Double tie

A RARE double tie was recorded during yesterday’s bemobile Cup rugby league competition.
Competition front runners Agmark NGIP Guria could not ask for better away present than a 22-22 draw against Toyota Mioks in Wabag to sit snuggly ahead of the rest on the points table, Bintangor Eagles drew 12-12 with visitors Civpac NCDC Vipers in Goroka, Bintangor Lahanis beat SBS Muruks 22-16 in Lae and Masta Mak Rangers crushed PNGACTL Bombers 18-6 in Port Moresby.
The Rangers-Bombers clash at the Lloyd Robson Oval in the capital city did not reach any great heights yesterday, as it was marred by a  high rate of handling errors by both sides.
The visitors’ errors started four minutes into the game, when five-eighth Mark Mexico bombed a certain try by spilling the ball over the line.
The Rangers, taking advantages of the wind behind them, opened the scorebook in the seventh minute when ever green five-eighth Benjamin John set up flashy fullback Samson Ene to score out wide with the conversion unsuccessful.
That was only try of the first half but that was no credit to their defence.
Both sides had their fair share of opportunities but lack of completion and unforced errors denied them from translating the opportunities into points.
Bombers lock forward Noel Waso registered their first points in the 28th minute, when Rangers’ forward Francis Ray’s gave away a cheap penalty in front of his goal posts for tackling Bombers centre Bruce Steven without the ball.
Steven was about to latch onto the ball from halfback Peter Peyala’s chip kick at the Rangers’ 10m mark.
Peyala struck again in the 36th minute when he outpaced the tiring Rangers defence for 40m before off-loading to flashy winger Samson Ninge to dive over the tryline.
Waso converted and Bombers led Rangers 6-4 lead at the break.
The Bombers were their own worst enemies in the second half, succumbing to a high rate of unforced errors and inviting the Rangers to dominate them in the second 40.
The Rangers crossed the Bombers’ line three times, twice to hooker Ate Bina Wabo and once to Charles Onguglo.Bejamin John was only successful with one conversion.
Rangers coach Dr James Napao was not satisfied with their performance, saying his boys need to improve on some areas before the competition enters the final series in four weeks time.
Meanwhile, Bombers coach Lukas Daniel commended his side for an improved showing, saying his young charges are going confidence by the week.
“I have a very young side, who are learning from the experience at this level of football.
“They would be the guys who will lead a strong Bombers outfit in the near future,” Daniel said.