2013 Port Douglas Sevens Champions

The OTML Tabubil Cats are the champions of the 2013 Port Douglas Sevens, having just returned from the tournament which was held on February 23rd.

The tournament is into its third year but this was the first appearance by the Cats, and the second leg of their annual Australian Rugby Tour. Fourteen teams assembled at the Sporting Complex on Port Street for the one-day tourney to battle for the cup and $2500 in cash. Despite the wet weather conditions, the games went ahead as scheduled and showcased great rugby.

The Cats played and won all three pool games with class but also with humility, finishing on top of the ladder. The team went on to win the Cup Semi Final, defeating Wanderers 24-5, and the Cup Final thereafter, defeating Brothers Barbarians 19-7.

 

The Cats have attended seven Australian tournaments since 2010: Palm Beach Currumbin Alleygator Tens 2010, 2011, 2012; Bondi Tens 2011, 2012, 2013; Port Douglas Sevens 2013. After seven attempts, this is the first win by the Cats in its first-ever sevens tournament abroad, and it has given the players and management renewed confidence after narrowly losing in the various finals of past tours.

As part of individual Player Contracts, the team is required to donate a portion of the cash winnings to a nominated charity. Hence, the Cats will donate $500 of the winnings to the Tabubil Catholic Church.

Tabubil Rugby acknowledges the support of the following persons:
Wakpi family (Cairns)
Wayne and Kathy Booth (Piermonde Hotel, Cairns)
Geoff, Nina and family (Blackwater)
Rebecca and Joshua (Lychee Tree Holiday Apartments, Port Douglas)
Sue Carroll (FNQ Rugby Union)
Tambelina Michael (Air Niugini, Port Moresby)
The Tabubil community for its continued support over the years.

Tabubil Rugby acknowledges its sponsor: Ok Tedi Mining (major sponsor); Downer EDI Mining; Hastings Deering; Tabubil Golf Club; Gazebo Club; Fubilan Catering Services; Pacific MMI Insurance; JTA International; Asia Pacific Airlines; Star Mountain Clothing Factory; TKI Manpower; TE Hardware; Kana Kumgit; Collins Shipping and Airlines PNG.

The winning Cats sevens team line-up was as follows: John Tomba (Captain), Oala Rarua (Co-Vice Captain), Harold Bobo (Co-Vice Captain), Izrael Lingham, Bubac Wakpi, Arnold Tukavai, Joel Poia, Elisha Lanis, Jack Tony, Stanley Lingham, Gabbie Waim, George Vanua, Mark Kore, Paul Yaglkop, Kelly Kesawe (Team Manager), Anthony Aruha (Coach).