By HAIVETA KIVIA
LAE Secondary School star players Paraka Newman and Kinston Pisep produced a brilliant piece of play to win the Under 18 Lae Schoolboys Rugby League premiership.
The duoís brilliance resulted in a 12-6 win over arch rival Bugandi Secondary in the replayed grand final.
Pisep for his brilliance was named player of the year and Newman the best and fairest.
The grand final was replayed after both teams drew 6-6 all in normal and extra time in the premiership decider two weeks ago.
A replay was ordered and resulted in Lae Secondary win on Saturday at the Lae Rugby League ground.
In the 65th minute, captain and hooker Newman split the Bugandi defence on his own 40-metre mark, from dummy half. He dashed to opposition 40-metre line and sent pass back inside to Pisep, who was on fly.
Pisep, in a foot race with Bugandiís Nelson Sonny, raced in to score 15 metres out from the up-rights. Newman completed their act when he nailed the conversion against a slight breeze blowing in from the Hun Gulf.
Bugandi had scored first when Sonny scored in around the same spot that his opponent Pisep had scored.
The lead was short lived when Lae Secondary winger John Keleu scored in the corner after series of mistakes and penalties went against Bugandi in dying minutes of first half.
The second half was arm wrestle until the Newman potted a successful penalty midway into the stanza.
But, they also allowed a similar offside penalty to Bugandi and Trim Isaac converted the penalty to tie the scores at 6-6.
The game was there for the taking and it was Newman and Pisepís brilliance that turned it Lae Secondaryís way.
Lae Secondary halfback Vanua Kila was named his sideís best back and hardworking second rower Bernard Loma- best forward.
Bugandiís award winners were Mark Mexico - best back, Wesley Kay and Koris Pawo - best and fairest.