Hunters may find Harlies tough

NEWLY elevated premier side, the Valley Hunters, are not going to find the going easy in this weekend’s game, as they brace to face reigning champions, Monier Harlequins in Port Moresby rugby union tomorrow.
Coming off a 24-3 loss in the opening match at the top grade against Southern Chiefs last weekend, the Hunters, now looking more the “hunted”, will face a beaming Harlequins side still sparkling from last weekends 38-12 trouncing of Brothers.
And while it is still early to pick out any possible weak link in the champions’ line, the apprentices have shown glimpses of their potential in attack, especially out wide, to match their opponents.
This match will be played on Oval One on Saturday while Wanderers look to maintain their winning form against La Sallians on Oval Two.
Sunday’s double header on oval one has Esiloan University taking on Royals in the early match, followed by Chiefs and Defence battling in the probable match of the round.
Having lost a third of their seasoned regulars to retirement and transfers over the pre-season, Defence coach Sydney Wesley has had to reinvent his side again, with fresh men, and a lot of drilling.
Their opponents, Chiefs have had their own little “push and pull factors” in the pre-season, with the effects of that season not too evident now in last Sunday’s win.
Brothers and Kone Sharks will go head-to-head in the Oval Two match. Both sides, coming off huge losses from the weekend will want to restore a little supporter faith and belief for the rest of the season.
Royals and Wanderers will battle in the only women’s game on Saturday, while new entry Harlequins get a fire-baptism against former champions Defence and University take on Brothers.