Hela off to grand final

SOLOMON Pokari helped the Hela Wigmen reach Sunday’s Digicel Cup grand final with an extra-time field goal in their 11-10 over the Rabual Gurias at Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby yesterday.
It will be a replay of last year’s grand final with the Wigmen to face reigning champions Lae Tigers in the final game of the season.
Despite a great start, the Gurias could not contain the pressure after the break as the minor premiers conceded 11 unanswered points after a 10-0 lead at halftime.
The Gurias were the first to score via an unconverted try by centre John Ragi Jr after some slick passing on the left edge.
The Gurias then exposed the Wigmen’s right edge as Watson Boas set up Ragi to complete his double.
Another unsuccessful conversion from Allan Simbiri saw them lead 8-0.
Simbiri later landed a penalty kick to extend their lead to 10-0 25 minutes in.
The next 15 minutes saw the Wigmen dominate possession after referee Hanua Rupa awarded a number of penalties to the Charlie Wabo-coached side.
However, the Wigmen could not break a solid defensive effort by the Gurias who held on until halftime.
After halftime, the Wigmen began to build pressure with strong carries by forwards Samuel Yegip, Jeffery Robert and Valentine Culligan, and backs Nanduka Rame and Solo Wane.
After consecutive sets in the Gurias’ red zone, the Wigmen finally found an opening as Tommy Moide barged his way over to score a try beside the uprights.
A successful conversion from Pokari saw the Wigmen trailed 6-10 in the 50th minute.
The Wigmen followed up with another try three minutes later through Gilmore Paul who caught the Gurias’ right edge defence napping.
An unsuccessful conversion by Pokari saw the scores levelled at 10-10. In extra time, the Gurias had a fair bit of possession in the Wigmen’s red zone but they could not record points. Captain Watson Boas and rake Wartovo Puara Jr tried hard but fell short.