Dabaris to battle Cutters in must-win clash for sixth spot

Sports

CENTRAL Dabaris say they are focused on cementing a top-six spot when they travel to West New Britain to face Kimbe Cutters in round 14 of the Digicel Cup tomorrow (2pm kick-off).
“Every game is a grand final for us,” Dabaris coach Steven Gunua told The National ahead of their Sir Peter Humphrey Oval clash.
“We’re focused on improving each week to remain in the top-six.”
With the country’s premier rugby league competition nearing the business end of the season, the sixth-placed Dabaris are determined to end the regular campaign on a high note.
“Every team will be tough to beat at this stage of the season,” Gunua said.
“So we’re taking it one game at a time.
“Every match is a must-win if we are to reach the top-six finals.”
Gunua will count on their Agiru John-led pack to help No.6 William Mone set the platform for their backs to score points.
Mone’s combination with halfback Lote Kuman and fullback Morea Morea will be crucial to the Dabaris’ attack.
“We need to be patient and complete our sets to earn a good result,” Gunua said.
“We have some niggling injuries, but are likely to retain the same line-up from last week.
“I switched Whallan Tau-Loi from lock to centre to strengthen our edge defence.” Meanwhile, Rabaul Gurias will host ladder-leading Mendi Muruks in the top-of-the-table clash at the Kalabond Oval in Kokopo, East New Britain, on the same day (2pm).
On Sunday, Gulf Isou will be looking end their form slump when they host Goroka Lahanis (12.30pm).
Before that match will be a thriller between Kroton-sponsored Hela Wigmen and Moni Plus-backed Port Moresby Vipers (3pm) in the nation’s capital.
Fixtures: Sat, Aug 6 – Cutters v Dabaris, Gurias v Muruks; Sun, Aug 7 – Isou v Lahanis, Wigmen v Vipers, Mioks v Tumbe, Tigers v Eagles.