Uni Piggies stun Defence

 By KYMLIE KARANI

DEFENCE went down fighting to the University Piggies 17-10 on Saturday at Monier Rugby Park in the Capital Rugby Union competition.

In a crucial premier grade match for a top four spot, the Piggies fought back from a 10-0 deficit at half time with a heroic three try effort to defeat their second-placed rivals.

It was a tense first half when both teams struggled through scrappy rugby to build up points.

After almost 20 minutes, Defence winger Mathias Pina broke the dead-lock. 

The successful conversions by Kirarock ‘Rocky’ Ngaffin saw Defence take a 7-0 lead.

Defence backed up with an Adeck Naio penalty for a 10-0.

The Piggies had nothing to offer with Defence muscling up to deny every opportunity in a frustrating first half for the men in sky blue.

The start of the second half was all Defence with referee Ian Liveras marching the Piggies with eight consecutive penalties. 

Defence however could not covert that huge advantage to points as they camped inside Uni’s 22-metre zone for most of the opening 20 minutes of the second half. 

The Piggies were finally rewarded for some staunch defence with a much-needed try from centre Emmanuel Susuve from a set piece play put on by flyhalf Koini Kidi.

Uni’s size advantage in the pack came to the fore as George Hoki, Gabriel Lovare, Tui Fifiato and Barol Homerang began to dominate the ruck.

Piggies finally took the lead, 12-10, when speedster Simon Gaius stepped his way through a staggered Defence line to score their second try which was successfully converted by halfback Geno Susuve.

In the remaining minutes before fulltime, Piggies enforcer Hoki drove over into Defence territory to score the winner.

Hoki’s unconverted try ensured that they finished with a bonus point. Uni now prepare to take on Nova this weekend to cement a playoff berth.