2023 Bilas Peles 7s champions Kimbe Pirates are on a roll continuing their winning spirit heading to the Sepik 9s challenge next week, followed by the Rookies 7s in Moresby to end the year.
Kimbe Pirates captain and Rabaul Gurias winger Dominic Anis revealed at Konos in Sentral Niua Ailan this afternoon after a 10 nil Cup grandfinal win against arch rivals the Loyal East West team, also known as Rabaul Stallions or Page Park Chowboys.
Anis said they were prepared for this tournament and expected a good challenge from local select side Bilas Peles team as well as former champion, Kala Reds.
Anis said they met up with Loyal East West in the cup grandfinal whom they have played together for some time are too familiar with each other’s style of rugby.
The Pirates captain acknowledged the fight from local teams from New Ireland and shows their aspirations to go on becoming better.
Anis said the hospitality was welcoming but in the future the management of New Ireland Rugby must stick to scheduled dates so as to cater for outside teams and their budgets.
He said Pirates will return next year to defend the title.
New Ireland Rugby Union President Charlie Melachon acknowledged that the province has hosted the biggest invitational rugby 7s to date in Papua New Guinea.
“We keep on doing it aback as host of 7s tournament throughout the year from the Nakmai 7s to late Douglas Guise 7s, Anitua 7s, Autonomy 7s then theBuluminski 7s and now the second edition of the Bilas Peles 7s.
“With a bigger picture of more than just rugby but promoting New Ireland tourism through sports, we hope we have given what we can to make it happen for the province.
“Congratulations to the 2023 Bilas Peles Cup grand finalist Kimbe Pirates and Loyal East West for coming this far which meant so much for rugby in New Ireland and our union.
“Your participation in the making of this tournament to be the biggest rugby union 7s hosted by a Provincial Union so far this year is well appreciated,” Melachon said.
Melachon added that New Ireland Rugby takes so much out of this tournament from just a single motive of winning.
He said New Ireland was well represented in this tournament with the main aim is to give the opportunity to the youths to experience the exposure of playing against some of the best in PNG.
Melachon said the 4 days tournament has brought in very well experienced players from the semi professional Digicel ExxonMobil Cup as well grandfinal winners to former Pukpuks and teams that have the experience of travelling the breadth and length of PNG taking part in not just 7s but 9s tournaments.
He said these are reputable names for the sport in PNG and for them to travel into New Ireland and be part of the tournament is what makes this tournament more than just New Ireland.
“And Yes, New Ireland put up a fight especially through upcoming teams like Northern Enzu Chiefs from Lihir Island and Highway Kinsmen, a combination of local boys from throughout New Ireland province who just share the same philosophy to rear a well-disciplined team.
From the K50 000 Bilas Peles Cup 7s tournament , Kimbe Pirates crowned the 2023 Bilas Peles 7s champion with K20 000, K15000 to Nonga Medics as Plate Winners, K10,000 to Enzu Chiefs as Bowl winners and K5000 to Marahun Normads as Trophy winners.
The 2023 Bilas Peles 7s brought together 28 teams contesting in the picturesque tranquility of Konos in Sentral Niu Ailan driven by the theme-“Promoting Tourism through Sport,” underlining the region’s commitment to intertwining sports and showcasing the breathtaking allure of this Pacific paradise.
“So it’s said, “Bilas Peles” We hope you have enjoyed our hospitality na lukim upla ken lo narapla Bilas Peles 7s,” stated Melachon.
