The 2023 NCD Governor's Cup Plate Champions, 8 Mile Settlers, have claimed the 2024 Cup title following their gallant 22-12 victory over the Mountain Bulls on Sunday, January 5th, at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium.
In a high-stakes game in front of a raucous crowd, the Bulls charged to the try line first with less than 5 minutes of play, and scored again after the kickoff, taking a comfortable 10-0 lead.
After a few minutes of intense battle, the Bulls made an error in their red zone and the Settlers capitalized on that mistake to open their account. In the next few sets, the eventual winners registered another 4 points, equalizing the margin at 10-all.
The game hung in the balance and right on the stroke of halftime, the Settlers gave a penalty inside their 10-meter line and the Bulls opted for 2 points, taking a 12-10 lead at the break.
Both teams upped their tempo and lifted the intensity of the contest in the second half. After almost 20 minutes of attempting to open up the game, the Settlers finally broke the deadlock and leapfrogged the Bulls to 16-12.
Unfazed by the lead, the Bulls tried to make a late charge and push the game to an extra time. However, the 8 Mile lads defended their line and scored an 80-meter try, putting the game beyond doubt with a 22-12 win to clinch the coveted trophy.
Coach Joe Tau said they had worked hard in the last four weeks to become the champions of the 2024 NCD Governor’s Cup, crediting his players for claiming the Plate trophy in 2023 and snatching the Cup title in 2024.
“We came as underdogs but proved everyone wrong to win the cup. In 2023, we won the plate and it’s good to claim the cup in 2024,” Tau expressed.
“I just told the boys to play basic football and stick to the game plan. I’m proud of the players and credit them for their effort. Their hard work has paid off. They deserved it.”
Tau acknowledged the jubilant and loyal supporters, who have stuck with the 8 Mile Settlers since day one. He said their vocal support had pushed the players to put up a spirited fight to claim the title.
He also extended a word of thanks to the sponsors, Governor Parkop, Director Billy Aki, and his organizing committee for pulling off a successful 2024 NCD Governor’s Cup tournament.
Meanwhile, in the Plate division results for men and women, the Six Mile Tigers belted the Geehood Vikings (men’s) with a 12-2 win, while the Tobalu WRLC smashed the Six Mile Tigers with a 12-0 victory (women’s).
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