Gurias fall to first loss

 By ZACHERY PER

Defending Digicel Cup champions, the Gurias fell 21-10 to the Lahanis at the National Sports Institute ground in Goroka yesterday.

The Lahanis opened the scoring with an unconverted try followed by a Joseph Peter penalty.

The top of the table clash attracted a record crowd to the NSI ground with the home side having the majority backing.

Lahanis star Bernard Tatsim Junior was the first to cross the Gurias line and converted for the 6-0 lead.

The visitors worked hard to put winger Emmanuel Toide over in the corner to trail 4-6. 

Midway into the first half, the Lahanis scored through inside centre Kevin Inagafa before skipper Nicko Ubile went over. Only one of the tries was converted as the home side lead comfortably 16-4.

Just before going for break, the Gurias barged through Lahanis defence for forward Joe Bruno to dive in under the cross bar. 

The try was converted by centre Francis Paniu as the Gurias trailed 10-16 at the break.

The two sides fought evenly in the second half that nearly ended tryless. The homeside missed several chances through poor handling despite being in good territory.

The Gurias missed a try in the dying minutes through a forward pass.

The Gurias hardest tryers were Wartovo Puara Jnr, Albert Patak, Paniu, Christ Jerry, Toide, Bruno, Mark Mexico, Kevin Frank, Quinton Ragi and Travis Waninara.

The Lahanis kept their hopes alive into the dying minutes with Peter kicking a field goal and Spiro Mikaive scoring to seal the game 21-10.

Results: Lahanis 21 Gurias 10, Muruks 12 Vipers 44, Isapea 32 lions 28, Tigers 24 Mioks 12, Eagles 24 Wigmen 10.

Table: Lahanis 8, Gurias 6, Tigers 6, Vipers 6, Eagles 5, Mioks 4, Isapea 4, Muruks 1, Wigmen 0, Lions 0.