Pacific Games

That is from Australian High Commission’s Minister-Counsellor Governance, Rodney Hilton at the Leadership4Life event for the Pacific Games.

He says leadership is about initiative, action, courage and teamwork and that good leaders inspire and support those around them so they can achieve common goals.

This morning saw Mark Donald of PNG, Gyandera Maharaj of Fiji, Rocky Teklem of Solomon Islands, Yvan Thales of New Caledonia and Posing-Simon luis-Sail of Tahiti took to the stage to compete in the under 65kg male division while Salen Jim of PNG, Sione Sale of Tonga, Gary Colombani of Tahiti, Venon Bhim of Fiji, Denis Dolanga Sala of Solomon Islands and Nelson Sanmarso of New Caledonia took part in the men’s over 65kg division.

The women contestants only participated in the under 55kg and over 55kg divisions.

Fiji beat Vanuatu 4-3 in penalty shoot outs tonight at the Sir Hubert Murray stadium.

More To come..

However, according to PGC Executive Director Andrew Minogue there’s still some work and convincing to do before it fully becomes a recognised games for the region like all other continents.

“We have Australia and New Zealand here and some of the sport are really using the Games now to qualify for the Olympics or World Championships and we have to deliver to a certain standard,” said Minogue.

A bumper crowd turned up to watch the match with a high number of Guam supporters.

Fiji got off to a good start leading in the first quarter 17-15 but Guam bounced back in the second quarter to take the lead by 10 points at half time, 36-26.

Guam dominated the rest of the game with three pointers coming from Jesus Cruz taking Guam to 51-44 at the end of the third quarter.

Both teams put up a great challenge and entertained the crowd in the final quarter as the countdown began to full time.

He spoke to Loop PNG straight after the completion of the XV Pacific Games power lifting competition yesterday.

"All 15 athletes won medals," Haoda said.

PNG collected 8 gold, 3 silver and 4 bronze in the 15 weight divisions for both male and female.

Haoda added that his troops effort were unbelievable because they were without a coach till April this year.

"The coach ( Scott Upstod) did wonders in preparing the team within two months."

Haoda also thanked PNGPF sponsors KK Kingston, SP Brewery and PNGOC - Go gold program.

Tahiti, who won gold at the 2011 Games, led throughout the match.

In the first quarter, Tahiti easily scored to lead 21-12 against the weak defense by the home girls.

Tahiti maintained their lead in the second quarter, 35-25.

Defending champion Fiji and PNG are the two undefeated teams, with two more rounds to play today.

PNG’s avalanche of tries was started by Salias Gahuna from the back of a break from Captain Isreal Eliab.

Then PNG winger Bland Abavu fended off a Solomon Islands defence to score.

With the crowd chanting, PNG ran in three more tries.

Thompson Teteh (2 tries) and Ase Boas scored runaway tries to get PNG to 28-0 at the drinks break.

In the second half, PNG piled on three more tries.

Rex Yallon, Willie Minoga and Boas double for the match.

This was possible after Solomon Islands defeated Nauru late yesterday.

PNG will now take on Tahiti.

The teams are warming up for the match at the PNG Power Dome.

The crowd is building up fast to watch this match.

Tahiti took out gold at the 2011 Games.           

PNG will be banking on key players Betty Angula, Nesta Sape and Captain Marcia Muri.

They were thrashed by a highly fancied Guam side, 103-53.

Guam had height advantage, Guam showed no mercy in the first quarter 24-12.

The visitors extended their lead in the second quarter 52-24 with key shooter Jesus Cruz shooting eight 3 poiners from 10 attempts.