Gurias face tough test

Sports

By ROBINSON LEKA
AFTER securing the last spot in the top-six, Rabaul Gurias will face their toughest test so far this season in the form of Waghi Tumbe during Sunday’s elimination final of the Digicel Cup.
The do-or-die clash at the Oil Search National Football Stadium in Port Moresby will see Edward Goma and his men from Rabaul face an in-form Tumbe side led by former SP Hunter Joe Frank.
Rookie Tumbe coach and former Hunter Baundo Aba commended his side for an impressive season after winning nine from 11 matches with discipline and hard work at the forefront of their preparations.
“As a coach, I’m really proud of my men,” he said after their 18-14 win over Hela Wigmen last week.
“They listen to each other and they do the small things right.
“That’s why they are here.
“Compared with last year, they are more disciplined and that’s what we want in our game against the Gurias.”
Aba will be banking on the experience of centre Valentine Wamdi and Frank while former Lae Tigers skipper Tiger Emere and lock Supa Kokote will be expected to lead the pack.
The Gurias, who have had a rough season with only four wins, will be looking to spark their finals campaign with the experience of Goma and five-eighth John Ragi Jr.
Ragi and halfback Mark Alunga will form an important combination to help get the Agmark-sponsored side on the front foot against Tumbe.
Both sides are coming off wins in last week’s final round of the regular season and will be out to grab a much-needed victory for a spot in the minor semifinal next Sunday.