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Sports |
Raiders in the lead
By MUSARIKE ANANGAI
The Wari Vele Raiders have grabbed
the outright lead in the SP Cup after defeating the Mabey &
Johnson Muruks 14-12 at the Lloyd Robson Oval in Port Moresby
yesterday.
The Raiders snatched the lead for the first time in the match
inside the last ten minutes through a penalty goal by centre
Rodney Kipa before surviving several Muruks surges at their line
to inflict the Muruks second loss in the nation’s capital.
In the other round three matches played around the country the
Bulldogs and the Lahanis played out a 26-26 draw in Goroka, the
Bombers recorded their first victory 32-10 over the Gurias in Lae
while the Warriors prevailed 14-8 over the Mioks in Porgera.
In Port Moresby Kipa’s penalty goal proved to be the difference
after both teams scored three unconverted tries each in a mistake
riddled match.
Muruks centre Mathew Puke dived over after the ball was quickly
spread wide after only seven minutes at the back of three early
penalties.
The Muruks found themselves in good field territory at the 20th
minute mark after the Raiders were penalised for tackling prop
George Moni high near half way.
A minute later centre Jonathan Wagano ran onto a short pass from
lock Malachy Owen before stepping Raiders fullback Emmanuel Uki to
score and extend the lead to 8-0.
The Raiders hit back nine minutes from halftime when halfback Geno
Ralani and centre Jared Haoda created space for winger Wilfred
Henry, who burst down the right flank, kicked over Samuel Nap and
won the race for the ball in the in-goal.
Four minutes later on the last tackle, Wilfred picked up the ball
from dummy half and muscled over Muruks’ Sova Milfred and Johnie
Toank to plant the ball inches from the right corner post.
The scores were locked at 8-8 at halftime but the Muruks scored
nine minutes into the second half after Uki handed over possession
on his own 40m line.
Winger Leroy Muriki spilled a Wagano bomb which was quickly
scooped up by Puke who dived over for his second try.
The Muruks paid dearly for giving away two successive penalties
after the 60th minute as the Raiders spread the ball wide once
more creating an overlap for Leo Chris to score.
The scores were locked at 12-12 before the Muruks gave away an off
side penalty enabling Kipa to kick the winner.
At the completion of the round Raiders (6), Lahanis, Bulldogs (5),
Warriors (4), Eagles (3), Muruks, Bombers, Gurias (2) and Mioks
(1).
 
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