Source:
The National, Monday 15th April, 2013
By FRANKIY KAPIN
JUBILATION reverberated around Kokopo town as the Agmark Gurias buried the Mendi Muruks 36-12 at the Kalabon “Graveyard” in the opening Digicel Cup game yesterday.
Captain Ase Boas led the charge for the Gurias, making sure the Muruks had nowhere to run and no way to hide.
The Muruks were unable to find their feet from kick off.
The most impressive performance in the forwards for the Gurias was led by the team’s imports Mark Mexico collaborating with Danny Patrick and second rower Emmanuel John.
The Muruks defence was scattered by the barging hit-ups of Kumuls forward and former Lae Tiger Mexico.
He proved to be a worthy replacement for Rodney Pora who left for England earlier this year.
Continued Gurias and Kumuls fullback Albert Patak, Wartovo Puara Junior in a man-of-the-match performance, Joe Bruno and Boas made easy gains in opposition ground, reeling from the line breaks of Mexico and Patrick.
Five minutes into first half, Patak dodged the Muruks defence to score on the left. Boas failed to convert.
From the Muruks kick-off, the Gurias backline fired back as scrum half Puara made sure utility Francis Paniu dived in the right corner to lead 8-0.
Boas again failed to add the extras.
Ther Gurias backline lead by Puara, Boas and Dion Aiye ruled the Graveyard, pounding the Muruks almost at will.
Coming off the bench, new recruit Travis Waninara was next to score for the Gurias, touching down next to the uprights.
Boas concerted to make it 14-6.
Paniu went in for his second try to end the first half.
The Gurias sealed the match in the second stanza with tries to Emmanuel Toide and Emmanuel John and successful conversions from Boas and Paniu clinching the match at 36-12.
Muruks 12 points came from Dicksy Ana and Aaron Kila, with a standout performance by Andrew Buka and Isaac Mel.
The Gurias travel to Port Moresby next week for their second game against the Vipers.