Defence monster Juggernauts 24-0

 By JOHN PANGKATANA

DEFENCE sent a message to Capital Rugby Union’s title contenders with a 24-0 win over Juggernauts at Monier Rugby Park on Saturday.

The Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) team based at Murray Barracks put the brakes on Juggernauts keeping the recently established side scoreless.

With both teams fighting to maintain a top four placing, Defence proved the better when they came out all guns blazing.

Defence led 5-0 to a try to winger Mathias Pina in the first-half, then opened the flood-gates through their forwards led by No. 8 Graham Sakora, flanker Eddie Carl, lock Steven Yasang and prop Misiel Silas lifting the tempo at the breakdowns.

Their aggression around the rucks had Juggernauts reeling and were complemented by half-back Libiert Suang also chiming in with his darting runs through traffic.

Defence winger Robert Boli scored two tries, backed up by inspiring runs by Henry Mobiha, who created havoc in the midfield on several occasions.

Mobiha scored a late try down the right flank to give Defence a valuable bonus point as well.

In the other clash on Saturday, Nova ignited their season with a 50-10 thrashing of the Motuan Warriors.

While Nova’s talented Emmanuel Guise featured prominently with a three-try effort and the grinding performance of centre Elipema Kini when he moved to the forwards was the major feature in the win.

In the Sunday matches, PNG Ports Wanderers nailed a lackluster Kemele University Piggies 26-12 and competition leaders Trukai Harlequins beat 28-19 Kramer Ausenco Brothers.