Gurias escape defeat by Cutters with draw

RABAUL Gurias are yet to record their first win after the reigning Digicel Cup minor premiers escaped with a 22-all draw with Kimbe Cutters in round two at Port Moresby’s Oil Search National Football Stadium on Sunday. Cutters, down 4-20 in the opening 20 minutes, scored three unanswered tries to lead 22-20 until the 79th minute when Elipas Pidik converted a penalty for a share of the points. Gurias coach Marcus Kaugla was disappointed with his side’s performance in the second half. “We got off to a strong start early in the game and led 20-4,” Kaugla said. “However, it’s disappointing that we lost our way and allowed the Cutters to claw their way back into the match. “We have a lot of improving to do in round three.” The Gurias scored first in the sixth minute through rookie winger Dominic Anis. His try which was not converted.
The Agmark-sponsored side extended their lead to 1 0-0 after five minutes through playmaker Mark Alunga who set up Issac Patrick to score a converted try under the uprights. The Cutters hit back in the 21st minute when centre Anthony Longa scored in the corner off a Joshua Jimmy kick. An unsuccessful conversion saw the score remain at 10-4. The Gurias extended their lead to 20-4 with tries to Alunga and Baddy Jack. Cutters’ Jethro John and Terrence Waka scored a try each five minutes from halftime as they trailed 16-20 at the break.