By Phylma Timea, Port Moresby 2015 Games News Service
PORT MORESBY, July 10 – Samoa has broken local hearts with a 9-7 victory over Papua New Guinea in the final of the Port Moresby 2015 Pacific Games mixed touch footy at the Bisini Grounds on Friday.
Papua New Guinea won both men’s and women’s touch footy gold medals on Tuesday but Samoa used superior pace and skill in the mixed final to overcome the locals who were backed strongly by a healthy crowd on the sidelines.
The match was opened by a Simon David (PNG) touchdown which put the hosts on the right track, but was quickly answered by Samoa’s Alex Mikaele.
PNG again took the lead on a Eugene Eka try but Samoa rallied to lead 3-2 through touchdowns from Lepa Faaiuaso and Jesse Leituvale before PNG levelled for a 3-3 halftime score.
The second half had the crowd on both its feet and edge as the teams matched each other for touchdowns until Samoa grabbed a two point break and desperately clung on for gold in wet and slippery conditions.
The earlier bronze medal playoff saw Tonga dominate Cook Islands to win 10-3.
GNS pt/pg for more information visit www.portmoresby2015.com
