Bros out-muscle Spartans

 By JOHN PANGKATANA

BROTHERS dropped a bombshell on Spartans’ good form with a 19-3 win in Capital Rugby Union at Monier Rugby Park on Saturday.

Brothers had too much weight up front for Spartans to handle through their forwards Ahulo Ottio, Troy Kuto, Nelson Thoa, Brian Kutal, Tinoi Robert, Boas Roboam and Kini Vele.

Brothers had the Murray Barracks-based outfit struggling to get on top of things with veteran Jack Maraha playing a key role at halfback to control play around the rucks.

Their formidable backline combination continues to show promise with centres  Getsi Raka and Mara Katam, wingers Clint Kut, Ari Mirou and full-back David Malan performing to expectations to shut-out the free flowing Spartans backs.

Robert scored two tries with Roboam and Maraha bagging a try each. 

Maraha and Ruben Kenake kicked two conversions from four for their moral boosting win.

Juggernauts also stepped up their campaign with a solid performance over Lasallians to 27-10 win. 

LaSallians did show some fight in the firsthalf to put Juggernauts under pressure on several occasions, but lacked the finishing to score vital points.

Juggernauts scored tries through secondrow Ellenog Serok (2), Jessie Wayne and centre Frank Gabi Jnr. 

Playmaker Wesley Rooney landed one conversion and a penalty.

Defence, who were down at half-time, came back in a big way to over-run Nova 22-10. 

Defence veteran Graham Sakora looked to have cemented the number eight spot with his gritty performance with fellow backrowers Steven Yasang, Eddie Carl, Henley Mesea and Chris Namani.

Nova looked to be out of sorts in the backs with five-eighth Emmanuel Guise not able to dictate the match.

Competition leaders Trukai Harlequins continued their top form with young centre Terence Uvau stepping out again with another strong performance to beat PNG Ports Wanderers 35-15.

Harlies consistent forwards Leme Tole, Avosa Kaipu, Tommy Kivu and Fairi Fairi did the job up the middle to allow their backs to open up.

Second-placed Kemele University Piggies won the easiest match with a forfeit over Southern Chiefs.