Eagles claim Muruks scalp

 THE Mt Hagen Eagles got past the Mendi Muruks 12-10 at the Rebiamul Oval in Mt Hagen yesterday in the Digicel cup rugby league challenge.

The game was a typical clash between the two Highlands neighbours with neither team giving a quarter for the during of the match.

The victory could be put down to the homeside finally making adjustments to their straight style and playing a wider game.

Eagles captain Jason Tali broke through for the first try which Ham Tee converted.

Eagles held the lead for most of the half before a concerted Muruks drive into Eagles territory resulted in Nathan Berry dotting down for the visitors for a 6-4 score line.

In the second half Muruks lifted in intensity with Bobby Yakopa, David Adams, Ian Mako and second-rower Isaac Mel playing a more prominent role in their sets.

The Eagles weathered the storm and dealt a morale-sapping blow with  Bartley Wama dashing through for a converted try to lead the Muruks 12-4. 

Muruks No.7 Joshua Molsi got one back for the Southern Highlanders but this would be the last score for the Mendi men.

The Eagles best were Tali, Benny Pamunda, Tee, Solo Kumin and Francis Pengti. 

Muruks would rue to the fact that their error rate was a major factor in stopping them from building pressure.