Kennedy, Laka shine as United finish third

By NATHAN WOTI
UPNG journalism student
GEREHU United winger Sapura Kennedy scored a try seconds from full-time to give his side a 12-9 victory over Dei Hunters in the third-place playoff of the National Capital District Governor’s Cup yesterday.
Hunters opened the scoring with a try by winger Brendon Bigam but they failed to defend their lead as United responded minutes later to level the scores (4-4). Both sides missed their conversion attempts.
Former SP Hunters playmaker Roger Laka switched the ball to the left side of the field which saw Kennedy slipping past the Hunters defence to score a try.
Veteran Laka failed the conversion attempt as both teams went into halftime locked at 8-8.
United worked on their defence to contain the Hunters forward pack for the most part of the second half but halfback Brian Pok made them pay with a field goal from 30m out to give Dei a one-point lead.
However, a dropped ball by Hunters substitute Johnston Peter from the kick-off gave United an opportunity to have the last say.
Laka made use of the opportunity and swiftly moved the ball from the middle out to the right corner where he found Kennedy to score his second try of the match with just 20 seconds left. Laka’s conversion was unsuccessful.
Laka told The National that he didn’t expect his young side to perform the way they did but was happy with the win.
“These players are our (Paga Panthers) Under-20 side,” he said.
“I am so happy to see them playing confidently in a game like this.”
The former Mioks halfback said he was contemplating retirement.
“I am looking forward to coaching and management opportunities to coach or manage a club,” Laka said.
“I think it’s about time I let the young men play and I mentor them.”
Meanwhile, Dei Hunters coach Amos Logan said although his team lost, he still saw the positive side of his team’s participation in the tournament.