UniTech Reds Claim Niu Power Gerehu Firelight 7s U20 Division

The flamboyant kids from Lae city, UniTech Reds, came firing on all cylinders and stamped their authority, thumping the Fuka Flyers with a commanding 24-0 victory in the Cup final of the Niu Power Gerehu Firelight 7s tournament to snatch the U20 trophy on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at Sir John Guise Stadium.

The UniTech Reds were ruthless, running rings around the struggling Fuka Flyers and bringing them to submission with a comprehensive win. The Reds were the entertainers and fans-favorite, delivering thrilling rugby spectacle.   

The UniTech Reds were the only outside team representing the city of Lae to compete against all Port Moresby-based teams from December 13-15. The outsiders came on a mission and brought the title back to the industrial city - dubbed ‘Rainy Lae’.

Most of the players are the children of the University of Technology’s (UniTech) staff, while others come from the suburbs of East Taraka, Labi Barracks, and Tenth City, fielding a formidable UniTech Reds team. 

They have participated in the Rookie 7s three times. However, the Rookie 7s was canceled this year, so the men’s team couldn’t travel with the U20 side. Despite the absence of the men’s team, the U20 boys represented Lae city with pride and honor by winning the U20 division. 

Former Pukpuk great and coach John Milba heaped praise on the young side who worked hard for this tournament, crediting the players for staying unbeaten throughout the three-day tournament and snatching the championship in the U20 division. 

“The UniTech Reds U20 victory in this inaugural Gerehu Firelight 7s comes as a result of the boys’ commitment to training. Their willingness to take a knee and listen paid off in this tournament. They have gone through some hard training, and the results showed in all the games they won,” Milba said. 

Milba expressed that the Niu Power Gerehu Firelight 7s tournament ended on a high note, thanking the organizers of the event and looking forward to bringing the men’s team to take part in the tournament alongside the U20s next year.

“The Niu Power Gerehu Furelight 7s was a success. It’s just similar to the Rookie 7s in its inaugural stage this year, but I believe it will get better next year and onwards,” Milba said.

“It’s our third year now to bring the U20 boys over to Port Moresby to participate in the rugby 7s tournament. Surely, we will have a men’s team coming to Port Moresby for the rugby 7s tournament.”