Defence break losing streak

 DEFENCE Hawks recorded their first win seven rounds into the Port Moresby AFL season beating City Pharmacy Gerehu Magpies 9.11(65) to 8.3(51) on Saturday. 

In a stunning display of courageous football, youngsters Richard Kila, Shane Jacob and Mission Jiak found enough spark to claim a 14-point victory on the Murray Barracks Oval.

Ruckman Nigel Paloa also combined well with Cyril Gerari and John Bartler in the centre square to win possessions to drive the Hawks forward while Stewart Kadiko (full-forward) and Basil Galegau (fullback) stood out at the opposing ends of the field.

The Magpies faltered in the midfield and centre square without proper coordination after a good first quarter where Ezra Gotuno and Shennan Lavai kicked a goal each swirling conditions.

Hawks, the team from Murray Barracks, also kicked two goals and a behind to lead by a point at quarter time but managed a goal and three behinds in the second frame while the Magpies made better use of their chances with two goals and two behinds.

The Gerehu side started to lose their shape as the game wore with fitness (the lack of it) hampering their game in the crucial third quarter. 

The usually reliable Bruce Sovara struggled to keep pace with his more agile opposition and the Magpies coordination and thrust from centre square suffered as a result.

The Hawks turned on the power in the third quarter and slammed home five goals and seven behinds to leave the Magpies floundering without a score for the entire quarter. 

The Hawks led by 33 points at three quarter time with the scores at 8.11(59) to 4.2 (26).

In the final quarter, the Magpies came storming back kicking four goals and three behinds off the back of three consecutive 50m penalties. 

Hawks added one goal to their tally and held on for a handy victory.

In the earlier match, Hitron Bomana Cats recorded a percentage-boosting 18.5 (113) to 5.4 (34) victory over Kenmore Central Bombers.

In yesterday’s matches Gordons Kokofas 7.3 (45) beat Taurama Suns 6.9 (44), University Tigers 10.8 (68) beat Koboni 3.2 (23) and Dockers 11.7 (71) beat Gulf Giants 2.1 (13).