Dabaris get first victory of season

CENTRAL Dabaris registered their first win of the season after defeating Goroka Lahanis 34-20 in round two of the Digicel Cup in Port Moresby on Saturday. The Dabaris opened scoring in the eight minute through a try by winger Aigewa Palo before the Lahanis took a 12-4 lead with two four-pointers by centre Warex Nick and hooker Jonathan Gotuno. Two more tries by Dabaris utility Clinton Tube and prop Gerry Ware evened the halftime scores at 12-all. The Central side came back stronger in the second half with tries to winger Morea Morea Jr, centre Andrew Solo (two) and lock Wallen Tau Loi.
The Bintangor-sponsored Lahanis put up an impressive attempt to get ahead of the Dabaris but they only managed to add eight more points in the second half. Gairo Pepena, who was impressed with his side’s performance, said they stuck to their game plan. “We have a very sleek backline but we didn’t use it (last week),” he said. “However, we saw a glimpse of it against the Lahanis. “We have to keep working on our combinations especially our spine. “I wanted that spark and we delivered it especially Morea.” Four of the Dabaris’ seven conversions were unsuccessful.