Isapeas break drought

By KEITH PUARIA
SA-PE-A! SA-PE-A!! … was the roar from the home crowd urging underdogs Gulf Isapeas on to a historic 13-10 victory over Lae Tigers yesterday at the Lloyd Robson Oval.
After 18 losses and one draw in their short Intercity rugby league history, yesterday’s win was enough for the Isapeas faithful to savour.
The call from chief selector Jacob Ivaroa for patience during the week had paid dividends, as supporters celebrated with the players after the hooter.
 “Defence won us the game today”, an elated Isapeas coach Chris Enara said.
“We were confident of what we needed to work on during the week to get the result.
“We changed a couple of things in attack, worked hard on our defence, and turned up to play.”
Tigers coach Steve Malum also praised the Crocs.
“Our boys expected things to just happen for us instead of working for it today, but as we saw in their (Isapeas) body language, they came to play”.
Isapeas changes from the week before, hooker Junior Belo, fullback Nicko Dom and Aaron Mulunga proved to be the critical punt in a stronger looking outfit.
Mulunga had 13 hit-ups and 23 tackles, plus lock Jarrod Haoda’s eight hit-ups and 17 tackles enabled the Gulf men to stay competitive.
The Tigers were caught on the backfoot from the first whistle, pinned in their own half, with mounting pressure from the Isapeas eventually rewarding themselves with tries to wingers Samuel Hamari and Pipi Kilori.
Standout Tigers half Mai Tom grubbered through for a try and converted it in the 17th minute, to keep the score at Isapeas 8-6.
Dropped balls, and then ill discipline for the rest of the half saw referee Ben Kaupa eventually sending Belo and opposite Graham Pakea to the bin just before the break.   
A field goal from Isapeas Ora Roy eight minutes into the second half  extended their lead to 9-6.
But an unconverted  Thomas Kumgi try in the 52nd minute took the Tigers ahead 10-9, .
Halfback Joshua Thomas dived over to cap off a great playmaker’s knock for Isapeas, and nudged the score to 13-10.
Off their feet, both sides threw everything in the last 15 minutes, Tigers coming close on more occasions only to be denied by a tired but determined defence.
Scorecard:
Isapeas 13 (S Hamari, P Kilori, J Thomas tries; O Roy field goal) beat Tigers 10 (M Tom,T Kumgi tries; M Tom con).