The Papua New Guinea open men’s and women's divisions in the touch rugby league competition have both lost in the gold play offs and have each earned a silver medal, missing a three-peat at the Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands.
In the men’s open division, PNG had a dominating run but lost in the big dance to Samoa with a close 8-7 full time score at the DC Park in Honiara.
PNG Captain, Eugene Eka expressed the disappointment in an interview with team PNG media.
“It is disappointing but it was God’s plan that it will happen this way. I thank Samoa for the great challenge and congratulate them for the win, they earned it.”
Meanwhile, in the women’s open division, they had a similar result to the men's, losing to Samoa with the score of 8-7 in the gold play offs. They had locked in the final with a 7-7 scoreline, but Samoa scored the winning point in the extra time.
Women’s coach, Peter Stoddard pointed out that the Samoans won because their team was made up of younger players.
“Our girls fought hard right to the end but it was not meant to be so we’ll take the silver this time”
PNG had been the reigning gold medalist for the past two Pacific Games (2015 and 2019) but unfortunately could not bring in a three-peat win.
Both teams will combine to play in the mixed event today (Thursday, November 30th).
Photo Credit: Sol2023 Pacific Games News Service
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