Gulf Isou deny Hagen Eagles chance to go into top six

GULF Isou came from behind to win 18-17 and deny Mt Hagen Eagles a chance to enter top-six at the Oil Search National Football Stadium in Port Moresby yesterday.
The Eagles looked certain to win when they led 17-10 with seven minutes remaining in the round-10 Digicel Cup match.
However, former SP Hunters winger Gairo Kapana’s converted try – from some individual brilliance – and a penalty goal by Gebbie Taune saw the hosts escape with a win.
Isou coach Bagelo Solien, who reckons they still have a chance to qualify for the finals, said he was proud of his team’s effort.
“Mathematically, I still think anything is possible, depending on the round-11 results,” the former national women’s rugby league team coach said.
“We had a close game against Port Moresby Vipers in the previous round.
“We had another close one against the Eagles.
“But this time, the result was in our favour.”
The Eagles scored first through fullback Brendon Anis in the corner but centre Scott Francis missed the sideline conversion.
Isou hit back a few minutes later when lock Rieko Jimmy burst through the Eagles defence and scored under the uprights. Taune’s conversion saw Isou lead 6-4 in the 20th minute.
Isou extended their lead on the stroke of halftime when fullback Obert Muri slipped through a gap and scored beside the uprights. Kapana attempted the conversion and missed as Isou led 19-4 at the break.
The Eagles levelled the scores in the 52nd minute when Herold Kinda scored under the uprights and Francis made sure of the conversion.