Harlequins make final

 By KYMLIE KARANI

THE Trukai Harlequins showed why they were the Capital Rugby Union title favorites by outclassing the PNG Ports Wanderers 31-19 at the Monier Rugby Park on Saturday.

Following their loss, Wanderers will go on to play Defence next weekend in the preliminary finals.

In the other semi-final match, the Kemele Construction University Piggies chances of claiming the premiership was ruined when Defence knocked them out on Saturday 16-15 in a hard fought game.

It was a nerve wrecking match between these two rivals, with Defence eventually edging out Piggies by one point at full time. Piggies now bow out for the season.

Wanderers wasted no time scoring past their rival in the fifth minute when former Harlequins player Nogo Kama crossed the line.

Wanderers’ starting line-up in the likes of Pukpuk skipper Aaron Miai, former Pukpuk heavy weights Bojo Ben and Shane Amean led the PNG Ports boys ahead of the Harlies.

It took a while for Harlies to create opportunities to score against a much stronger wall of Wanderers defenders.

In the 10th minute, Harlies finally responded when fullback Ben Levi dashed over the try line taking the score 7-7 after the successful conversion.

Harlies line-up saw premier reserve Royce Bua at fly half in the absence of Jonah Kautu Jnr, who mastered play well alongside Auru brothers at centre Emmanuel and Kumalau and wingers Chris Kakah and Oswald Gela.

Just off a quick penalty in the Harlies territory, Wanderers hard runner Garry Iga touched down to take over 14-7.

Harlies, in returning the favour, sent lose forward Joachim Komoru driving through Wanderers line for an unconverted try to trail 14-12.

Wanderers held their defensive line well stopping Harlies from making any move to score.

In the dying minutes of the first half, Leme Tole scored an easy try off a 5 metre scrum to take Harlies to lead 19-14 after the successful conversion.

The second half saw Harlies come back firing. Half back turned outside centre Kumalau Auru was a stand out in the remaining half of the game with two tries. Only one of his two tries was converted successfully for Harlies 31-14 lead.

Wanderers regrouped and stepped up in their attack play which resulted in a try from Shaun Kamburi in the corner, but it was too late as Harlies eventually won the game 31-19.

Wanderers now prepare to take on Defence this weekend in the preliminary finals while Harlequins have booked a spot for the grand finals next weekend.