Isou handed second loss

By PARKER TAMBUA
MENDI Muruks handed Gulf Isou their second-straight loss with a 30-20 win in round six of the Digicel Cup at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby yesterday.
Lae Tigers dropped from the pole spot on the 12-team ladder for the second time this season after they went down 6-18 to Waghi Tumbe in Minj.
Rabaul Gurias secured top spot on the ladder for the first time this season as they beat Mt Hagen Eagles 26-8 at the Kalabond Oval in Kokopo on Saturday.
Goroka Lahanis recorded their second win of the season as they thrashed visitors Port Moresby Vipers 46-22 at the Sir Danny Leahy Oval.
For the Muruks, they trailed 6-10 at halftime with Isou showing much control and dominance in the first half.
The resurgence of the Muruks in the second half was led by forwards in former SP Hunter Casey Dickson, Ismael Balkawa and Julius Yakopa who showed so much power up the middle with their big runs and tackles. The Muruks scored five tries in the second half while Isou scored only two.
From the 62nd minute, coach Roderick Puname’s men scored three tries through Clent Lama, Leon Undupie and Yakopa in three consecutive sets which was the turning point in the match.
Isou trailed 16-26 10 minutes from fulltime with Jerry Teme completing his double. The Roger Laka-coached side showed that they were still in the game trailing by 10 points, but Muruks five-eighth Charlie Simon sealed the win for his side when he scored beside the uprights five six minutes from fulltime. Isou centre Eliakim Lukara scored a consolation on the stroke of full-time to lose by 10 points.
Muruks coach Roderick Puname was happy with his forwards after the game. “Casey made an impact alongside Julius and Isamel in the second half which is why we dominated and won the match,” he said.