An injury to Kokomo, Donovan Obi, stopped the game momentarily. As the game recommenced PNG strung together some beautiful team plays and managed to work their way to within the try line. As they looked to cross it, Cook Island stripped the ball and awarded the PNG boys a second dig that they were determined to take advantage of and they did courtesy of a hard charging try from Josh Paiyo and a successful conversion by Danley Mark. PNG 10 v Cook Is 24.
This seemed to spark a resurgence in the PNG boys who showed flashes of absolute brilliance, with incredible team work. It seems the connections they struggled to make happen in the first half were beginning to work with another try for PNG from Danley Mark, who was unable to convert his own try. The score now PNG 14 v 24 and this was the final score at the full time siren.
Coach, Matt Muir, revealed after the match, that the team had taken on a bunch of Rugby Union boys from Nudgee college, some of whom had never actually played league before.
Asked what he was looking for from the boys, Muir made it clear that he wanted the boys to play with more intensity and aggression in the upcoming QPICC games.
“We need to look at our attitudes and learn to compete for everything, we need to make the opposition work for the win”, he said.
“The game plan is not to play one-up football but to throw the ball wide and up the tempo. We need to keep the pressure on in attack and ask questions of the opposition defence,” he stated.
- Published in Cook Islands, Match Report, Under 16
Kokomos U14s Continue to Impress
While the boys suffered an early setback with Tynan Han suffering a wrist injury, the Kokomos boys took on the Cook Islander boys undaunted by the size of their opposition. Joe Hoerler got an early break and then secured a penalty after the Cook Is opposition went in high. Unfortunately, PNG were unable to capitalise on their early foray into the opposition territory.
The first half continued to be a tense arm wrestle, neither side giving way to the other. Cook Is were the first to blink, with the classy PNG representative, Will Boland crossing the line and putting the Kokomos in front 4 nil.
Kavana Kurt equalised just on half time for the Cook Islands with the 4 All half-time score reflecting the tight match.
Giovanni Marius made a 3om break with a bustling run through Cook Island traffic that put them within 5m of the line. Marius backed up for the second phase of the next play and looked to have crossed the line but the referee called him short. PNG kept the pressure on with Andrew Hill also looking to cross the line but the touchie called him out.
The Cook Island boys answered the pressure with a try from Xavier Stowers, which was converted by Jay Masters. The Cook Island boys had garnered the lead. PNG 4 – Cook Is. 10.
A beautiful kick off from PNG, lead to them regathering the ball from the kick off. They managed to get to within 10m of the try line but a pushed pass put Cook Island back in possession and made the most of it with another try. This was followed up with another try in the corner.
The Final Score was PNG 4 v Cook Is. 18.
After the game, Coach, Neville Chang, said he was very proud of the boys performance, especially considering a lot of them were 12 and 13 year olds. He thinks correcting a few small things will see positive results as they move into the QPICC carnival.
“We need to hold on to the footy and finish set plays and not revert to one-off individual plays. They also need to have a bit of faith and stop second guessing themselves”, said Chang.
He added that over the next two weeks he will be concentrating on welding the boys together as a team.
- Published in Cook Islands, Match Report, Under 14
Kokomos u16s Feel The Heat
The under 16s from the QLD PNG Kokomos & QLD Niue kicked off their trial match at 12:3o on a hot and dry, 30 degree, Gold Coast Saturday and the game looked to be as hot as the ambient temperature. It was agreed by both teams that instead of playing a match of two halves that they switch to 4 x 15 minute quarters so the players could stay hydrated in the heat.
After playing the National Anthems for the visiting Niue team and for PNG, the spectators were treated to the Niue equivalent of the Haka. The cultural element being a key feature of the Queensland Pacific Island Cultural Carnival (QPICC) tradition.
Niue opened the encounter with a deft try by Frazier Ginn. They failed to add the extras. The score Nuie 4 – PNG 0.
Jayden Sharp busted through the Nuie defence, the big 40m run setting up a second play with a break by Joshua Paiyo and quick pass by Ben Kay which resulted in a try by PNG’s Cruise Ten. Jarone Clunn added another two points to give PNG the lead 6 – 4
PNG kept the pressure on with a pinpoint kick from Cruise Ten from the centre of the field 20 metres out and into the corner. The try was beautifully caught and Ashley Faulkner scored for PNG. Jarone Clunn missed the kick. PNG extended their lead 10 -4 over Niue.
Just before the end of the first quarter Niue scored another converted try. They went into the break at the end of the first quarter at 10 all.
PNG’s, Jayden Sharp, bustled over the line, in the opening minutes of the second quarter but the referee disallowed it claiming he dropped the ball over the line.
Cruise Ten put through another beautiful kick which saw George Hill score. Clunn failed to convert. PNG 14 – Niue 10.
This was followed by another PNG try. This time it was Jarone Clunn who also converted his own try. This put PNG into a 10 point lead. PNG 20 – Niue 10.
Niue’s Vana Finau, scored off a break by Nuie’s flyer, Tesi Niu who passed it to Finau to score. Unfortunately, they were unable to convert.
The Half Time Score: PNG 20 – Niue 14.
They say many games are won or lost in the third quarter and this game is was no different. Niue lifted a gear, and began to pressure the PNG defence. After a couple of failed attempts early in the third, Niue scored courtesy of Tesi Niu. The converted try made it 20 all. It was anyone’s game.
The unrelenting heat and niggling injuries were beginning to take its toll on the PNG boys and Nuie capitalised on it by scoring a converted try leading into the final quarter. The score Niue 26 – PNG 20.
Unfortunately the PNG boys were unable pull it together sufficiently to withstand the sustained pressure from the Nuie boys, who scored three quick tries in succession. The final score Niue 42 – PNG 20.
The Kokomos boys looked the goods early in the game and really had it in them to win. The heat became a factor for both teams late in the game and it really could have gone either way.
- Published in Match Report, News, Under 16
Kokomos Women Show The Way
The countdown to the 2017 QPICC Carnival has begun. In preparation for their campaign to secure their QPICC titles the Kokomos u16 boys and Women’s teams played trial matches against QPICC newcomers, QLD Niue. The trial match was conducted in scorching heat at Bill Norris Oval in Beenleigh on Saturday, 30th September, 2017
The Women’s team had a mix of players returning from last year’s inaugural team and new players of varying experience. What our girls gave away in height and weight was certainly made up for in passion, heart and determination.
The opening try came from Esme Hiri who made a break from forty metres out. A neat step had the Niue girls beaten and Hiri looked to put the ball down under the post but unselfishly passed the ball to team mate, Shentia Chow, who scored the try.
Hiri kicked the two points to put the Kokomos in front 6-0.
The Niue girls made it clear that this was going to be a real contest by hitting back minutes later with a try by Sianequa Knight but missed the kick. At the end of the first quarter the PNG girls were in front 6-4.
A minute into the second half and Esme Hiri extended the Kokomos lead with an individual runaway try and successful conversion. This allowed the PNG to extend their lead to 12-4.
Sianequa Knight went over for her second try of the day just before half time adding another four points to their tally. The PNG girls went into the half time break with a four point lead over their Niue counterparts. The score PNG 12 – Niue 8.
The newcomers were keen to secure their first victory in the first game and came into the third quarter running hard and fast and looked to add another try to their tally when Niue’s Salaima Frost unfortunately dislocated her knee and was taken from the field.
The PNG women maintained their momentum and Emma Fuller scored out on the wing. Hiri’s kick was unsuccessful. PNG’s lead was now 16 to Niue’s 8.
Niue refused to concede defeat and doubled-down on their efforts. They consistently pressured the PNG defensive line and were rewarded for their efforts with at try but failed to convert. The score PNG 16 – Niue 12.
With success in their sights the Niue girls continued to probe the Kokomos defensive line looking for a gap. The crowd were on their feet cheering in the last stanza as the PNG girls, many whom were playing for the Kokomos for the first time, dug deep, pulled together and repelled the continued attack from Niue.
The PNG Kokomos Women’s team were rewarded for their incredible defensive efforts with a 16-12 win over Niue.
Their first outing for the 2017 looks very promising. It will be interesting to see how the Women’s team progresses over the next month as they work with Senior Coach, Ricky Pon.
- Published in Match Report, News, Womens
2017 Kokomos 9s Carnival Results
- Published in Match Report, News, Nines
PNG Hunters Intrust Super Cup Premiers for 2017
PNG Hunters vs Tweed Heads Seagulls
Round 25 Piggabeen Oval, Tweed Heads.
Minor Premiers vs Wooden Spoon
…
FIRST HALF:
A Lindon McGrady break and a great pass to the captain, Samuel Meskell, put Tweed in front 6 nil.
Tweed 6 v PNG 0
NIcholas Harold puts another 4 points on the board for Tweed. McGrady adds the 2.
#PNGHunters 0 v #TweedHeads 12
PNG struggling to complete sets of 6.
Tweed Heads cross the line again. Jayden Baker the try scorer. Lindon McGrady kicks his third for the day.
TweedHeads 18 v PNG Hunters 0
#PNGHunters Captain, Ase Boas, opens the account for them with a try & a conversion. Ase breaks 200 points for the season! #PNGHunters
Tweed Heads 18 v PNG Hunters 6
Stargroth Amean, they try scoring machine, picks the ball from a Boas kick, from Tweeds fullback to score.
#PNGHunters 12 v #TweedHeads 18
HALF TIME SCORE: PNG 12 V Tweed 18
HALF TIME COMMENTARY: Hunters need to work on completing sets of six and making a more concerted effort when attacking the line. They seem to be finding it difficult to break the Tweed defense.
SECOND HALF:
Tristan Lumley scores for Tweed 4mins into the second half. Lindon McGrady makes it 4/4.
#TweedHeads 24 v #PNGHunters 12
PNGHunters have conceded 6 penalties to Tweed at crucial parts of the game. The last one costing them 2.
Wartovo Paura sells Tweed a great dummy and scurries across the line to score much needed points for the Hunters. Ase Boas kick is successful.
PNG Hunters 18 v Tweed 26
Five minutes left to play.
FULLTIME SCORE: Tweed Heads 26 v Hunters 18
FULL TIME COMMENTARY:
Too many penalties, too many incomplete sets cost the Hunters. Coach Mark Marum will need to fire up the boys this week in preparation for the final series.
Despite the match loss, the Hunters consoled themselves with the QRL 2017 Intrust Super Cup Minor Premiership series win. A major achievement for the competition’s relative newcomers.
Also congratulations to Ase Boas who is the first Hunters player to crack the 200 point mark.(202 points)!
- Published in Match Report, News, PNG Hunters, Trophies & Awards
MATCH REPORT: Rd 21 Dolphins v PNG Hunters
Dolphin Oval
PRE-MATCH COMMENTARY
A last tackle kick to the wing by the PHINS was knocked on by PNG giving the #PHINS a repeat set resulting a try to Joseph Bradley just 6 minutes into the game. Tyson Gamble kicked the two.
#PHINS 6 v #PNG 0
SECOND HALF Kicks Off at Dolphin Oval! GO HUNTERS!
Go the Hunters!
- Published in Match Report, PNG Hunters
MATCH REPORT: HUNTERS V PRIDE
Rd 16 #intrustsupercup – Live
#Pride v #PNG
NORTHERN PRIDE v PNG HUNTERS
Date: Wednesday June 21, 2017
Time: 5.35pm
Venue: Barlow Park, Cairns
Referee: Michael Gordon
Commentators: Mike Rabbitt and Adrian Vowles
Hashtag: #intrustsupercup #PRIDEvPNG
TEAM LISTS
Northern Pride
1. Bradley Stephen 2. Gideon Gela-Mosby 3. Javid Bowen 4. Justin Castellaro 5. Marcus Jensen 6. Jordan Biondi-Odo 7. Jared Allen 8. Sheldon Powe-Hobbs 9. Connor Jones 10. William Bugden 11. Nathan Wales 12. Graham Clark 13. Patrick Mago 14. Ryan Ghietti (c) 15. Troy Kapea 16. Tom Hancock 17. Darryn Schonig 18. Colin Wilkie 19. Keelan White
Coach: Ty Williams
PNG Hunters
1. Stargroth Amean 2. Bland Abavu 3. Israel Eliab 4. Adex Wera 5. Wawa Paul 6. Ase Boas (c) 7. Watson Boas 8. Muka Peter Kalu 9. Wartovo Puara 10. Esau Siune 11. Nixon Putt 12. Rahdly Brawa 13. Stanton Albert 14. Silas Gahuna 15. Willie Minoga 16. Lawrence Tu’u 17. Brandy Peter 18. Karo Kauna Jr. 19. Butler Morris
Coach: Michael Marum,
PNG Hunters are currently leading the championship despite coming in off a loss last week. Missing the Magic Boot, Ase Boas, who was absent due to an ankle injury, the Hunters lost to the last placed, Tweed.
Stargroth Amean is out with a hamstring injury and Bland Abavu slots into fullback.
The shock loss at home, and the return of Ase Boas should see the Hunters fight to retain their championship lead this week in what should be a tough game against Northern Pride.
FIRST HALF:
Strap yourselves in! RD 16 #PRIDEvPNG #intrustcup match at Barlow Park, Cairns has kicked off!
#PNG have started slowly & a dropped ball on their own line saw Connor Jones score an easy try for Pride.
#PRIDEvPNG 6 v 0
Northern Pride opened up the Hunters left hand side and were lucky to stop what was a certain try.
Sheldon Powe-Hobbs scores #PRIDE’s 2nd try in the 1st 7mins.
#PRIDEvPNG 12 v 0
Rain is now playing a role with both teams making unforced errors.
A big hit from Karo Kauna Jr. caused #PRIDE to cough up the ball and Wartova Paura grounded it for #PNG
#PRIDEvPNG 12 v 4
#PNGHunters Lawrence Tu’u looks to have suffered a serious knee injury and is being taken off the field. Later update: It is an ankle injury.
9mins to half time.
HALF TIME: PRIDE 12 v PNG 4
HALF TIME COMMENTS:
Once again PNG defence, combined with unforced handling errors, in wet weather conditions, have cost PNG. Northern Pride started fast but the latter stages of the first half had Pride showing signs of fatigue with the Hunters gaining momentum.
PNG need to re institute a disciplined and aggressive defensive line, clean up the handling errors and keep the penalties down to a minimum. Combined with that much loved PNG flamboyance in attack, it could put the Hunters right back in the game in the second half.
SECOND HALF:
#PNGHunters racking up the penalties against them. Right now they look to be out of sorts.
#intrustsupercup #PRIDEvPNG 14 v 4
#PNGHunters put in a set of 5 one up plays and a kick. That isn’t going to cut it.
#intrustsupercup #PRIDEvPNG 14 v 4
TRY TIME to Bland Abavu! Boas adds the all important 2 points!
#intrustsupercup #PRIDEvPNG 14 v 10
Israel Eliab hits the line at pace and scores a try. A tied ball game with a kick to come!
#intrustsupercup #PRIDEvPNG 14 v 14
Ase Boas add the much needed extras and puts the Hunters in front!
Pride 14 v PNG 16 with 6 to go!
PNGHunters earn the penalty in front and Ase Boas puts it straight through the posts!
#intrustsupercup #PRIDEvPNG 14 v 18
FULL TIME SCORE:
And that, thankfully for the #PNGHunters is the full time siren in today’s #intrustsupercup
#PRIDEvPNG 14 v 18
#PNGKumuls #QLDPNGKokomos
FULL TIME COMMENTARY:
The Hunters looked at sixes and sevens in the second half and strangely abandoned their normal flamboyant attack totally and played sets of six, with five one-up runs and a kick on the last.
Their best plays were when they shifted the ball wide and fast, PNG-style! A win is a win but the Hunters certainly won that one the hard way!
Media Manager at QLD PNG Rugby League
Email: mediamanager@qldpngrugbyleague.com
Follow us on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/qldpngrugbyleagueinc/
Twitter: @QLDPNGKokomos
Website: www.qldpngrugbyleague.com
- Published in Match Report, PNG Hunters
MATCH REPORT: PNG Hunters v Souths Logan Magpies
Rd 14 of the Intrust Super Cup Match – Live
PNG Hunters vs Souths Logan Magpies
National Football Stadium, POM
PNG Hunters are 1st on the ladder as they go into this match against 4th placed Magpies. Hunters are looking at bagging their seventh consecutive win today should they run out victors.
This match also marks the 3000th Intrust Super Cup Match. QLD PNG Kokomos congratulate the QRL on achieving this milestone.
FIRST HALF:
#PNGHunters draw first blood for the afternoon from a Bland Abavu try 21 minutes into the first half. Ase Boas adds the extra 2.
#PNGHunters 6 v #SthLogan 0
Luke Archer hits back for the #SLMagpies at the 31 minute mark and Jamayne Isaako missed the extras.
#PNGHunters 6 v #SLMagpies 4
HALF TIME SCORE: At National Football Stadium, POM #PNGHunters 6 v #SLMagpies 4
SECOND HALF:
TRY TIME to Israel Eliab! Ase Boas’ magic boot adds 2 more!
#PNGHunters 12 v #SLMagpies 4
#SLMagpies fight back with a try from Jamayne Isaako.
#PNGHunters 12 v #SLMagpies 8
10 minutes of the match left to play.
FULL TIME SCORE at National Football Stadium #PNGHunters 12 v #SLMagpies 8
Media Manager at QLD PNG Rugby League
Email: mediamanager@qldpngrugbyleague.com
Follow us on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/qldpngrugbyleagueinc/
Twitter: @QLDPNGKokomos
Website: www.qldpngrugbyleague.com
- Published in Match Report, PNG Hunters, Uncategorized