In a one-sided NiuPower Capital Rugby Union Women's Premier Grade Grand Final, the ruthless University Piggies thumped the hapless Harlequins with a comprehensive victory of 36-0 margin to bag their first premiership on Saturday, September 21st, 2024, at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.
The Piggies boasted four PNG Cassowaries in the likes of Joan Lagona, Joan Butler, Naomi Kelly and Doreen Kaputin. The four Cassowaries used their wealth of experience and blew the Harlequins off the park, taking a comfortable 31-0 at half time.
In the second half, the red-hot Piggies lost their mojo. The Harlies put the Piggies to task and asked them questions to break open the defence, but the Piggies held their resolve and defended their line courageously, keeping the defending champions (Harlequins) scoreless.
The queens of Bava Park (Harlequins) tried to produce a herculean comeback in the second stanza and pull off an upset, but their efforts were in vain. Despite the heartbreaking loss, the Harlies did exceptionally well in the second half and conceded a solo try.
Captain Lagona had a very busy afternoon, scoring four tries, making a couple of try assists, running over 100 meters, and ending the big dance with a Woman-of-the-Match honors. Her fellow Cassowaries aforementioned were also instrumental in the Piggies’ maiden premiership glory.
Former Pukpuks and Piggies coach, George Oki was very impressed with the outstanding result. He did not expect the match to be a one-way traffic contest, but praised his girls for sticking to their game plan and delivering a dominant win.
“It was a very comprehensive win. Everyone worked hard and played their role well. Our defence was top-notch. That’s what we’ve worked on the whole week and it has shown. I told the girls that if we fix our defence, our attack would come naturally. So, credit to the girls,” Oki said.
“We were fortunate to have Joan Lagona, Joan Butler, Naomi Kelly and Doreen Kaputin. These are the best players in the country right now. They used their experience and punished the Harlequins. I’m super proud of my girls.”
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