Gurias wary of Lahanis

By ROBINSON LEKA
THE Rabaul Gurias are aiming to cement second spot and hand the Goroka Lahanis their fifth loss of the Digicel Cup season when they meet in Lae tomorrow (2pm kick-off).
But a Lahanis round-six victory at the Lae Rugby League Ground could see the Gurias slip to as low as fifth, with only a point separating Rabaul and the Port Moresby Vipers.
Gurias manager Mapua Tamtu said they needed to improve on their ball control and discipline against the 2018 champions, who recorded their first win of the season on Sunday.
He said despite the match being moved from their home ground in Kokopo to Lae, the emphasis was on restoring fluency in their game after recording poor completion rates in their past three matches.
“The bottom line is that we have to keep working hard this weekend and be more disciplined,” Tamtu said.
“Giving away cheap possession and penalties will only allow our opposition back into the contest.
“Our completion rates have not been good and I’d say that our last game was still not good.
“We completed our sets probably below 50 per cent of the time.
“The combination between Allan Simbiri and Watson Boas has been progressing well.
“But it comes back to how we control the ball because we can’t do much if we’re giving away possession and defending during the game.”
Meanwhile, the visiting Kimbe Cutters face defending champions and ladder leaders Tigers before Gulf Isou take on the Enga Mioks in Lae on Sunday.
The Tigers, who had a week off last weekend will be reenergised and looking to extend their lead in the competition against Coach Jesse Alunga and his men.
Fixtures: Sat, Aug 15 — Rabaul Gurias v Goroka Lahanis; Sun, Aug 16 – Port Moresby Vipers v Waghi Tumbe, Central Dabaris v Mendi Muruks, Hela Wigmen v Mt Hagen Eagles, Lae Tigers v Kimbe Cutters, Enga Mioks v Gulf Isou.