Lahanis break Kalabond curse

GOROKA Lahanis proved there is no substitute for class holding out Rabaul Gurias 20-16 in Kokopo to break out to a four-point lead at the top of the Digicel Cup ladder after 10 rounds.
The win at the “graveyard” was built on the back  of better execution, superior goal-kicking and a lower error count than the homeside.
Trailing 8-6 at the break Lahanis through skipper Glen Nami equalised with a penalty but conceded a try to speedster Leo Tikot Jr for a 12-8 scoreline to Gurias.
This spurred the defending premiers into action with converted tries to boom centre Thompson Teteh and wily halfback Walter Hasu which had the visitors in front by eight (20-12).
Gurias poor handling continued to hamper their chances but they managed to score in the last quarter through Chris Jerry to have some hope at 20-16.
But the score remained that way until fulltime giving Lahanis a rare win at Kalabond.
In Port Moresby, the Vipers extended the Gulf Isapeas’ misery in a 42-6 rout at Lloyd Robson Oval.
The eight-try caning only added more pain to the Gulf franchise whose management had earlier issued an apology to the competition’s referees whom they had accused of cheating.
In Hagen, the Eagles blew Enga Mioks away 30-4, with the Western Highlands side taking advantage of an inexperienced Mioks XIII.
In Lae, the Mendi Muruks did enough to get home beating Lae Tigers 10-8 in a close tussle.
Watched by a good crowd at the Lae rugby league ground, Muruks scored two tries from Jackson Undi and Andrew Sam while Russ Kaupa Jr scored for the Tigers.
In Kundiawa, an unusual scoreline unfolded with the Simbu Warriors scoring a win with the lowest scoreline all season, a 1-0 win over the Hela Wigmen at Dickson Oval.
In wet and muddy conditions Warriors halfback Mai Tom kicked a field goal midway through the second half to take the narrowest of leads.
Handling errors were the norm as the game lacked any continuity with both sides unable to attack effectively.