Gurias target winning form ahead of Lahanis clash

Sports

By MICHAEL PHILIP
RABAUL Gurias say they are looking to put together a winning run when they host Goroka Lahanis in round 11 of the Digicel Cup at the Kalabond Oval in Kokopo tomorrow (2pm kick-off).
The second-placed Agmark-sponsored home side will look to win to stay within range of frontrunners Mendi Muruks following their 34-10 win over visitors Gulf Isou last time out.
Host coach Francis Ray told The National that playing a consistent rugby league was crucial to their chances of unseating the Muruks, who have won one game more than the Gurias.
He said back-to-back losses against Hela Wigmen and Waghi Tumbe had given them a reality check.
“It was our defence that cost us wins in rounds eight and nine,” the Papua New Guinea Kumuls legend said.
“We still need improvements to our performance.
“We have to continue our winning form.
“We won the game (last weekend), but that’s not enough as improvements must be consistent to achieve better results.
“We’ve been working hard on the areas that we had lacked against Isou, so we are ready to face the Lahanis this weekend.” Ray said his halves combination of Ase Boas and Saki Peter continued to improve with centres Joe Frank and John Ragi Jr getting more service from their playmakers.
“Ase is obviously an experienced campaigner,” he said of the former Port Moresby Viper and SP Hunter.
“He knows what to do.
“I am really happy to have him back in the team.
“His experience continues to help Saki in his development as a playmaker,” said Ray.