Brethren slump to second loss, ref walks off Royals match

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The National, Wednesday August 08th, 2012

By KEITH PUARIA
PORT Moresby Rugby League title front-runners Brothers fell for the second week in a row 10-6 to Hekari Tarangau on Sunday at the Lloyd Robson Oval.
Tarangau halfback Mackenzie Buka slotted a difficult conversion five metres in from touch with four minutes remaining, after forward John Giru scored and sent the Brethren back to Unagi oval for another long week.
The tight affair saw Brothers go to the break with a 2-0 lead off the boot of Ismael Aute, who returned to add a four-pointer straight after.
Aston Noine then gave Tarangau hope with a try in the 60th minute to keep his side in the game.
The match hung in the balance for most of second half before Giru’s 75th-minute shaker, and the winner from Buka.
In the other matches, Butterflies beat Kone Tigers 26-16 earlier in the day, and Eda Ranu Dobo Warriors again slipped further up the top from the POMRFL competition by four points, with a 32-12 drubbing of Wests on Friday.
Defence beat Puma 4-0 on Sunday, Kone Storms 26-Souths 20, Magani 12 Hohola Dragons 6 and Paga 32 Maiari Eagles 12.
Saturday’s other match between Hawks and Royals was abandoned after the match referee and touch judges walked off the pitch after being threatened by players on the Royals bench.
Royals were leading 12-4, with 26 minutes remaining.
A decision will be made after the competition’s match review committee sits, and reports are received from both sides.