Gurias knock Isapea out of finals

By LARRY ANDREW
THE Gulf Isapea’s hopes of advancing to the next stage of the Digicel Cup finals series ended yesterday with defending champions Agmark Gurias out-classing them 34-12 at the Lae Rugby League ground.
The first match of the double-header was evenly contested as both the Gurias and Isapeas kept fans on their toes with an entertaining style.
The more expereinced East New Britons were first on the board with two penalties by winger Elipas Pidik for a 4-0 lead.
The Isapea with captain Bernard Goma Jr, Rodney Pora, Tabal Henry, Jack Manda and lock Josiah Keviame were more than amatch against the seasoned Gurias pack led by Tuvi Lepan.
Manda crossed for the Crocodiles and halfback Japhet Olik converted for the Gulf side to take the lead 6-4.
The Gurias were stung into action and with Pidik crossing in the corner to regain the lead 10-6.
The match seesawed with neither side gaining the ascendency until Isapea fullback Tau Muri joining the action to score beside the uprights and Olik knocked over the conversion for his side to claim a 12-10 lead.
The Gurias had the last say in the half with winger William Aquila crossing while Pidik kicked a penalty just before the halftime for a 16-12 lead.
The Gurias did not let up in the second 40 minutes with hooker Stanley Olo bagging a double and Pidik getting his second. Pidik kicked two conversions while Emmanuel John added one as the reigning premiers showed their class.
Isapea coach Norris Selu said he was proud of what the team had achieved in 2016 and commended the Gurias for a professional performance.
He said his side had been competitive in the first half but fell away in the second stanza while the Gurias had taken their opportunities when they presented themselves and showed their class.
Gurias 34 (William Aquila, Stanley Olo 2, Elipas Pidik 2 tries; E Pidik 3 con, 3 pen, Emmanuel John con) Isapea 12 (Jack Manda,Tau Muri tries; Japhet Olik 2 con) HT: 16-12 (Gurias) at Lae Rugby League.