Rabaul Gurias shake off Gulf Isapeas in PNG Digicel cup

AGMARK Gurias prevailed again on home ground beating the Gulf Isapeas 32-22 during round 14 of the Digicel Cup at the Kalabond oval yesterday.

Ten minutes into the game, the visitors drew first blood when halfback Joshua Thomas took advantage of a sloppy Gurias defence to score an unconverted try to lead by 4 points.

Gurias put themselves on the score board 18 minutes when captain Ase Boas slotted in a penalty kick to trail 4-2. 

The penalty came after Nixon Kolo was sent to the sin bin for judging the referee’s call.

Twenty-three minutes into the game Gurias took over the lead after a Joe Bruno try, going straight through the Isapeas’ to score under the posts. Boas converted the try for the to lead 8-4.

Eleven minutes later, a good timing pass by Gurias stalwarts Dion Aiye saw Kevin Frank running into a yawning gap to score their second try with Wartovo converting it 14-4.

Boas picked up a loose ball after Jimmy Peter Jr knocked on the ball and raced away to score another converted try for the Gurias, bringing the game to the break at 20-4.

Isapeas opened the accounts in the second half after Gurias centre Jacky Marcus did an obstruction play and got penalised. After four tackles, Barry Pakaheya scored on the eastern side and Jason Koivi converted 20-10.

Fifteen minutes later into the second half, a brilliant pass by Kumul member Mexico saw Frank diving over the try line. 

Francis Paniu converted the try for a 26-10 lead.

Gurias then shifted the gear upwards for Boas Ruru to score a try which was converted by Paniu to put the scores 32-10.

Isapeas, with their “never-say-die” attitude scored two converted tries in the last 15 minutes for a 32-22 finish.

Isapeas coach Nigel Hukula said both sides played an entertaining brand of football but the Gurias were able to snuff out the Isapeas when it mattered the most and that was the difference between the two sides.

“It is a learning experience for the boys. 

We are trying to get them to play some structured football and to be a little more disciplined in what they do,” Hukula said.