Paula DAVID

The PNG Sports Foundation (PNGSF) officially launched the Go Rural to Go Global (GRtGG) program in Hood point of Hula village in the Central Province on the 8th June 2023 to change the landscape of sports through the development of junior athletes with basic soccer drills. The program is sectioned in 4 parts which is focused to target children from the age of 6 to 16 years old and will be piloted in selected parts of the country. The GRtGG program is in 4 parts: 1. Sports Talent Development to Increase Participation. 2. Balanced Nutrition for Physical and Mental Development to full potential. 3. Sports Development drives Discipline, Obedience, Confidence, Self-Esteem and Determination to Succeed. 4. All these drive Academic Performance so children do well in school and Raise their Standards in Education. PNGSF Executive Director Albert Veratau, the man who initially thought out the concept, is adamant that this country needs strategic interventions to chart out a new direction for our future generation and sport is doing its part with the GRtGG initiative. “This is a holistic program. We want to shape the behavior and attitude of our future young generation to be doing the right things, and it is more effective when we start this at the earliest age possible.” Veratau said that the program’s primary focus was to produce a more skillful sports population over the next decade and beyond so that this can increase the chances of PNG’s developing into impacting world class sportsmen and women. Meanwhile, Central Provincial Administrator Mr. Francis Koaba urged parents and their kids especially to promote healthy living by taking part in sports as they charter to promote sports and healthy living as this is a good step in the right direction. “Just like the Central Dabaris Junior program that is currently running, we want to build our junior players to senior players.” “This is a potential program that we can use to neuter the talents that we have in the rural areas.” PNGSF Sports Operations & Development Director Peter Chalapan said, to have well-skilled and disciplined athletes, grooming them at a very young age needs to start. “We must invest in the juniors. We want to develop their basic skills in a way of having fun through the soccer drills.” “Currently, we have visited 7 schools and registered over 600 plus students for this program.” He said, sports can be a tool to assist in addressing cross-cutting issues like law & order and aims to increase student attendance which is important as PNGSF stays connected to many of the Government’s development plans.

The SP PNG Hunters will return to the Santos National Football Stadium this Saturday, 10th June to host the Western Clydsedales in Round 13 of the QRL Hostplus Cup. Kick off is at 3pm. Saturday’s fixture is the third of four consecutive home games the Hunters are scheduled to play at Santos NFS, and the proud PNG-based club will look to make the most of their home ground advantage this weekend. With the hot and humid weather often a shock for Australian-based players, the Hunters enjoy a considerable advantage in the familiar conditions. Add in the influence of a stadium packed with fanatic supporters, and the Hunters will have everything in their favour when they take the field on Saturday afternoon. The Hunters will also carry a sense of confidence and belief into their Round 13 match-up, having dominated the Tweed Seagulls 34-18 last weekend in their best performance of the season. Despite conceding first points, the Hunters soaked up the pressure before mounting it right back on the visitors. Running in five consecutive tries midway through the match, the Hunters stuck to their game plan and slowly ground Tweed Heads out of the contest. The Hunters were well represented by Junior Rop in the forward pack, who consistently put the team on his back in yardage to generate post-contact metres or second-phase play. From there, the spine of Judah Rimbu, Joshua Mire, Jamie Mavoko and Morea Morea combined beautifully in attack to orchestrate a number of pleasing attacking actions. The best part of PNG’s Round 12 win was that it came as a result of a whole-team performance. Across the park, the Hunters played to their potential and ran away deserving winners. With Jamie Mavoko (suspended) out this week and several other key players (Wesser Tenza, Ila Alu, Sherwin Tanabi, Junior Igila) on the injury list, the Hunters will field a new-look team on Saturday afternoon. If they can stick to their processes and play anything like they did last week though, the home crowd will be in for another exciting and entertaining contest. The Western Clydesdales bring a very different form line into Saturday’s match, having not tasted victory since besting the Ipswich Jets 46-10 way back in Round 7. That result was just their second win of the 2023 season, having also made light work of the Jets two weeks earlier in Round 5. Aside from their favourable record against Ipswich, the Clydesdales are yet to taste victory over a fellow Hostplus Cup club and they will be desperate to turn things around when they face the Hunters for the second time this year. In Round 1 it was the Hunters who came away on top in a seesawing, 20-10 win at Clive Berghofer Stadium, Toowoomba. Now with the home ground advantage, the Hunters will be confident of going two from two in 2023 against the Hostplus Cup newcomers. Player to Watch PNG Hunters utility Judah Rimbu has filled several vacant positions across the opening few months of the season and will be asked to do so again in QRL Round 13. He has provided wonderful versatility and coverage off the bench and at dummy-half in recent weeks but with Jamie Mavoko suspended, Rimbu will start in his preferred halfback position against the Clydesdales on Saturday. A diminutive and clever playmaker with a strong running game, Rimbu brings a different skillset to the halfback position this weekend. He will challenge the line smartly in attack and is a real livewire with his speed and strength through contact often a problem for defending units. With rookie five-eighth Joshua Mire in the halves beside him and two new faces at dummy-half, Rimbu will shoulder the bulk of playmaking duties this weekend and can have a real impact on the Hunters attack. Having spent time with the Dolphins NRL squad over the pre-season, Rimbu is well placed to continue his development as a genuine QRL half and gets his latest shot on Saturday afternoon. Coach’s Comments SP PNG Hunters Head Coach Stanley Tepend said that spirits have been high at training this week following their big Round 12 win over Tweed, but insists his team is still a work in progress. “It’s been a good week at training for us. The mood has been positive,” said Tepend. “Obviously coming off a win the spirits are high, but we can’t get ahead of ourselves and need to be better again this week.” “We’ve had a habit of playing well one week but not backing it up in the following game, so there’s been a real focus this week on reproducing what worked for us against Tweed and not getting complacent.” Tepend acknowledged the disruption caused by a series of injuries and suspensions, but is excited for the opportunities those changes present. “We’ve had a bit of a reshuffle with Jamie (Mavoko) suspended and another few guys battling injuries,” Tepend said. “It’s an exciting opportunity for some of our younger players – and some boys from Digicel Cup – to come in and get their chance.” “The young guys coming in could end up being the future of the club, so we’re looking forward to the challenge.” Tepend said the focus at training this week has been internal, however he conceded the Clydesdales will be much improved from their last meeting. “Our focus this week has been similar to last week. We really embraced that ‘never give up’ mentality and we need to do the same again on Saturday.” “The Clydesdales have improved a lot since we faced them in Round 1. They’re more experienced and they’ve really been pushing their opposition.” “We’ll try to make the most of our home ground advantage and put our best foot forward.” “We’re expecting another big crowd at NFS and I know the boys take a lot out of that support.”

Despite 2 minor setbacks, the Secretary for Education, Dr. Uke Kombra has thanked all the provinces and schools for the successful conduct of the Grade 10 Written Expression Examinations held last week Thursday. “Reports received from provinces are welcoming so far and the Department is looking forward to the other examinations that are coming up.” Dr. Kombra said the first issue was reported by Nissan High School in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. The Department faced challenges to do with the delivery of exam papers to the school because of bad weather. Dr Kombra added that the second issue was to do with the late request to the Department by Ovan Technical High School in Eastern Highlands Province and Mendi Secondary School in Southern Highlands Province for Braille Exam for their students. “I believe these provinces sorted the students out through their local Callan Services Offices.” “However, the Department of Education will ensure that the upcoming national examinations will be brailed for these students.” The next lot of National Examinations coming up include the Grade 12 Written Expression on Monday, 7th August, the Lower Secondary School Certificate (Grade 10) on Monday, 9th to Friday, 13th October followed by the Upper Secondary School Certificate (Grade 12) on Monday, 16th to Friday, 20th October, and the Certificate of Basic Education (Grade 8 on Monday, 23rd to Friday, 26th October. “I advise all students to take their studies seriously and start preparing for the final examinations.” “I also call on our good parents, guardians, and the community at large to continue to support our children in their education.” “These are our future leaders.”

More than 100 rice farmers in Sapuka village, South Fly District of Western Province have embarked on remarkable progress towards food security with the rapid growth of rice farming. Sapuka villagers have embraced agriculture with great enthusiasm and are eager to secure their livelihoods through this activity. On May 24th this year, the community proudly bore witness to the official launch of a food security program, aimed at empowering people to cultivate rice and drought tolerant crops at the village level. The farmers have been producing milled rice at the Community Seed Bank Centre (CSBC) since November 2022. Igu Kisua, a community representative expressed the villager’s shift in focus from hunting and gathering to agriculture. He said, "The villagers used to rely on the forest for sustenance, but with the advent of rice farming, their lives have been transformed." Sapuka village has already yielded an impressive 1.5 tonnes of rice this year. The locally produced rice has not only met the needs of the village, but it has also contributed to feeding nearby villages on the Fly River. However, Kisua highlighted a persistent challenge faced by the farmers-the limited capacity of the milling equipment resulting in delays. He emphasized the urgent need for a larger and more robust milling machine and emphasized that downstream processing plays a pivotal role motivating farmers. During the launch, John Kewa, Executive Manager of Fresh Produce Development Agency (FPDA), praised the farmers' achievements, acknowledging the contribution of farming to improve livelihoods. Kewa also expressed his anticipation to support food security through a collaborative partnership with the Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) in Kiunga. "We are actively working towards deploying our officers to Sapuka village this year to provide technical support on the ground." Meanwhile, OTDF's Chief Executive Officer Havini Vira conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to the Sapuka community for taking ownership of the food security program which would be rolled out across Western Province. He emphasized the significance of such community-driven initiatives as a pathway to sustainable community development. As rice farming trade continues to blossom in Sapuka village, the future looks promising for the community who are determined to improve their livelihoods. With ongoing support from the OTDF, FPDA and various stakeholders, Sapuka's remarkable journey stands as an inspiring example for other communities within the province.

The Border Divisional Command of Police has provided Information and Communication Technology (ICT) equipment worth K3000 to police in Kiunga on Sunday afternoon (June 4th 2023). The equipment includes cables and desktop to help strengthen the prosecution division and policing in North Fly Command. Assistant Commissioner of Police, Divisional Commander Border Peter Philip said the equipment would provide better process of reviewing data in prosecution, detention, and arrest. He added in frontline policing, police headquarters in the border areas need more support to reduce ongoing social, law and order problems faced in respective provinces. "When more funding is made available this year, Daru in South Fly Command, Wewak in East Sepik and Vanimo will also be supported." ACP Peter Philip added police in divisional command would do their best to ensure operational divisions and sections are equipped with most needed resources so that effective policing services can be delivered to people. "Western Province has reported low crime rate in the last five months this year.” “People of Western must not be influenced by others coming into your province but maintain peace and harmony." As police officers are doing their best to maintain safe communities, councillors, and leaders of respective villages within Western Province have been urged to help solve law and order problems faced in the villages.

Many patients in Kuinga, North Fly District of Western Province are currently being affected due to a lack of dental services. There is no specialist dentist at the Kiunga District Hospital which have caused many patients suffering from toothache problems seeking dental services elsewhere for treatment. Over 1,000 patients within the district have been struggling to access this service for more than 20 years. The district hospital right in the town area has been referring patients to seek dental services in Tabubil hospital. Frustrated patients expressed that fees charged to remove their tooth cost K100 and a bus fee from Kiunga to Tabubil cost K100 both ways which is not affordable for patients especially coming from the rural villages within the district and Western Province at large. A concerned patient Roy Orovet suffering from toothache problem said it is too expensive to seek dental services in private clinic or the company hospital in Tabubil. "I've spent more than K500 to get treatment which is not good and dental services supposed to be provided in Kiunga for easy access." he said. He said most patients remain in their villages and do not go to seek treatment due to this ongoing problem. The last recorded dental service was provided in 2018 and since then, patients have been given open referrals to date. The Kiunga District Hospital management clarified to patients and the people of North Fly that all dental equipment are available but there are no dentists. It is understood the Western Provincial Health Authority (WPHA) has noted this issue two years ago, but the delay is due to slow process of recruitment and lack of co-operation from the provincial leaders. In a recent provincial development forum held in Daru, such issues in the health sector within the province were noted to be addressed but nothing has been done since the beginning of this year. Several attempts made to get comments from Western PHA were unsuccessful. Patients in North Fly District are now calling on the Fly River Provincial Government, the Provincial Executive Council (PEC) members and Western PHA to help address this issue so that effective dental services can be provided at the district hospital in Kiunga.

The SP PNG Hunters have produced their best performance of the 2023 QRL Hostplus Cup season, overcoming the Tweed Seagulls 34-18 in a dominant second half display on Saturday afternoon. Despite conceding first points through experienced NRL halfback Toby Sexton, the Hunters held their nerve to quickly drag the game into a grind. A huge shot from Tommy Moide – starting at lock in place of his injured skipper Ila Alu – in the kick-off set forced an error from Tweed on tackle one, and Moide was the man to turn that field position into points a few tackles later. As a light rain settled over the stadium, both teams were forced to adjust their approach in attack. The Seagulls though – who employ an expansive approach to their footy – stuck to their guns to move the ball smoothly across the field. Mire was first to setup points when he rolled a beautifully weighted grubber kick into the in goal for captain Brandon Nima to score just short of the dead-ball line. Not to be outdone by his halves partner, Mavoko stepped up in PNG’s next attacking set to bamboozle Tweed’s defence on their own line. Just as he did last week against the Pride, Mavoko used his footwork and sleight of hand to engage two defenders before passing Morea Morea into a space on the edge. Morea’s try gave PNG an 18-12 lead going into the sheds. The Hunters took the field in the second half with intent. They went set for set with Tweed in yardage as both sides fought for ascendency. Again though, it was the kicking game of Mire and Mavoko that slowly swung momentum in PNG’s favour. Mavoko’s starring performance continued the other side of the ball as the Seagulls desperately tried to reduce PNG’s lead. Twice in consecutive attacking sets the visitors fell into shape down their left edge, only for Mavoko to come up with a big defensive play to shut things down. Taking confidence from their defence, the Hunters added to the scoreboard as the clock wound down. The Hunters weren’t done there though. Getting reward for his leading role in the frontrow, Hunters prop Junior Rop crashed over the line in the final minutes to ice the game for PNG. A consolation try to Seagulls winger Kaleb Ngamanu allowed Tweed to finish on a positive note, but it was all the Hunters in Round 12. With improved discipline and a good kicking game to end their sets, the Hunters were able to play most of the contest in Tweed’s territory. The craft and ballplaying of Mire and Mavoko proved too much for Tweed to handle from there as PNG took their opportunities in attack. With two more home games at Santos NFS in the coming weeks, the Hunters have a wonderful opportunity to climb up the Hostplus Cup ladder and stay in touch with the top eight. SP PNG Hunters Head Coach Stanley Tepend was delighted with his team’s response after a recent run of narrow losses. “Some of the defense on our own try line was great,” said Tepend. “We scrambled really well to save a couple of certain tries.” “The boys really showed a never give up attitude. We were undermanned by injuries and suspensions; we had young players in the spine but despite the disruption we got the job done.” Tepend said it was a strong team performance but was happy to pay tribute to some individual efforts. “I thought Jamie (Mavoko) was great for us. They targeted him all game but he held his own in defence and made a number of crucial tackles. We’re starting to see the kind of player he really is which is great for him and for us as a team.” “Sanny (Wabo) through the middle is doing a good job too. His leg speed and footwork once fatigue sets in is a real point of difference for us. Against those tired forwards he’s working really well.” “The boys will take a lot of confidence out of that one and we’ll carry that into training this week. It should be another good game next Saturday (10/6) against the Clydesdales.”

Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary is set to miss the remainder of the 2023 Ampol State of Origin series after picking up a hamstring injury in his side's win over the Dragons on Sunday night. Penrith confirmed on Monday that the Blues star would be sidelined for six weeks, ruling him out for selection for the remaining two Origin fixtures. Cleary was running back towards the defensive line in the 15th minute before clutching at his hamstring and reluctantly leaving the field. In the same game, Dragons forward Jack de Belin was placed on a stretcher and taken from the field after suffering a head injury while tackling Lindsay Smith following a kick restart. Play was stopped midway through the second half as medical staff from both clubs attended to de Belin, who was able to get back on his feet inside the sheds but is set to be stood down for at least 11 days under concussion protocols. Meanwhile, Rabbitohs forwards Jai Arrow and Cameron Murray are also in doubt for Origin II after failing to finish their side's match against the Titans. Arrow suffered an ankle injury in the 20th minute and hobbled from the field before undergoing a fitness test that ruled him out of the match. He watched from the sideline in a moonboot, while holding a set of crutches. “It feels really jammed up at the back and I did get told it is a syndesmosis [injury], but hopefully it is a minor grading. It is a bit disappointing," Arrow told Fox League. Murray came from the field after aggravating a groin injury from Wednesday night's series opener and he did not return. "I thought it was just a bit of tightness and I thought after five or 10 minutes it just would have warmed up, but it got a bit sore during the game and there was a tackle there where I over-stretched it a bit," Murray said. Melbourne centre Justin Olam and Bulldogs hooker Reed Mahoney both failed head injury assessments on Sunday and will be monitored in the lead-up to Round 15. Dolphins pair Tom Gilbert (shoulder) and Jeremy Marshall-King (shoulder) missed Round 14 due to injuries while centre Brenko Lee (calf) failed to finish against the Warriors. Warriors centre Rocco Berry is set to be stood down for Round 15 clash with the Raiders after he failed a HIA in the first half against the Dolphins, along with Manly star Tom Trbojevic, who suffered a concussion in Origin I. Source: NRL.Com

Five tries between wingers Semi Valemei and Murray Taulagi led the Cowboys to a stunning 45-20 victory over the Storm in Townsville on Sunday. The scores were locked at 14-14 at the break but it was North Queensland with their season on the line who laid on five tries in the second half to stun the Storm juggernaut with an attacking masterclass. Mid-season recruit Valemei shone in his first game as a Cowboy, replacing veteran winger Kyle Feldt's regular spot on the right-edge, showing his pace and skill to finish off a dominant attacking display from playmakers Chad Townsend and Tom Dearden. Languishing in 16th place, the Cowboys needed to break their losing streak if they hope to turn the corner on their season and with the help of returning Maroons - Tom Dearden, Valentine Holmes, Jeremiah Nanai, Reuben Cotter and Taulagi - Todd Payten's side stood up in front of the Cowboys faithful on Sunday afternoon. The Cowboys got off to a flying start with some slick attacking sets setting up Raiders recruit Valemei with back-to-back tries in his first eight minutes a Cowboy. But come the 22nd minute and the Storm were quick to expose the poor defence seen from the Cowboys right-edge this season, with Nick Meaney looping a pass to winger Xavier Coates who crossed the line almost untouched. Yet the home side were quick to make Melbourne pay for a costly handling error with Tom Dearden and Scott Drinkwater combining to put Origin star Valentine Holmes through for North Queensland's third try. Holmes couldn't convert his own try, leaving the score 14-6. But coach Todd Payten wasn't smiling for long when Melbourne's left edge once again left Cowboys defenders in their wake, with powerhouse Justin Olam crossing the line before leaving the field for a HIA. A Meaney penalty goal three minutes later brought the scores level 14-14 at the break. Making it a club debut to remember, Valemei crossed for a hattrick in the opening minutes of the second half. With Coates knocking a looping pass into the hands of Hiku who put the young winger through in the corner to make it three. But Cowboys flyer Taulagi couldn't let the right edge have all the fun and powered on to the end of a Holmes pass to cross in the left corner. Holmes conversion made it 26-14. While Meaney crossed again for Melbourne, a double from Taulagi followed by Nanai crossing for one of his own was enough to put the home side in a comfortable 18-point lead with fifteen minutes to play. But it was Townsend who iced the Round 14 win after Hiku broke the line down the right-edge before finding the skipper who crashed over the line for North Queensland’s eighth. Source: NRL.Com

Blockbusting winger Corey Oates has been elevated to the starting team to make his comeback from injury in tonight’s Round 14 clash with the Sharks in Sydney. Oates, who has been sidelined since hurting his knee in the Round 8 win over the Eels in Darwin, will replace Selwyn Cobbo after the finisher copped a knock to his hip scoring his second try in Queensland’s State Of Origin victory on Wednesday night. The Broncos’ four other Origin players – Pat Carrigan, Payne Haas, Thomas Flegler and Reece Walsh – are all expected to take their spots against the Sharks, although fullback Tristan Sailor will travel to Sydney in case Walsh doesn’t pull up. Coach Kevin Walters said: “Selwyn hasn’t come up too well so we’ll spell him this weekend, while Reece is recovering from his first Origin so we’ll just make sure that he’s right to go over the next 24 hours, and we’ll take Tristan down as cover for him in case. “We’re very confident that Tristan can do a job if he’s required but Reece is tough and he did great the other night – but that is in the past now and if he is playing with us tomorrow night, which I believe he will be, then he’ll need to get his focus back to clubland with us at the Broncos.” Walters has also settled on an interchange bench of Cory Paix, Kobe Hetherington, Martin Taupau and Brendan Piakura – with Corey Jensen unlucky to miss out on a spot in the 17 in a reflection of the squad’s strong depth in 2023. Updated Team List v Sharks 1 Reece Walsh 2 Jesse Arthars 3 Kotoni Staggs 4 Herbie Farnworth 22 Corey Oates 6 Ezra Mam 7 Adam Reynolds © 8 Thomas Flegler 9 Billy Walters 10 Payne Haas 11 Kurt Capewell 12 Jordan Riki 13 Pat Carrigan Interchange 14 Cory Paix 16 Kobe Hetherington 17 Martin Taupau 19 Brendan Piakura   21 Xavier Willison 23 Tristan Sailor Source: NRL.Com

The Raiders withstood a withering comeback by Wests Tigers to come away with a 20-19 win at Campbelltown Stadium on Friday night. After leading 18-0 with 12 minutes to play the Raiders conceded three tries in four minutes and a field goal to fall behind 19-18 before a Jamal Fogarty penalty goal put them back in front. The sin binning of Raiders hooker Tom Starling in the 68th minute proved pivotal, the Tigers going into overdrive with tries to Jahream Bula, John Bateman and Brandon Wakeham in the space of four minutes levelling the scores at 18-18. Luke Brooks then calmly potted a field goal from 30 metres out to put the Tigers ahead 19-18 before Fogarty was collected late by Isaiah Papali'i as the Raiders No.7 launched a field goal attempt to try and level the scores. Papali'i made contact with Fogarty's legs as he tried to put pressure on the kick and the ensuing penalty goal put Canberra back in front 20-19 and that's how it finished. Fogarty was the star for Canberra with two tries from pinpoint kicks aimed at the goalposts and a try assist as the Green Machine made it 10 wins in their past 11 clashes with the Tigers. The Raiders got the scoring going in the seventh minute when Fogarty produced a pinpoint grubber into the goalpost pad and collected the rebound to score for an early 6-0 lead. The home side threatened to hit back in the 16th minute when Bula exploded into the back field and found Fonua Pole in support but Raiders centre Matt Timoko ran him down and the ball split free in the tackle. The Tigers created another opportunity in the 29th minute on the back of a sharp run by Api Koroisau and a string of offloads but back-rower Papali'i was bundled into touch just short of the line as the Raiders scrambled well. A towering bomb by Fogarty seven minutes before half-time led to the Raiders' second try when Bula put the ball down and Jordan Rapana pounced for his 100th career try. Fogarty's conversion made it 12-0. Back-to-back six again calls in the opening minutes of the second term gave the Tigers a chance to hit back but a poor pass by Koroisau saw them come up empty. The Raiders then stretched their lead to 18-0 after Fogarty again grubbered the ball into the goalpost and regained to complete just the second try double of his career. The Tigers continued to mount pressure but some poor last-tackle options from Brooks and Wakeham meant they were unable to crack the resolute Raiders defence. On the back of the Raiders giving away their eighth set restart of the night, Starling was sent to the bin with 12 minutes to play and the Tigers pounced, Tommy Talau creating space for Bula to score. The Tigers then made it two tries in two minutes when Bateman surged over from dummy half after a Brooks line break put them on the front foot. Wakeham converted the try to close the gap to six points. Wakeham then grabbed a four-pointer of his own from a grubber kick in the 73rd minute and the Tigers had remarkably drawn level at 18-18. A frantic final four minutes then unfolded as Brooks put the Tigers in front and Fogarty guided the winning penalty goal through the sticks to wrap up Canberra's eighth win of the season. The Tigers have now lost their past six games at Campbelltown Stadium but they can be proud of their effort to come back from 18 points down when it seemed the Raiders were cruising to an easy win. Source: NRL.Com

The red army nation Hekari United FC has gone down 2-1 to AS Academy of New Caledonia during the Women’s Oceania Football Champions (WOFC) League second match of day one on Thursday 01st May. Even though Hekari FC did not expect the loss, they still tried their best and pushed through till full time. Hekari was caught off guard in the first 2 minutes of the game when AS Academy’s Ronaldine Hnaune scored her side’s first goal of the match. Coming back at second half, Hekari pulled through with a penalty goal after AS Academy struck down Gloria Laeli right in their opponent’s 18-yard box. The penalty put both teams in a tie. But AS Academy did not settle for a tie as they came to be champs of their first inaugural WOFC match with another impressive quick play by Ashley Xadrudrue Gowet after coming off the bench to top the score board, 2-1. Hekari United FC Coach Erickson Komeng was pleased with the performance of his team but not the result he wanted in front of the home crowd going down to AS Academy FC of New Caledonia. “The girls played well today. That’s football. One team has to win and the other has to loose and we didn’t get the result today, I am proud of the girls. We just have to go back and comeback stronger in the next game. ” He added that the girls just need to trust themselves and believe in themselves to get better results in the next game. Meanwhile, AS Academy Feminine coach Coralie Bretegnier said it was a physically challenging game, but she is proud of her team’s effort for giving their all to claim their first WOFC win.