Lahanis knock out defending champions

By MELTON PAIS
THE Bintangor Goroka Lahanis knocked out Digicel Cup defending champions Lae Snax Tigers 24-21 in their elimination final at the National Football Stadium yesterday.
The Lahanis now face the Agmark Gurias, who lost 18-16 to the Waghi Tumbe earlier in the double-header, on Sunday at the Lae Rugby League Oval.
The Tigers, who have been the best side in the competition over the last four seasons including winning the last two titles, could not hold out a hungrier Goroka side in a competitive contest.
The Lae Biscuit Company-sponsored franchise scored back-to-back tries through fullback Joe Joshua and Butler Morris with winger Jason Missian kicking a conversion for a 10-0 lead.
The Eastern Highlanders fought back to post two tries through winger Amos Kafare and captain and prop Gonzella Urakusie with halfback Nicky Hasu on song with the boot for the Lahanis to take an ominous 12-10 lead at halftime.
Coach Stanley Tepend’s side came out firing with prop Nuabe Kuipa bagging a four-pointer for the Tigers led 16-12.
Tigers centre Charles Martin crashed over for his side’s fourth try and the defending champions had an eight-point buffer at 20-12.
But the Lahanis kept their composure and posted two unconverted tries in response to centre Brandon Nima and winger Norman Brown to level off at 20-20.
Tigers halfback Mafu Kalas edged his side ahead 21-20 with a field goal in the 75th minute.
But five minutes was more than enough time for the Lahanis to find a match-winner and Kafcrashed over to give his side a memorable 24-21 win.
Lahanis coach GlenNami said his men were patient and kept believing in themselves and never threw in the towel despite trailing midway through the second half.
He credited his players for putting in a great effort over the 80 minutes and added they would now be focusing on their next match, the minor semifinal against the Agmark Gurias.
“We had a great win over a champion side and now we’re looking forward to the game against the Gurias, who are another quality side,” Nami said.
“We’ll keep playing the football that has got us this far,” Nami, a former Kumul, said.