World Footy News

The 2007 AFL PNG Junior National Championships were held at Igam Barracks, Lae over the period 24 September - 28 September 2007. The Championships were a huge success with over 400 children attending from across PNG. They came from the Islands by Boat, the highlands by PMV and Port Moresby by plane. The accommodation, catering and playing facilities were all given the thumbs up by the children. Even the rain and slippery ovals could not dampen their enthusiasm. Igam Barracks was viewed as a wonderful place to hold such a prestigious event and during the Championships the participants had a visit from the Commander PNGDF Commodore P. Ilau. The Commodore expressed his support for the Championships at Igam and was suitably impressed by the organisation and discipline of such a large number of well-behaved young Papua New Guineans.

PNG Rules Council President Peter Michael said the championship was a huge success as so many young players showed their true colours during the championships. From the tournament one hundred boys were selected to continue in the Binatangs (PNG’s Male Junior Football Teams) program and will gather at the National Sports Institute in Goroka over the first weekend in December to be fitness and skill tested by AFL personnel from Australia. In addition, thirty five girls were also selected to be part of the 2008 Kurakums (PNG’s Junior Female Football Teams) Squad who will commence their training in the New Year. From these initial squads the teams will be selected to participate in the Queensland State Championships in 2008.

Listed below are the results of the Championships by age division.

UNDER 17 BOYS

Islands 6.11 (47) d Northern 5.15 (45)
Southern 7.8 (42) d Highland 5.8 (38)
Southern 4.8 (32) d Northern 4.3 (27)
Highlands 6.8 (44) d Islands 5.1 (31)
Southern 8.7 (50) d Islands 4.4 (28)
Northern 6.2 (38) d Highlands 3.5 (23)

The Under 17 Division was tightly contested, with the greatest margin being 22 points. Southern Region was undefeated but had a couple of very close games. The standard of football at this level has improved dramatically as a large number of these players have played for the Binatangs in Australia on at least one occasion. With the addition of the Under 14 Binatangs to the representative program then the standard should continue to increase.

UNDER 15 BOYS

Northern 4.4 (28) d Islands 2.0 (12)
Southern 9.7 (61) d Highlands 6.3 (39)
Northern 4.4 (28) d Southern 1.9 (15)
Highlands 4.5 (29) d Islands 4.0 (24)
Southern 4.6 (30) d Islands 3.8 (26)
Northern 6.2 (38) d Highlands 4.4 (28)

The Northern Region provided a surprise at the Nationals by remaining undefeated in their three games. They played a very fast flowing style of football and were hardly challenged throughout the week. Their display of teamwork was an example to all.

UNDER 13 BOYS

Southern 9.6 (61) d Highland 6.3 (39)
Islands 10.5 (65) d Northern 5.2 (32)
Southern 10.7 (67) d Northern 4.3 (27)
Highlands 7.8 (50) d Islands 5.8 (38)
Northern 5.10 (40) d Highlands 1.3 (9)
Southern 7.6 (48) d Islands 6.7 (43)

Once again Southern Region was the most consistent Region in this age group and did not lose a game, although the Islands Region was unlucky to lose the final game in a close tussle and the game went down to the last minute. Inconsistency plagued the other Regions with each of them winning one game.

UNDER 15 GIRLS

Southern 7.6 (48) d Islands 6.7 (43)
Northern 8.7 (55) d Islands 7.5 (47)
Northern 19.11 (125) d Southern 1.2 (8)
Northern 6.7 (43) d Highlands 3.5 (23)
Highlands 2.2 (14) d Islands 1.1 (7)
Highlands 10.6 (66) d Southern 3.2 (20)

After a relatively slow start against the Islands Region, the Northern girls dominated this division. Unfortunately the Southern Zone did not bring a full squad and were supplemented by girls from other Regions. It shows the true spirit of these games, when a composite Southern Region team can actually win a game with girls in their team from the losing team.

If two points are allocated for a win the Regional results are:

Southern 18 points
Northern Region 16 points
Highlands Region 10 points
Islands Region 4 points

Also recently in PNG the National Capital District (NCD) competition based in Port Moresby held its Grand Final. AFLPNG National Operations Manager Peter Cates said “There was a great crowd and the match was played in great spirit and the inclusion of neutral umpires only helped with this”.

Details are:

WESTS FC 2.1, 3.5, 3.6, 5.9 (39)

MORESBY SWANS 3.2, 3.5, 4.10, 4.11 (35)

Best on ground was Boas Kev from West’s.

Best Players:

WESTS - Boas Kev, Nick Apamunu, Raga Raga and Mesea Dorogori
SWANS - Stanis Gela, John Isu and Gerard Rerei

For more see Henry Morabang's report on The National