Gurias keep Lahanis down in Kokopo

 By ELIZABETH VUVU

THE Agmark Gurias scored a hard-fought 12-8 over the Goroka Lahanis at the Kalabond oval yesterday.

The match between the two archrivals was ended abruptedly by substitute referee Reynold Sorari a minute before the fulltime after the Lahanis disputed his call to disallow what would have been the winning try.

Sorari told Lahanis players that Charlie Buka had his foot on the line before he threw the ball back inside so it was not a try.

Sorari was then forced to call off the game and was escorted off the field.

Sorari had earlier replaced match referee Daniel Pupuai in the 66th minute after he had suffrered a leg injury and could not continue.

Lahanis opened the scoring in the 26th minute after good ball movement from 20-metres saw winger Spiro Mikaive crash over.

Minutes later Gurias hit back after Lahanis knocked on in their 20.

Quinton Ragi scored from the ensuing crum.

Gurias capitalised on a penalty after Watson Boas was tackled high.

Ragi set up Francis Paniu to score their second try in the 44th minute.

Lahanis came back strongly with a try to Minaho Goso.

Pupuai put William Aquila on report for a high shot on Felix Tatsim and also John Arme for a high shot on Emmanuel Toide.

Gurias 12 (Q Ragi, F Paniu tries; Paniu 1 con 1 pen) Lahanis 8 (S Mikaive, M Goso tries).