Eagles back in race at Muruks’ expense

THE Wantok Gaming System (WGS) Mt Hagen Eagles crashed the Structural Bridge System (SBS) Mendi Muruks’ party with a 24-18 win at the Rebiamul rugby league oval in Mt Hagen.
The Week 16 Digicel Cup fixture saw both teams continue their bash ’em up affair from the last time they met in Lae in Week 7.
The crowd was evenly split with both teams garnering a good support.
Eagles’ George Benson scored a converted try in the first minute to take an early 6-0 lead.
Muruks dummy half Joshua Molsi scored a converted try to draw level at 6-6.
The match was an armwrestle from that point on with both sides employing a physical game to gain the edge.
All that aggression was lapped up by the crowd which willed their sides on but it was Eagles hard-running centre Jason Tali broke the deadlock.
Eagles posted another try though for an 18-6 lead minutes before the half time whistle.
However, Muruks retaliated before the break  to head into the sheds only six points behind.
The first 20 minutes of the second stanza saw no tries as both teams tried to gain the upper hand in terms of field position and possession.
Eagles’ Benny Pamunda crashed his way through the Muruks’ defence after taking a pass from No.7 Mosley Tika to push his side out to a 24-12.
Muruks’ attacking flair was restricted as the Hageners repelled raid after raid.
Muruks made some readjustments to their offensive plays which saw young winger Wellington Albert scoring a try in the 78th minute to draw to within a converted try of the hosts but the  Eagles held their nerve to the final whistle.