LISAPEKA BULLDOGS CELEBRATES ACHIEVEMENT AS GRANDFINALIST IN 2025 IPATAS CUP

By VICKY BAUNKE in Goroka

AFTER 23 years, the local rugby team from Goroka, Lisapeka Bulldogs proved their worth in the NGCB 2025 Ipatas Cup championships in Lae as the Grand finalist, and celebrated their milestone achievement despite their 14-30 loss to Kulaka West team in their Grand final encounter.

The Team management hosted an event for the players and team officials to celebrate the team’s milestone achievement by awarding players.

The exclusive event involved team players, the team management and sponsors and their spouses.

A total of 10 special awards were presented during the night which included Best Forward of the game Teki Poi (Prop#10), Best Backline of the match Jeremy Slain (Winger), Best Defender-Laneki Poi (Secondrower#11), Best Attacker-Keven Appo (Forward #15), Sparkling Moment of the Tournament went to Philip Gasie (center#4), Leadership Award Jack Gasie (center#3), Rookie of the Tournament-Bayango Margun (forward#18), King Kone Award (most discipline)-Bayango Margun (forward #18) with the MK Award (bulldog of the Tournament) going to Derol Maima with the Special Award of the match going back to coach Michael Aidawa.

Lisapeka Bulldogs Rugby League team President Joshua Phillip onbehalf of the management thanked sponsors for supporting the team so far and seeing the team make it to the grand finals is a record history for the team.

Mr Philip said one of the challenges of the team was seeking the financial sponsorship to boost the team, however, with the outstanding support from sponsors in 2025 the team is looking forward to giving the exposure to many raw talents and raising the standards of the team.

Major Sponsor of the Lisapeka Bulldogs who is also a former player in the team Managing Director of the 3K Constructions Emmanuel Kewi acknowledged the team management and players for the achievement in coming this far in the competition which he said symbolised true commitment that is molded by discipline, an essential component that contributed to the individual well being of players both on and off field.

Mr Kewi said the support towards boosting local sports in the çommunities also encourages selflessness, molds good character among youths and promotes the trait of volunteerism in the community and a sense of pride and ownership.

Also present among other sponsors was Fayatina Construction Managing Director Uwale Pasemo, Kanda Limited Managing Director Junior P Pukaim, Boyd Akenaley and Goroka Lodge and Wild Club Manager Mr Warrick Wild.

Also speaking to players during the event Fayatina Managing Director Uwale Pasemo twho hanked the team management for hosting such an event, saying the event would motivate players to go that extra mile to change their mindsets and contribute to nation building in the country through sportsmanship.