The BOC U19 championships proved a feast of high quality rugby league in Madang over the  weekend For the third year in a row, the BOC gas sponsorship of junior rugby league, enabled the cream of our young footballers to show off their talents to the national selectors. Players from the four zones in the country attended the championship.

 The games were played in the true spirit of rugby league. Players showing skill levels that would have many an NRL player envious. The tournament was played as a round Robin with each team playing three games. The top two teams would then play off in the finals.

 Northern Zone the reigning champions found themselves in the finals with the Southern Zone. Half time had the southern zone leading 16-0 and the game in their grasp. However, there was a second half comeback from northern zone. They scored three converted tries to hit the lead 18-16 with 2 minutes remaining. The boys thought they had the hat trick. But Rugby League games are never over till the final whistle. Southern Zone Kicked the Ball dead from the kickoff. From the ensuing line dropout the boys played intelligent football to score a try on the sixth tackle as the hooter sounded in the background. Southern Zone 20 def Northern Zone 18. You could not have wished for a more exciting finish. Southern zone took the trophy home for the first time.

 Bob Parrish, country manager for BOC handed out the awards.

 Best Overall player went to Frank Kagai (Lock from Northern Zone)

 Best Back  Chris Jerry (Outside centre Islands zone)

 Best forward went to Wanden Maniet (Prop Southern Zone)

 The PNG Kundus side was selected from the championship. The Kundus will play against Maroons U19 next year in the curtain raiser to second state of Origin in Brisbane.

 It is through BOC gas sponsorship that our Kundu team can go to Australia. It also ensures the skill level of the players is of a standard that enables the boys to be competitive at the Australian level. A number of players have been identified by clubs in Australia as players who may be brought to Australia for further development.

 The competition reinforces the Rugby League code of conduct. Again the objective was reached at the championship as there were no incidents of misconduct on or off the field.

 BOC Gas can be proud of their efforts as we see the standard of our junior rugby league players continue to improve. More and more opportunities are coming to our young players as more teams in Australia are seeking to play against and recruit our rising stars.

 Congratulations BOC Gas on a successful weekend of high class entertaining football. It was a pleasure to be there.

 Jeff Wade, Administrator PNGRFL