Hunters go down fighting

PAPUA New Guinea Hunters have recorded their second loss of the season going down to Northern Pride 14-36 in the Hostplus Cup round 5 clash at Barlow Park in Cairns on Saturday.
The Hunters fought right to the death but couldn’t overcome an impressive Northern Pride outfit, with head coach Stanley Tepend disappointed with his side’s performance.
“The boys are hurting,” said Tepend. “That was a really disappointing performance from us today.
“That was a winnable game for us but we’ve got to be more disciplined.
“We know we’re a talented side but you don’t need talent to get back on side or hold the ball.
“We didn’t get the basics right tonight.”
With a quick turn-around this week before facing the Bears at Burleigh on Saturday, Tepend said there was plenty of work to be done.
“We’ll have a look at ourselves and where we can improve before next week,” he said.
“It’s a tough game coming up but that’s what this competition is all about – turning up each week.”
In a first-half boil-over, the Pride scored four tries which gave them a commanding 24-4 lead at half-time with Hunters’ only scoring an unconverted try through Rodrick Tai.
Pride’s Dantoray Lui scored the match’s opening try to lead 6-0 before Tai scored for the Hunters.
Justin Frain extended Pride’s lead to 12-4 in the 29th minute before Ash Little’s break in the 36th minute extended the scoreline to 18-4.
Lui completed his double on the stroke of half-time as they led 24-4 at the break.
Hunters came back strong in the second-half with intent to score first and get back into the contest.
It took a while for Tepend’s men but they eventually scored in the 51st minute through Sakias Komati, who threw his usual dummy and made a break to get over the line.
Hooker Trevor Solu, who was on debut, kicked his first goal in the Hostplus Cup, converted Komati’s try which saw Hunters trailed 10-24. Hunters got punished for their errors when Pride winger Rhy Young scored in the 60th minute which extended their lead to 28-10.
Centre Brandon Nima scored a consolation four minutes from full-time and Pride scored on the stroke of full-time to seal the game.