Lahanis end 2021 campaign with victory over Isou

Sports

GOROKA Lahanis ended their season with a 22-16 win over Gulf Isou in the final round of the Digicel Cup regular season at the Oil Search National Football Stadium in Port Moresby yesterday.
Isou trailed 0-8 at halftime but fought their way back into the match. Twenty from fulltime, the scores were levelled at 16-16.
But Lahanis hooker Charlie Buka bailed his side out of trouble when he scored the final try to seal the win.
Lahanis coach Gonzella Urakusie said after the game that his team wanted to finish the season with a win.
“Despite having a tough season, we wanted to end it well and we certainly did that,” the former SP Hunters forward said.
“I don’t want to give excuses for us missing out on the finals but obviously we had a young and new-look team this year and we really struggled to find confidence.
“But I believe this team will build from this season and come back better next year.”
The Lahanis scored first in the 21st minute through Buka and fullback Jordan Mille converted the try. Millie kicked a penalty goal on the stroke of halftime which saw his side lead 8-0 at the break.
Isou came back strong in the second half and scored in the 53rd minute through former SP Hunters winger Gairo Kapana.
Isou fullback Obert Muri levelled the scores at 8-8 when he scored a few minutes later after off a line break.
Isou led for the first time in the game when Gebbie Taune kicked a penalty goal which made it 10-8.
The Lahanis regain the lead when Jay Tee Mel scored in the corner and Millie’s conversion made 14-10.
Mille then kicked a penalty goal which made it 16-10 before Isou levelled the scores again when Muri completed his double. The Lahanis won when Buka crossed for his second try.