Molowia helps PNG to first women's Rugby League World Cup win
A pair of impressive finishes from fullback Martha Molowia either side of half-time helped Papua New Guinea to a 34-12 victory over Canada, marking their first ever Women's Rugby League World Cup win.
Molowia smashed her way through would-be tacklers on a run down the sideline for her first just before break to give PNG a 8-6 lead, before carving through for another just a minute into the second half.
Through the opening 20 minutes it was Canada who dominated proceedings, and they enjoyed plenty of scoring opportunities throughout the match, but too often the last pass was missing when space presented on the edges.
After PNG opened the scoring on 24 minutes, the Ravens led momentarily thanks to a converted try, but from the 37th minute onward the Orchids controlled the match.
Five second-half tries, three of which were converted, were enough to see Papua New Guinea to a comfortable victory, despite Canada hitting back with one of their own on the hour mark.
Papua New Guinea head to Hull to take on Brazil in their second match.
From Wallis and Futuna to France to World Cup semi-finals
Photo: Supplied
Futunan rugby player, Manae Feleu, is looking forward to facing New Zealand in the World Cup semi-finals this weekend.
The 22-year-old lock, who was born in the French territory of Futuna, has been named to face the Black Ferns at Eden Park in Auckland.
From the age of 14 she studied in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand for three years at a boarding school.
Feleu moved to Grenoble, France with her sister Teani in 2020 to study medicine. She combines training to become a surgeon with rugby training.
She made her international debut for France in 2020 against England.
Pukpuks dominate second half for Oceania champs win
The Oceania Rugby Championship has kicked off with the hosts Papua New Guinea defeating Vanuatu 39-13 at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium in Port Moresby.
It was 19-13 to the Pukpuks at half-time before they pulled away to record a comprehensive victory.
The tournament is back for the first time since 2019 due to Covid-19 and will also feature Solomon Islands.
PNG now play the Solomons on Sunday, and the Solomons and Vanuatu face off on November 10.
The Pukpuks are the reigning champions after claiming the title in 2019, also in Port Moresby.
The Oceania Rugby Championship has served as a Rugby World Cup qualification tournament since 2009.
Kiwi FC and Vaivase-Tai claim Samoan football titles
In football, Samoa's top leagues have both been decided on the final day.
The Women's Premier division was won by just one point, with Kiwi FC edging out nearest rivals Faatoia United FC by 25 points to 24.
Kiwi ended the season unbeaten, dropping points just the once in a 2-all draw.
The Men's Premier division also went down to the wire with the top two sides, Vaivase-Tai FC and Vaipuna SC, both finishing the season undefeated.
However, Vaivase-Tai claimed the silverware by two points, having drawn two games compared to Vaipuna's three.