Harlies run riot over Chiefs

 By JOHN PANGKATANA

HARLEQUINS amassed a lop-sided 109-0 win over a hapless Southern Chiefs to ignite their 2013 title defence in Capital Rugby Union (CRU).

For reigning champions Harlequins it was another day in the office as they shut-out the Chiefs in what some described as a ‘training run’.

Following their first up win over Motuan Warriors and now the Chiefs, they are only warming up to take on some of the stronger clubs.

The Trukai-sponsored without some of their regulars in Sarufa Kingsley-Lea, Desmond Korpok and Monty Diave in the forwards did not raise a sweat, as the latter struggled to  for possession.

While in the backs, PNG Sevens internationals Tisa Kautu, and Chris Kakah and fullback Terence Uvau all featured prominently in the 17-try rout.

As expected the match between Murray Barracks rivals Defence and Spartans spewed out of control as emotions spilled onto Monier Rugby Park minutes before full-time in Port Moresby also on Saturday.

The match was locked at 18-18 when play was prematurely called off. 

Spartans looked to have wrapped up the game with two second-half tries to loose-head prop Steven Sebastian and five-eighth Sawi Sukumbal to lead 18-13, after an 8-8 half-time scoreline.

A late try drew Defence level and also raised tensions on and off the field as the match went down to the wire before the field invasion. 

In the other premier division match, Kramer Ausenco Brothers put the brakes on Wanderers with a 24-7 win. 

The return of PNG development squad members Mara Katam, Getsi Raka and Cyjoh Waingut from their recent Gold Coast tour certainly ignited Brothers as they opened up in the second-half after a 7-7 half-time score.

Katam, running in the centres scored two tries, with Raka snaring the other. 

Mana Opina kicked a conversion and a penalty while David Malam and Ruben Kenake kicked a conversion each as well in the good win. 

Yesterday’s matches saw University beat Warriors 37-12 in a closer than expected tussle while   LaSallians edged Nova 19-12 in a minor upset.

The women’s 10s results: Harlequins 62 Wanderers 0, Spartans 24 Nova 14.