Lahanis keep Cup finals hopes alive

THE Goroka Lahanis have not given up on making the top six of the 2020 Digicel Cup before the finals with five rounds remaining in the competition.
With the 14-14 draw against a highly favoured Rabaul Gurias outfit in Lae last week, coach Michael Mosses said the result was a huge morale booster for his men as they moved from bottom of the ladder to 10th place with only two points separating them from the sixth-placed Enga Mioks.
“The draw against the heavyweights Gurias is a huge confidence booster for us,” Mosses told The National yesterday.
“We needed to put up a strong defence against one of the best attacking sides (Gurias) and the boys really stepped up for the occasion.
“After our 34-32 win over the Central Dabaris a fortnight ago, I was hard with the boys on defence and I am very happy that they have improved.
“Despite the lack of experience, we’ve always been confident that we could beat any side in the competition but it’s the little things like slow markers around the ruck and other defensive errors that has cost us in close games.”
Mosses said his forwards led by Aeno Lasuwo and Lanike Poi put in a solid performances against the Gurias on both defence and in terms of carries.
“These young forwards are improving and they are getting better which is a good sign,” he said.
“From what I’ve recorded their (forwards) work rate against the Gurias was their best since round one.
“The halves combination with Joseph Karara and Absolom Lingas proved to be working after Nicky Hasu left to join Gulf Isou a fortnight ago.
“Hopefully, we build on that draw and record some more wins in the remainder of the season,” he said.