Basketball talents boost Dogs

REPRESENTATIVE basketballer Cornelius Muri, Gordon Negi, Barry Waliya and Bruno Brooks each scored a try to help Kaugere Bulldogs end Gabutu Dragons’ unbeaten Moresby South Rugby League run on Sunday.
The Bulldogs opened the scoring in the sixth minute when winger Waliya crossed over for an unconverted try on the left edge, but Dragons’ Ita Paisoi levelled the scores with a four-pointer several minutes later.
Muri was in good form as he set up Bruno Brooks for the Bulldogs’ second unconverted try in the 18th minute at Moresby South Stadium.
This was followed by a penalty goal from Gabutu’s Owen Mark to get the Dragons within two points of the Dragons in the A-grade clash.
But moments before halftime, Muri crossed over for the Bulldogs’ third try which was converted by Quinten Waripe for a 14-6 lead.
After the break, from a scrum win, skipper Negi stepped his way past Gabutu’s edge defence and crossed over near the uprights for the Bulldogs’ only points of the second half.
The Dragons responded through an unconverted try by Ita Paiso who cut the deficit to 10-20.
Gabutu continue their fightback when centre Martin Paisoi sneaked through the defence for a try which was converted by Joey Kumbi to make it a four-point ball game.
But the Dragons failed to make the most of the remaining three minutes as Kaugere held on to inflict Gabutu’s first loss of the season.
Meanwhile, in other results, Six Mile Crows beat Koki Eels 22-4 and Joyce Bay Roosters forfeited Koro Souths.