Mendi Butterflies eager to defend Ipatas Cup title
Rugby League
BY PATRICK NIATO TOM
Olco Mendi Butterflies are ready to soar higher when the Coca-Cola Ipatas Cup eastern end challenge gets underway today in Minj, Jiwaka province.
The Butterflies, who are the defending champions, are pre-match favourites at the two-day challenge, will be up against their fellow Southern Highlands teams – Wak Wak Bulldogs and debutants Poroma Nuggets.
It is not the first time that the Southern Highlands teams have made it to the finals. And for the Cup holders, they will be eager to defend their title.
They will be on their specialist five-eight Enoch Kili and his brother Samuel who will control their game giving enough room for their danger man and hooker Wesa Tenza around the ruck area to direct their game plan, possibly turning chances into points.
Border Storms from the NCD leg and Hohola Emerging from the Central leg will be charging hard against their counterparts from the highlands region.
After prolonged delay to the Ipatas Cup, the stage is set for the biggest showdown that will see 12 teams hoping to keep their finals hopes alive and have a share of the K100,000 grand prize on offer.
With the precedence set by teams from Enga and Southern Highlands dominating the tournament, this time it is expected to tough with teams from the four regions having their eyes on top prize.
However, the lads from rainy Lae, Buimo Snipers and Red Backs, are anticipating a great game of football this weekend.
Yandarin Lions and Waps Brothers from Enga are determined to take the Cup back to its homeland but will have to see off the Mendi Butterflies.
From East Sepik are the Maprik Eels, who are hopeful to slip through against the other teams and have a bite of the Cup but will be facing an uphill battle against more experienced sides.
And the oil palm boys from Kimbe will sail across the Bismarck Sea to the highlands to make their presence felt.
The 12 teams are JBS Hawks, NBPOL Crushers, Buimo Snipers, Yandarin Lions, Border Storms, Waps Brothers, Maprik Eels, Hohola Emerging, Poroma Nuggets, Mendi WSS Bulldogs, Olco Butterflies and Red Backs.
The top two teams that qualify will meet Banz Bulls and Minj Bulldogs from the Jiwaka for the grand final qualifiers.
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