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Sports |
Clash of the top two rivals
Showdown for SP Cup
leaders in Goroka
THE Sir Danny Leahy oval is expected
to come alive this Sunday when early SP Cup competition leaders
Bintangor Lahanis lock horns with Brian Bell Bulldogs of Port
Moresby.
Both teams have registered two convincing wins so far in the SP
Cup race and this weekend’s match is expected to be a thriller for
rugby league enthusiasts in the Eastern Highlands capital.
Bulldogs registered its earlier wins against highly fancied Mabey
and Johnson Muruks 19-12 and Pagini Warriors 26-10, likewise
Lahanis proved its worth by dumping Agmark Gurias 28-18 in Kokopo
and repeated the same treatment against LBC Bombers 32-10 last
weekend.
This weekend’s clash certainly will be a decider as to who is
going to make it with high note in the SP Cup race this season.
Goroka Lahanis on Sunday is sure to have the home-ground
advantage, however, Bulldogs also have some ingredients in its
side to cause headache for the league fans in the Eastern
Highlands capital.
Lahanis coach PETER DANGA said he would be sticking to the same
line-up that upset Bombers last Sunday. However, minor changes
would be made from inter-change in the progress of the game.
Danga stressed that communication would be an important factor his
team need to polish up on to allow the game to flow well for the
side.
“My major emphasis is for my boys to communicate or talk to each
other as much as possible in the field so that the game plan works
out,” Danga said.
Lahanis play-makers in form of Mack Siwi and halfback Cassey Frank
will direct the traffic in the halves with able assistance of rake
Dinima Kerenga.
The forward pack will be lead by consistent skipper Nigel Hukula,
lock Sigfred Gande, block-busting forwards Nicko Slain, Paulus
Mondo and Junior Ropra.
Lahanis also have a classy backline in form of centres Anton Kui,
Garnet Auwo, the wing sensation and crowd-pleaser Alphonse ‘Utai’
Kapi, George Aba and consistent full back Jeffrey Mausi.
Bulldogs coach Chris Enara said so far both teams have already
registered good wins in the competition and Bulldogs will be
treating this game with respect when they take on Lahanis.
The Bulldogs line-up is fullback Burau Burau, wings Joshua Lapa
and Charles Onguglo, centers Larsen Marable and the halve will be
Geno Kima and Jessie Joe, props Thomas Ninkama and Aaron Mulunga
hooker Benjamin John and forwards pack Roy Tela Sucklin Daniga and
lock Johnson Kuike.
In other SP Cup matches this weekend Simbu Warriors will face Enga
Mioks in Wabag, reiging premiers Mabey & Johnson Muruks will meet
Wari Vele Raiders in Port Moresby and LBC Bombers will challenge
Agmark Gurias in Lae.
 
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