Gurias continue winning form with 26-8 victory over Eagles

By MICHAEL PHILIP
RABAUL Gurias continued their winning run after they beat visitors Mt Hagen Eagles 26-8 in round six of the Digicel Cup at the Kalabond Oval in Kokopo on Saturday.
Winger Dominic Anis bagged two unconverted tries to give the hosts an 8-4 lead at halftime.
The Gurias picked up from where they left off in the first half when veteran halfback Ase Boas and five-eighth Saki Peter steered their backline to send Anis over for his third converted try, which was converted.
Gurias winger Chris Benjamin and centre Joe Frank each scored a converted try to lead 26-4.
The Eagles responded with their second unconverted try by fullback Joe Joshua seven minutes from fulltime, but the Gurias managed to see out the match to continue their strong start to the season.
Gurias coach Francis Ray said despite the win, they would look to improve their defence in their next match against hosts Central Dabaris at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby on Sunday.
“The Eagles gave us a good challenge,” he said.
“We just have to work hard and improve our defence. “That’s where we mostly lacked during the game.
“Our defence let us down in the first 40 minutes.
“We also have to stick to our game plan.”
Meanwhile, coach Charles Kuri said he was happy to see his Eagles improve against the Gurias.
“We really improved compared with our last five games,” he said.
“My players lacked possession.
“But based on this performance, we are confident of continuing to improve as the season progresses.
“We will have to work hard on our attack and defence.
“All in all, it was a good challenge against the hosts.”
Results: Sat, May 28 – Gurias 26 Eagles 8; Sun, May 29 – Wigmen 22 Cutters 14, Isou 20 Muruks 30, Lahanis 46 Vipers 22, Mioks 24 Dabaris 12, Tumbe 18 Tigers 6.