DEEFENDING premiers Airways Sunam (women) and Hornibrooks United (men) survived another tough tussle to push their luck in the major semi final of the Port Moresby Hockey finals this weekend.
Sunam put up a strong display of defensive hockey to eliminate Bismarck by one goal to nil.
Bismarck started off strongly and dominated the most part of the game however, their forwards failed them in the goal scoring department.
Sunam found fortune in the last five minutes when centre half Julie Alau’s pass found Helen Morowan whose shot deflected off the goalkeeper’s pads only to find Lalamen Kariton who had no problem in scoring the winning goal, the only goal of the match.
In the major semi final, PNG Gardener held of the determined Hornibrook to a scoreless draw which enabled them to advance into grand final. United now will fight it out with Airway Sunam to meet PNG Gardener in the finals.
In the B grade, Airways Sunam advance to the grand final while Rapatona will take on Hornibrook United who have eliminated debutant PNG Gardener in a one-all draw match last weekend.
In the men’s final, Hornibrooks booked the first grand final berth following a drawn match against Airways Sunam. Sunam will now take on Bismarck who eliminated debutant PNG Gardener.
In the men’s B grade, Rapatona surprised a fancied Hornibrooks United outfit to beat them by a one goal to nil.
In the other matches, PNG Gardener held experienced Bismarck to a nil-all draw.
PNG Gardner despite lack of experience played well through Sam Mulina and Alex Dep in the backs and Niels Illumpui and Tommy Miro in the forwards to trouble Bismarck.