CRU gears for Playoffs

The Pepsi Capital Rugby Union (CRU) concluded its regular season last weekend after 18 competitive rounds of rugby spectacle in the Premier Grade, A Grade, U23 and U20 Divisions, including the standalone women’s competition (CRUW), and is looking forward to hosting the playoffs this weekend.

In the men’s Premier Grade, the reigning champions SWG TSI Valley Hunters walked away with the minor premiership, while the Supreme Industries Harlequins were in second spot, followed by the Theodist MBB Marlins and Kramer APAC Brothers, who finished third and fourth, respectively. 

Coach Frank Genia’s men (Valley Hunters) finished the season on a high, registering 14 wins, tasting 3 losses, ending up with 1 draw, and capping off the regular season with 69 points and scooping the minor premiership. 

Following closely on the standings were the Harlequins, who recorded 13 wins, suffered 3 losses, had 2 draws, ending their campaign with 64 points and finishing second on the ladder, just 3 points shy away from leveling the premiership points with the Valley Hunters. 

The MBB Marlins finished third on the ladder with 61 points, bagging 11 victories, suffering 3 defeats, and ending up with 3 draws. The Theodist-sponsored club defied the odds and reached the top 4 for the first time in the premier division. 

Closing out the top 4 spot are the finals’ specialists, the Kramer APAC Brothers, who finished fourth on the table with 56 points, clinching 11 wins, tasting 5 losses, and ending up 2 draws. The brethren had a mixed season, but they will be banking on their experience in the finals. 

In addition, the Valley Hunters dominated the competition this season but lost their mojo after the conclusion of the first round. However, they regrouped and managed to secure the minor premiership, aiming to defend their title.

The surprise package of this season is the MBB Marlins. They not only pulled off upsets against the premiership heavyweights, but the Gerehu men forced their way into the top 4 and set their sights on claiming their maiden silverware.      

The regular contenders of Bava Park, the Harlequins and Brothers, have had inconsistent seasons but are slowly finding their groove at the end of the regular season. These two sides know how to play pressure football, so their wealth of experience will come in handy in the finals. 

While the Valley Hunters are optimistic about retaining their title, the Harlequins, MBB Marlins, and Brothers are in the race to battle for supremacy. The playoffs shape up to be intense, brutal, entertaining and physical, as the four teams fight for the coveted title. 

Meanwhile, the men’s A Grade, U23 and U20 divisions, including the women’s divisions, are all set to battle it out at the spiritual home of rugby union in Port Moresby’s renowned Bava Park. The Quarterfinals will be hosted this weekend for both men’s and women’s divisions, followed by the Semi-finals next weekend, with the Grand Final slated on September 6th.