Hohola Flies survive Kone Storm to win POMRFL semifinal tie

Sports

By ROBINSON LEKA
HOHOLA Flies survived a brave Kone Storm outfit to send them packing after posting an 18-12 win in the first A-grade semifinal of the Port Moresby Rugby Football League on Saturday.
Flies started on the front foot with two quick tries in the first 10 minutes going to fullback Darren Anabe and winger Chanel Masira for a 10-0 lead.
But Storm found their composure and battled their way into the game with lock and former SP Hunter Patrick Morea bursting through for their first try of the game.
Flies took an extra two points via a penalty with halfback Pokapen Pes converting for a 12-6 lead at halftime at the Oil Search National Football Stadium.
Flies were put to the test again as Storm dominated possession with repeated sets, however, Hohola’s defence kept Kone at bay.
Quick reaction from a Flies counter-attack saw Anabe score his second try of the match with Pes adding the extras for an 18-6 lead.
A late try from Storm centre Willie Bire saw them inch closer to a comeback, however, time ran out as Flies held on to win and advance into this weekend’s preliminary final against Brothers.
“We lost to Tarangau (12-14) on Tuesday and it hit us hard, but it was a relief to rebound with a win,” Flies coach Jezreel Oyekana said.
“This wasn’t our best game, but we maintained our defence and that’s what got us home.
“We were able to do our set-plays in the first 15 minutes.
“But after that, there were just too many errors and we kept defending.”