Lae Tigers defend Melanesian Cup against Aviators

By JACK AMI
PAPUA New Guinea’s National Rugby Football League champions Lae Tigers defended the Melanesian Cup title on Saturday when they beat Fiji champions the Nadi Aviators 38-22.
This is the third win for a PNG champion since the inaugural match in 2016 when the 2015 Digicel Cup champions Agmark Gurias beat their Fiji counter-parts Sabeto Roosters 40-4 at the Sir John Guise Stadium.
The Tigers fullback Joe Joshua starred for the Morobe side with a hat-trick of tries.
He posted two in the first half along with teammates Mafu Kalas and Junior Rop.
Joshua backed up his first try with a brilliant solo effort for his second four-pointer which saw the 24-year-old field a kick on his 10m before heading off on a weaving run to end up under the uprights.
Aviators got their first points on the board with a penalty goal by five-eighth Kavekini Varo to trail 4-2.
They were rewarded with a four-pointer from hard running prop Sikeli Qauqau which was converted by five-eighth Kavekini Varo to lead 8-4 before the Tigers crossed three time times to lead 20-8 at the break.
In the second half, Joshua bagged his third try to push the score to 26-8 before the Fijians hit back through Nasekai, who scored twice to close the gap to 26-16.
The home side responded with Tiger Emery capping off an impressive performance with a try.
With the afternoon heat taking a toll on the Aviators they managed to cross through forward Savenaca Saukuru which was converted by Varo. The Tigers sealed the game with a final try by Noel which was converted by Kalas for a 38-22 win.
Jubilant coach Stanley Tepend and captain Ishmael Balkawa were impressed with the team’s performance to defend the crown.
Nadi Aviators captain Josateki Sovau conceded that the they had been beaten by the better side but they would do their best to be to challenge for the title.