The Port Moresby FissPotts Rugby Union Club Incorporation hosted its 7th edition of the annual Rugby 10s Charity event at the Sir John Guise Stadium on Saturday, October 26th, 2024.
FissPotts is a rugby 10s charity event, which started in 2015. The event is aimed at raising funds for charity organisations like PNG Children’s Foundation, Family Sexual Violence Unit, Transparency International PNG (TIPNG), to name a few.
A total of 12 teams comprising 3 corporate organisations and 9 established teams, both men’s and women’s teams took part in the one-day tournament, mostly former Pukpuks and rugby union players, including non-rugby participants.
One of the executives of FissPotts, Malcolm Kulu stressed that although there was no sponsorship to host the tournament unlike previous years, they used the fundraising money raised this year and pulled off a successful event.
“Every tournament, we (FissPotts) used to send out invitations to corporate or business houses to seek sponsorship assistance, either through registering a team or through financial assistance to stage the event,” Kulu said.
“However, we were not lucky to secure a major sponsor this year. But, the tournament was solely funded by the FissPotts, with funds raised over the year through holding events such as barbecues, raffle tickets, and contributions from individual club members.”
In the Men's Cup Division, the boys from westside Kimbe Lusfruits proved too strong against the University Piggies, defeating them with a 14-7 points.
For the Plate and Bowl Categories, the Napanapa Green Hornets walked away with the Plate, while the PNG Ports scooped the Bowl.
Lusfruits were the only outside team to take part in the tourney. After four years of attending the charity rugby event, with one grand final appearance in 2020, the Lusfruits came on a mission and clinched their first title.
Captain Freddie Mathias was very pleased with the result and dedicated the win to his fellow teammates and the people of West New Britain, while acknowledging Jason Yip for his undivided support.
“The team (Lusfruits) has been attending the tournament for the last four years. We have been to one grand final but lost it. This is the first time for Kimbe Lusfruits to win the grand final,” Mathias said.
“I would like to thank Jason Yip for his continuous support for the team since we started participating in the tournament.
“We look forward to defending our title next year and to supporting other charity groups in WNB where we can. The win is also our contribution to our charity in WNB.”
Mr. Mathias mentioned that the FissPotts Committee and President Jack Kariko have done a tremendous job in organising and running the FissPotts Rugby 10s Charity tournament every year.
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