It was game on at first whistle in the main game between the MK Rabbitohs, and West Yambi Tarangau, who locked horns in an aggressive encounter as they battled their way through to the try line. Rabbitohs, who proved to be the strongest opponent managed to drag Tarangau with a 4-point lead to 2 at halftime.
In the second half, torrential downpour in the second half did little to dampen the spirits nor the standard of football by both teams, as play seesawed from one end of the field to the other, Tarangaus managed to scout a penalty field goal to even out the score.
Both teams then tried desperately to pull the winner out of the hat but unforced errors like dropped balls and silly penalties saw the score remain until the final whistle, when Rabbitohs managed to score a 2 point penalty, taking home the William Powi Cup as 2017 champions, with 6 points to 4, and taking home K5,000 in cash.
Rabbitohs skipper, Nixon Tegali took out the Man-of-the-Match award, while the player of the 3-week tournament went to Madison Yapa of Off-Cuts.
President of East Pangia Local Level Government, Daniel Pioko encouraged the Pangia youth to continue to clinch sports, particularly rugby league, and live better lives away from drugs and alcohol manipulation, which only roots more social problems.
Powi Cup chairman, Jack Kipoi thanked Governor Powi for his support and called for more assistance in 2017 to upgrade the oval by leveling the surface and building permanent goal posts.
Pangia Station 2 councilor, Pimi Taita agreed saying Pangia Rugby League has provided some notable players to Digicel Cup teams over the years, and such upgrade of playing facilities will only develop the standard of the game.
