Dabaris down LahanisDabaris down Lahanis

By JACK AMI

HALFBACK Allan Simibiri’s late game management and accuracy with the boot helped the Fortuna Fresh Central Dabaris claim an 18-14 win over the Bintangor Goroka Lahanis at the National Football Stadium yesterday.
The round four Digicel Cup clash provided an equal measure of attacking highlights as well as brutal hits for an estimated 4000-plus fans.
Simbiri converted all three Dabaris tries, including one from the side line in the first half, to take his tally to 16 from 18 attempts or an 89 per cent success rate.
It wasn’t just the No.7’s goal kicking that contributed to the club’s third win of the season, and their first at home, but his and halves partner Junior Belo’s kicking in the final quarter that forced the Lahanis to work their way back from deep.
Simbiri, of Central and Eastern Highlands, also proved the difference for his side with a difficult conversion last week in Wabag to earn his side a 24-22 win over the Enga Mioks.
The first try of the game came off a high ball put up by Simbiri in the seventh minute which Goroka fullback Jah Hogen spilled under pressure in front of his posts and Dabaris back-rower Rex Kaupa Jr gathered it in before playing the ball quickly for the Central men to stretch the right side for wing Vewari Geno to crash over in the corner.
From that point on the most of the half was played in Dabaris territory with the Eastern Highlanders launching set after set at the Central line but were held out by some resolute defence. Hogen finally got his side on the board in the 28th minute after slicing through on the left edge.
Lahanis five-eighth Nick Hasu missed the sideline conversion but the visitors were over again in the 32nd minute through hooker Charlie Buka, who muscled his way over to from close range.
Hasu again failed to convert and the Lahanis took an 8-6 lead to halftime.
The Dabaris suffered a blow in the opening minute when centre Jack Oii was forced from the field with a shoulder injury which saw back-rower Clyde Name shift to the backs.
Dabaris coach Chris Enara was pleased with the result and commended his players for keeping their discipline throughout the game and taking their opportunities.
The home side regained the lead in the 49th minute with a converted try to winger Kostka Tobata and extended the lead further through No.1 John Stanley to be 18-8 ahead heading into the final quarter.
The Lahanis cut the deficit to four points in the 70th minute after centre Norman Brown regathered a chip-and-chase and winger Sefa Dait crashed through two Dabaris defenders to ground the ball.
Hasu slotted the goal and the Lahanis then went into overdrive trying to score the equaliser but were held out by the Centrals.
“We’re a new team and we’re taking this competition one game at a time but we’re happy with the win,” Enara said.
“We need to keep improving our defence and work on completing sets and see how we go from there.”
Lahanis coach Umba Peter said his side had made too many errors and allowed the Dabaris to score at crucial stages in the second half and they would learn from the experience.
The visitors were led well by prop Gonzella Urakusie with forwards Jacob Gibbs, Zebedee Uruba standing out.
Hogen was a constant threat while Adex Wera, who turned out for the Lahanis, was kept quiet by the Dabaris defence.
Dabaris’ best were Simbiri along with back-rowers Rex Kaupa and Chris Vani and fullback Stanley.
Central Dabaris 18 (Vewari Geno, Kostka Tobata, John Stanley tries; Allan Simbiri 3 con) Goroka Lahanis 14 (Jah Hogan, Charlie Buka, Sefa Dait tries; Nick Hasu con) at NFS, Port Moresby. H/T: 8-6 (Lahanis).
Round four results: Sun, April 28 – Central Dabaris 18 Goroka Lahanis 14, Port Moresby Vipers 4 Lae Tigers 28, Kimbe Cutters 18 Hela Wigmen 26, Mt Hagen eagles 12 Enga Mioks 12, Mendi Muruks 4 Rabaul Gurias 16, Waghi Tumbe 28 Gulf Isou 12.
Standings: Gurias 8 (+86), Tigers 8 (+66), Tumbe 8 (+23), Dabaris 6 (+18), Eagles 5 (+2), Isou 4 (-28), Lahanis 2 (+34), Muruks 2 (-16), Wigmen 2 (-24), Vipers 2 (-39), Mioks 1 (-20), Cutters 0 (-96).