Humeu: We gave our best

By JACK AMI
Papua New Guinea Orchids skipper Carol Humeu has praised her side for giving their best despite going down 40-4 to the Australian women’s Prime Minister’s 13 side at the National Football Stadium on Saturday.
After establishing a 20-4 lead at the break, the Australians returned to pile on another 20 points to seal a convincing victory over the home side.
Skipper Rebecca Young, who bagged two tries, combined well with halves Keeley Davis and Quincy Dodd to help the visitors dominate the match.
Naomi Kaupa scored the home side’s only try when the Orchids successfully exploited the short side off the back of a scrum 10 metres out from the Aussies tryline.
Humeu, who led the Orchids attack alongside Elsie Albert and Therese Aiton, said after the game that it was a good experience for the team, especially the debutants.
“We all tried our best,” she told The National.
“For most of us, we started off badly probably because we were nervous.
“But as the game progressed, there were signs of improvement among all the players.
“Now that we know where we stand, we can go back to our local leagues and work harder to meet the standard and level of competition.
“I’m also proud of Brisbane Broncos NRL women’s star Amelia Kuk, Tahina Booth, Aiton and Jenni-Sue Hoepper for playing their hearts out and instilling confidence in our local players.
“I thank my players for a wonderful game and commend our opponents for coming to PNG to help us develop the women’s game here.”