JCU prove party poopers at Machans Beach

By Sam Davis, The Northern Beaches News

JCU Mariners beat Barron Trinity Bulls in the first FNQ Rugby premier grade game at the Bulls’ new headquarters at Machans Beach on Saturday.

In front of a decent crowd at the ‘Bull Ring’ and without massive offseason recruit Kele Degei due to a knee injury, the Bulls put in a highly committed and gutsy performance before finally being overpowered 26-10.

The match was evenly poised in the 55th minute when Bulls’ reserve Dwayne Irvine crossed to reduce the Mariners advantage to 14-10.

But quick replies from Mariners fullback Rob Rodokal and livewire winger Joel Skyes sealed a well-earned 16 point win for the visitors.

Pukpuks finish third a Oceania Junior titles

By Quintina Naime, Loop PNG

The PNG U20 Pukpuks have finished third at the Oceania Junior Rugby Trophy Championships in Suva, Fiji.

They defeated Vanuatu today by a huge margin, scoring 13 tries in a final scoreline of 80-7.

Pukpuks’ first try was scored by Zion Reto eight minutes into the game. Another try came eight minutes later through Lindsey Yabone which took PNG up to 10-0 followed by the third try, by winger William Tirang 19 minutes into the game.

U20s eye Fiji tourney

By Francis Rodney Pulu, The National 




TWENTY-six players will be making their debut in the Pukpuks Under-20 rugby squad that leave tomorrow for the Oceania Youth Trophy in Fiji from November 27 to December 5.




Only four countries are taking part in the inaugural event and a 30-man Pukpuks train-on squad are currently in training in Port Moresby before the team will be trimmed down to the final 26 after the players are put through their medical checks today.

Assistant coach Sydney Wesley said the players would use the championship to qualify for the World Junior Trophy in Portugal next year and the only two teams that the team had to overcome in order to qualify were the tier-two nations, Fiji and Tonga.

“It will be tough playing against Fiji and Tonga, who dropped from the first-tier based on their performance at the previous World Junior Championships,” Wesley said.

Mariners are out for Mud in top-of-the-table FNQ Rugby clash

By Michael Warren, Cairns Post

IT was the FNQ rugby heavyweight bout won on points by undefeated Northern Beaches Mud Crabs against JCU Mariners more than a month ago at Ivanhoes.

Tomorrow, it’s the much anticipated round 13 rematch with the competition frontrunners resuming their rivalry, with the hosts hellbent on avenging their round six 34-22 loss to the title favourites.

“Mud Crabs are still unbeaten this season, so obviously they continue to play good rugby,” JCU Mariners player Christian Aruha said.

“We know if we stick to what works for us, and take the game to them in the forwards, we’ll be competitive.

JCU destroy Port Douglas 52-14

By Michael Warren, Cairns Post

FOR the second time this season, JCU have exacted revenge on Port Douglas for last season’s grand final loss, with a 52-14 win on Saturday at Raider Park.

Their round-nine victory follows a 26-19 March 1 win against the same opposition and finally rids the Mariners of any lingering demons after losing last year’s decider.

“It was a great game. Credit to Port Douglas – they are struggling for numbers but they definitely put in a committed effort against us,” JCU coach Dave Norton said.

A legacy left at Port Douglas Reef Raiders

What a fantastic afternoon today was!

It started with a scenic drive from Cairns to beautiful Port Douglas, a tourist hotspot for the wealthy and retired. The primary reason for the trip though was to watch the A Grade rugby game between Port Reef Raiders and JCU Mariners at the Sports Complex. The match resulted in a 47-14 thumping of the host team by JCU boys - an terrific win!

Today was Ladies Day. The women spectators were greeted with delicious champagne, scrumptuous finger food and gift bags filled with fabulous goodies - all sponsored by QT Port Douglas Resort, a member of Australia's newest hotel brand, the QT Hotel chain.

Today was also bittersweet. It was heartwarming to hear from a handful of locals expressing empathy for the Cats sitting out this year's Port Douglas 7's tournament. But best of all was seeing the team's name etched into the history books at the club house. The fact that the Tabubil Cats have left a legacy in Port Douglas is truly awesome!

Photo by A. Aruha

OTML Schoolboys Results - 2015 Scots College Schoolboys 7s

Tour Number: 18
Date: March 28, 2015
Venue: The University of New South Wales Sports Field, Sydney, NSW

Shield Finalists

Team
Kingsley Laka (Captain), Lachlan Aruha, Frank Auakai, Hangu Tindipu, Newman Kaupa, Dharlton Undi, Amos Kain, Manuel Mitigei, Bradley Nagiria, Theodore Tindiki, Forest Koroka, Kelly Kesawe (Manager), Stephen Malum Jnr (Coach), John Tomba Jnr (Trainer), Anthony Aruha (President).

Dezine visits Abip

The Tabubil Cats Rugby Club hosted its fourth major fundraiser on Saturday 14 March to raise funds for its annual upcoming rugby tours  later in the year. 

Hosted at the Hotel Cloudlands, the event featured the Solomon Islands group - Dezine - and was supported by Wayne Tefatu and his band.