Goilala hold off Hiri West to keep title hopes alive

By JOSEPH REMA
GOILALA kept their title hopes alive with an 18-10 win over Hiri West in the Central Province Premier Rugby League A-grade playoffs in Port Moresby on Friday.
Hiri West were first to open the scoring with an unconverted try to prop Dairi Dairi four minutes into the game at the Murray Barracks Oval. A penalty saw Hiri West take a six-point lead. However, the lead was brief as Goilala replied through a converted try by prop Ismael Raka to even the scores at halftime.
The second half saw Goilala and Hiri West come out firing with both sides trying desperately to gain the upper hand.
Hiri West forwards Max Mol, Rimua Mavara and Vagira Yarube were solid with their carries which resulted in an unconverted try.
A move by Hiri West saw Morea Pisae touching down on the left edge but the try was disallowed after the winger was ruled to have knocked on.
However, it was Goilala five-eighth Allan Vavine and Pio Allan who sealed the win when they crossed for converted tries.
Hiri West tried desperately to claw their way back into the match but were contained by a determined Goilala outfit.
Goilala coach Tony Lauma said he was pleased with the team effort.
“I’m happy to see our A-Grade and Under-20 teams win their games,” he said. “The wins came on the back of strong defensive efforts by both teams.”
Both teams enter the elimination finals this week.