Lahanis edge a game Isou in capital clash

Sports

THE Bintangor Goroka Lahanis snatched a 16-15 win over a gritty PRK Gulf Isou after a failed penalty attempt by Jeffrey Para missed with a minute to go at the National Football Stadium on Sunday.
Heading into the 79th minute of their round 16 Digicel Cup fixture, the Lahanis were penalised 10m inside their half and Isou half Para stepped up to kick the side to victory but instead his kick fell short, held up by a stiff breeze.
Para would have rued his strike which sent the ball high instead of on a straight and low trajectory which would have been the required method in the conditions.
Lahanis were by no means on easy street themselves, struggling to find points as the home side put up a smart and tight defensive effort.
The Lahanis led 10-9 at half time, thanks to a pair of tries and a conversion.
Isou came back to reclaim the lead 15-10 midway through the second 40 minutes and were on course to snare their fourth win of the season but the Eastern Highlanders managed to score a converted try in the final quarter.
Lahanis Charlie Buka, Norman Brown and Nicky Hasu scored tries and Hasu kicked two goals.
For Isou, captain John Horope scored a double while Para kicked a field goal and two penalties.
Isou coach Colin Geno said his side’s inability to build pressure and take their opportunities cost them the match.
“We defended well and did enough to win but the mistakes cost us. We have no one but ourselves to blame,” Geno said.