Harlequins snare first win

 By JOHN PANGKATANA

REIGNING champions Harlequins dug deep to deny a second-half fight-back from Nova to finally etch a win in Capital Rugby Union (CRU) on Saturday in Port Moresby.

The Trukai Industries-sponsored outfit led 19-5 at half-time and despite the latter showing signs of a revival, held on with 14 players to win 22-17.

With Harlies yet to register a win, they came out all guns blazing to record the Pacific Industries-sponsored Nova outfit their first loss for the season.

With both sides scoring early tries to centres Tisa Kautu (Harlies) and Jacob Wodo (Nova) the match looked set to be an arm-wrestle. Harlies made their job harder with referee Sailosi Druma showing a red card to second-five Roland Namo for dissent, 15 minutes into the match.    

Despite one player down, the Harlies forwards took it upon themselves to apply pressure with the quick rucking game and with new half-back Eugene Tovue providing good service, the cracks in the Nova defence started to appear. 

Nova’s defensive lapses led to two tries to Harlies props Barnabas Mundia and Derek Paraka to take them to a commanding 19-5 lead at halftime. 

Nova looking to re-assert themselves found an opening for the fleet-footed Manu Guise on the right edge, that led to No.8 Elipema Kini backing up in support to bulldoze his way over to bring the deficit down to nine points.

The inclusion of Kapua Kapua in the front-row and sevens international Hensley Peter in the centres for Nova, looked to make an impact but were continually foiled by Harlies defence.

Harlequins extended their lead through a Royce Bua penalty goal, and despite Nova showing signs of a comeback with a late try to Guise, time eventually ran out for them.   

Results: Harlequins 22 Nova 17, Brothers 41 LaSallians 20, Defence 62 Southern Chiefs 12, Wanderers 29 North Harbour Vikings 0, University Piggies 36 Spartans 26.