Central Dabaris, Gulf Isou draw in first clash of 2021

CENTRAL Dabaris and Gulf Isou drew 8-8 in round one of the Digicel Cup at the Oil Search National Football Stadium in Port Moresby yesterday. Former SP Hunter and Isou halfback Roger Laka had a couple of opportunities to win the game for his side, but he missed his field goal attempts in front of the uprights in the last five minutes. Isou opened the scoring with a penalty goal through Laka to lead 2-0 early in the match. The Dabaris scored the first try through centre Papa Otto via a set move by Nicky Hasu in the 35th minute. An unsuccessful conversion saw them lead 4-2. Isou reclaimed the lead two minutes from halftime when Jimmy Amean linked up with fullback Obert Muri and set up Gabbie Taune who scored on the wing. A successful conversion by Laka saw them lead 8-4 at the break. The Dabaris lifted their intensity in the second half through forward Troy Taumu and co-captain Adam Korave who did the hard yards. Their efforts paid off in the 50th minute as they levelled the scores at 8-8 when centre Andrew Solo scored an unconverted try in the corner via a set move by halfback Nicky Hasu. The remainder of the game was riddled with errors by both sides.But Isou coach Bagelo Solien said one point was better than nothing.“We bombed a couple of tries,” Solien said.“Hasu had a couple of chances at kicking a field goal, but he failed and it was disappointing.