Gurias humble Isou

By BENJMAIN KOITAKA
THE high-flying PRK Gulf Isou were brought down to earth by the Agamrk Gurias 42-8 in their Round 3 Digicel Cup clash at the National Football Stadium on Saturday.
The Isou, who had beaten last year’s grand finalists Enga Mioks 34-16 and Goroka Lahanis 12-10 over the opening two rounds, found the Kokopo side a class above as they failed to hold out the slick East New Britons.
Gurias coach Steven Nightingale said he was happy with his side’s performance against a team that was in form.
Gurias centre John Ragi scored a hat-trick of tries while fullback Terry Wapi grabbed two with Eliam Lukara, William Aquila and Francis Takai all crossing the chalk in a dominant display.
The Isou’s only points came from a try by fullback Josh Erico while kicked two goals.
Despite some niggling tactics and rough play by the Isou which led to a confrontation at the halftime whistle, the visitors had the measure of the Gulf side and added 24 points to the 14-2 score while conceding six points.
Isou coach Norris Selu said his side were unable to get their offence going against the Gurias and said they would take the lessons learned and improve in their next game against the Waghi Tumbe in Minj.
“We have more games to play and we’re only three games into the season so we’ll learn from this and bounce back,” Selu said.
“We lost to a great side today and we’ll get better as the season goes on.”
Results: Rd 3 – Sat, April 20: Gulf Isou 8 Agmark Gurias 42, Port Moresby Vipers 12 Hela Wigmen 8; Sun, April 21: Enga Mioks 22 Central Dabaris 24, Waghi Tumbe 14 Hagen Eagles 12, Goroka Lahanis 40 Kimbe Cutters 0, Lae Tigers 8 Mendi Muruks 4.