Rausi stars as Buria Reds oust TI Stones to Claim 2024 Motu Koita Rugby Title
A man-of-the-match performance by fullback Wabo Rausi steered Buria Reds to a maiden 16-10 grand final victory over Tatana Island Stones on Saturday.
Rausi shone on the big stage, scoring a double to help the Reds clinch the Motu Koita Rugby League title in front of a bumper crowd at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium.
A standout player in the MKRL competition, the youngster has been invited to be part of the Port Moresby Vipers train-and-trial squad following a masterpiece show in the final.
“I am very proud of him. He is a full complete player. When the game gets tough, he always stands up,” Reds assistant coach Richard Michael said of the fullback.
“Not only today, but the whole of this competition has been consistent week in and week out. We wish him all the best.”
Reds had composure both in defense and offense, putting their opponents under pressure in the opening 30 minutes of the contest.
The inclusion of current Central Dabaris players Tegena Apa and Foni Heni added spark to their attack as the duo mesmerized TI Stones's defence with rampaging runs.
The grand final witnessed by Port Moresby Vipers Chairman Dr. Newton Albert didn’t disappoint as the game was played in the flavor of Motu Koitabuans.
Albert extended an invitation to the grand final player of the match, Rausi, who played a starring role in Red's six-point win, to join the Vipers for pre-season training ahead of the 2025 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup season.
“I’m openly extending the invitation to Buria Reds fullback to join the Port Moresby Vipers preseason squad,” he said.
The MKRL premiers took a 10-6 lead at the break as Stones remained near the end of the game on a high note.
Reds struck early in the second half and extended the score, to 16-6, but a resilient Stones outfit responded with a try after several attempts.
A rousing finish was expected, however, a missed conversion by Stones' five-eight Lohia Arua left the scores at 16-10.
MKRL president Arthur Patrick said the 2024 season was a success with Reds re-entering the competition after a 6-year absence.
“The success comes with everyone contributing to this course and we are running it, and I am delighted on behalf of the executive and the competition team, that we have finally completed our season,” Patrick said after the grand final.
“We had some delays at the beginning of our game, that's why we had to delay our game a bit longer, but I am happy that we completed the games.
“No hiccups or holdups, we finished in the true spirit of the sportsmanship, between the Buria Reds and the TI Stones.”