Gurias fight back to defeat premiers in thrilling opener

By MICHAEL PHILIP
RABAUL Gurias registered their first win of the season defeating 2023 champions Enga Mioks 38-28 at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby on Saturday.
Gurias had a slow start in the first half but managed to get a win against the Mioks, who missed the services of a few players from last year.
“We fought hard in the first half but came exhausted in the last minutes and that helped them to score,” Gurias captain Wesley Batari said.
“It’s good to bag the first win of the season, we will fix these areas and give it a good go next week.”
Mioks started the match with two early tries to winger Joel William with five-eight Andy Tand converting only one try to lead 10-0 in the first 30 minutes.
Gurias came strong in the final 10 minutes of the half with playmaker Batari slotting in towering prop and Hunters squad member Tony Worot for their first try, with a successful conversion from halfback Mark Alunga to trail Mioks 10-6.
The Rabaul boys kept their momentum alive with three successful converted tries from left winger Dominic Anis Jnr, centre Emil Benjamin and right winger Chris Benjamin to further lead 24-10 at half time.
After the break, Gurias Emil Benjamin capitalised on Mioks unorganised defence in the first minute to register another four pointer for his side, with Alunga successful converting the try to lead 30-10.
Gurias inconsistent play helped Mioks bagged two successful tries from William and Maya Tusa to trail 30-22.
Sneaky fullback Junias Guan extended Gurias’ lead with two unconverted tries before Mioks’ Wilson Teo crossed over for a consolation try to end the match 38-28.
Meanwhile, in the first round one game at the National Football Stadium, Mt Hagen Eagles claimed a gusty 20-14 win over hosts Gulf Isou.
“It was a tough match, every teams aim to win the first round so as us,” coach Francis Ray said.
“But it’s good they put up a good contest against us. We will polish up this week and come back better next week.”