Gurias record first win

RABAUL Gurias registered their first win of the Digicel Cup season with a 22-4 triumph over Goroka Lahanis in round three at the Oil Search National Football Stadium in Port Moresby yesterday.
The Lahanis trailed 0-6 at halftime but they couldn’t stop the Edward Goma-captained side who scored three unanswered second-half tries which included a double to winger Elias Stanley.
Gurias centre Dominic Anis scored first in the 29th minute as they led 4-0.
Elipas Pidik’s conversion was unsuccessful, however, he managed to kick a penalty goal on the stroke of halftime.
The second half was all the Gurias as their forwards – led by Steven Bruno, Francis Takai and Andickson Yamason – laid the platform for their outside backs to dominate the 2018 champions.
The efforts of the forwards were rewarded when John Ragi Jr, who moved from centre to fill in for injured pivot Mark Alunga, and halfback Dickson Amean combined to set up Elias Stanley in the 45th minute.
Pidik’s conversion extended the Gurias’ lead to 12-0. Ragi and Amean combined again to set up Stanley who completed his double with an unconverted try nine minutes later.
Forward Francis Takai scored the Gurias’ final try in the 61st minute.
The Lahanis only scored a late consolation try through five-eighth Komoxy Keo.
Gurias coach Marcus Kaugla said he was relieved to secure their first win of the season.
“But according to our standards, I still think this was not our best game,” he said.
“I’m impressed with our backs especially Stanley who scored a double and won the man of the match award.”