Harlies hogtie Uni in big match

 REIGNING champs Trukai Harlequins flexed their muscle to put a further brake on the Kemele University Piggies return to Monier Rugby Park with their convincing 33-21 win in Capital Rugby Union (CRU) on Saturday.

The win maintains their undefeated run after five matches, while the Piggies are left to do some soul searching with their second consecutive loss.

Harlequins, like they have done to teams so far this season opened up the Piggies defence with their open style and quick rucking game. The heavier Piggies struggled to keep a lid on nippy half-back Kumalau Auru with his good service to playmaker Jonah Kautu Jnr as they probed and sliced through to the try-line in a four try effort in the first-half.

Harlies scored through Arthur Igag, Oswald Gela, Kautu Jnr and Auru to have Uni reeling.

While Harlies failed to back up in the second-half, they posted the try of the match to Gela going over for his second after a half-break from fullback Chris Kakah.

The Piggies managed to hold their own despite the game being won in the first half. 

Veteran Kevin Vitolo provided a steady head in the backs and newcomer Tui Fifiato, Kali Kali, Philip Suapo and replacement Wingti Pena grinded away in the tight.

Other Harlies players that featured in the win were prop Mark Pilon, No.8 Leme Tole and flankers Monty Diave and Avosa Kaipu. 

In the other good win of the round, PNG Ports Wanderers moved into the top three with their 19-18 victory Defence.