Lahanis claim 5th title with win over Mioks

Sports

THE Bintangor Goroka Lahanis earned a fairytale finish to the season with a gutsy 10-6 win over the EPG Enga Mioks in Digicel Cup grand final yesterday.
Lahanis five-eighth Mark Tony scored the match-winner in the 69th minute after the Lahanis had trailed 6-4 at halftime.
The victory was the Lahanis’ 11th in a row with the streak starting in round 12 and including playoff wins over the Lae Tigers (24-21), Agmark Gurias (14-12) and Waghi Tumbe (10-6).
It was also the Lahanis first title since 2011 and their fifth overall while for the vanquished it was their first decider since 2009 with their only title win in 2000.
The game, refereed by Paul Wani, was a torrid affair as both sides looked to play a tight but aggressive style.
Played in front of a packed house at the Oil Search National Football Stadium, the minor premiers Mioks took a 6-0 lead in the 33rd minute through centre Wawa Paul after fullback Junior Bobby joined the line to create the extra man.
Laka calmly kicked the sideline conversion to provide the day’s rare example of execution under pressure.
The Lahanis hit back before halftime through winger Norman Brown who benefited from a crabbing run by reserve back Jah Hogen to go in untouched in the right corner.
Lahanis halfback Nick Hasu could not duplicate his opposite’s effort from the sideline and the Mioks, who had entered the game as favourites, enjoyed a 6-4 lead at the break.
Goroka Lahanis captain Gonzella Urakusie said his side had been quietly confident they had the ability to beat the minor premiers —the Mioks had beaten the Lahanis twice during the regular season.
“We had the feeling in our bones that we would win this 2018 Digicel cup and yes we did,” Urakusie said.
“We worked hard for this and got the win. This is for the Eastern Highlands and our major sponsor Simon Sia.
“I dedicate this win to our fans and to my boys who played well over the last few weeks.
Urakusie also thanked the Eastern Highlands MPs and other community leaders for encouraging the side throughout the season.
“All our elected leaders visited to our camp and spoke to us and boosted us.
“I’m so grateful we won.”
Lahanis coach Glen Nami, who won two premierships as captain, proved himself a worthy coach by getting the underdogs to play a tough brand of football.
“It took us a lot of sacrifice for us to come this far,” Nami said. “A big thank you to the players who put their bodies on the line to come out victorious this year
“I can’t describe the feeling right now. It’s something that we will remember for a long time.”
Glen said he was nervous as the game entered the final quarter and the Mioks held on to a slender 6-4 lead.
The exchanges were brutal as tempers flared and mistakes started to creep into the game.
“I was nervous but I told the boys to keep the play in the centre of the field and keep the pressure on.
“I thank our sponsor Bintangor and the supporters who got behind us from the beginning until now.
“We had a few young players who played Digicel Cup for the first time this season but I’m happy they played well today,” Nami said.
Enga Mioks 6 (Wawa Paul try; Roger Laka con) Goroka Lahanis 10 (Norman Brown, Mark Tony tries; Nick Hasu con)