Bears, Bulls to meet in final

By MELTON PAIS
Star Mountain 54 Bears will face the Mountain Bulls in the Port Moresby Suburban Rugby League grand final at the Kone Tigers Oval on Sunday.
Two-time grand finalists the Bears clinched a 16-12 win over the Killiton Falcons and the Bulls edged the Marane K-Rats 10-6.
Bears coach Michael Mini said the win was reward for the hard work they put in all season.
“It was a good effort by everybody,” Mini said.
“We had a tough season but to play the way we did and beat the Falcons, who are the minor premiers, gives us a lot of confidence heading into the grand final.”
The Bears looked sharp in the opening minutes with an unconverted try to second-rower Kennedy Ben.
The Falcons were then penalised for a dangerous throw, allowing the Bears extend their lead with a penalty goal.
The Bears edged further in front when hooker Charlie Manu crashed over for a try.
Fullback Ashley Ian made sure of the conversion to give the Bears a handy 12-0 lead in the first quarter.
However, not to be outdone, the Faclons hit back with a try each to forward Rex Luai try and centre Walter Mirupasi to narrow the scoreline to 12-8 heading into the break.
The Falcons came out firing after the break when Hamilton Haufa crossed over to level the scores at 12-12. Just when the Falcons looked set to complete their comeback, winger Ezra Sakai managed to score the winning try to snatch victory for the Bears on the stroke of fulltime.
Mini said his side’s defence proved the difference.
“We had to step up our game compared with past matches,” he said.