Fans turn on Muruks
The National, Monday 29th April 2013
THE PRK Mendi Muruks received a surprise attack from the Mt Hagen Eagles at the Joe Keviame Oval in round three of the Digicel Cup yesterday.
Despite, the game being played at the Muruks home ground, the Eagles were determine to crush them.
Only two late tries from the Muruks draw forced an 8-8 draw.
More than 3,000 people jam-packed the oval after Works Minister and Imbongu MP Francis Awesa presented K50,000 to free the gates in appreciation at hosting a game there after 15 years.
Fifteen 15 minutes into the first half, with cautious footwork and ball handling to counter the bad weather, Eagles inside centre David Kanake crossed the line to grab the first try of the game. The Eagles missed the conversion to lead 4-0.
The Muruks were shut out in all departments, while the heavy rain took its toll and resulted in many errors.
Eagles led 8-0 at half-time as their strong defence denied the Muruks from scoring. Straight after the Eagles second try, the Muruks had to take cover from the missiles thrown by the angry crowd.
The people shouted in frustration, “these are not our Muruk players and where are our players?” Police intervened and calmed the situation as people stopped throwing objects and started chanting support for the Eagles. The Muruks had tries from captain Wesly Benny and Elijah Anton to tie the scores 8-8.