Koiari through to decider after four-point victory over Rigo

By JOSEPH REMA
Koiari Knights booked a spot in the grand final after their 18-14 victory against Rigo during the Hardware Haus Agarobe Cup Central Province Premier Rugby League in Port Moresby over the weekend.
The showdown at the Murray Barracks Oval saw both teams trading blows in a tight contest.
Koiari hooker Kanave Rex opened the scoring with a converted try two minute in. A penalty by Knights halfback Clinton Max pushed Koiari out to an 8-0 lead.
A determined Koiari outfit were not done yet as they sent centre Bobby Vavona over for another converted try for a 14-0 lead.
Rigo responded through second-rower Mosty Vali who crashed through the Koiari defensive line to score under the uprights to trail 6-14 at half-time.
After half-time, Koiari meant business when they sent Bruno John over for an unconverted try to maintain the lead.
But Rigo, who were desperate, regrouped to bounce back with an unconverted try to centre Karavu Mafu.
Within a few minutes, Mafu scored his second unconverted try to narrow the margin to 14-18 but the damage had already been done.
Koiari team manager Denis Kopula praised his players for seeing out the win.
“We relied on defence and determination,” he said.
“We were committed to making the grand final and it showed out on the field.
“We’re now into the grand final.
“We must stay focused if we want to win it.”