Honk helps Muruks edge Dabaris

A HAT-TRICK from Joe Honk helped the Mendi Muruks beat the Central Dabaris 16-14 at Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby yesterday.
Despite crossing for four tries, missed conversions by the Muruks ensured that the Central men were always in range.
The Muruks scored first off a slick move with Dickson Pipi setting up centre Honk on the left edge for a 4-0.
The Dabaris responded 10 minutes later to level the scores at 4-4 after fullback Jack Amandan capitalised on an error by his Muruks opposite Pipi who failed to secure a Junior Belo grubber in the in-goal area.
Pipi compensated for his mistakes when he again chimed into the Muruks backline to create an overlap for Honk to cross to regain the lead 8-4.
Muruks prop Obert Koim broke through to hand off to Junior Rau who found five-eighth David Joseph who bagged a try on the halftime siren. The visitors took a 12-4 lead to the sheds.
The second half saw the Dabaris score two quick tries through halfback Sabastian Gaudi and Gairo Kapana off individual plays as they reclaimed the lead 14-12.
But Honk saved the day for the in-form Muruks when he sprinted 50m off a quick tap to score the winner in the 76th minute.