Four-goal Marip helps Bara crush Rainy Lae

BARA continued their fine Women’s National Soccer League form with a 6-2 win over Rainy Lae in the Northern Conference at 11-Mile outside Lae on Saturday.
Helping the second-placed side to their third win of the season, Charlie Marip continued her dominance in attack as she netted four goals – three in as many minutes – to take her tally to 10 goals in two matches.
The Edna Thomas-coached side took control from the eighth minute through Eunice Nabalu, but Rainy Lae tightened their defence to avoid conceding more goals until halftime.
Shalom Amos, Mckelyn Hendingao, Sandra Birum, Deborah Somake and Japun Zobiry were crucial to helping Rainy Lae search for an equaliser.
But Bara re-grouped and extended their lead through Marip 10 minutes into the second half.
They added their third through captain Kesai Kotome who had just returned from the national team’s tri-nations series triumph over hosts Singapore and Seychelles.
Marip then wrapped up the win with her quick-fire treble (63rd, 66th and 69th minute).
Despite the scoreline, Rainy Lae put on a brave performance and were rewarded with a goal each to midfielder Jacklyn Mara and striker Shalom Amos.
In the conference’s other matches at the Papua New Guinea Football Association Education Centre, ladder leaders Lahi rebounded from their 1-1 midweek draw with Poro to shut out rookies LFA Originals 5-0 and continue their unbeaten start.

The second game of the triple-header saw skipper Meagan Gunemba – returning from international duties – help Poro sink visiting Madang side Tusbab Laidamon 3-0.
Gunemba scored two goals and Rakele Seka netted one.
After four matches, Lahi Power lead the conference with 10 points, followed by Bara (9), Poro (7), Rainy Lae (6), Tusbab (3) and Originals (0).
The conference will complete its first round of games with midweek matches today.
It will then take a week-long break before resuming with the second round of games from April 30.