Lahanis locked in

THE Goroka Lahanis will be looking to continue their fairytale run in the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup finals when they take on Rabaul Gurias in the minor semifinal clash on Sunday.
While for Gurias, last year’s grand final loss to Hela Wigmen is a motivational factor that is driving them to go one better this season and the clash at Santos National Football Stadium is a must-win for either side.
In the major semifinal which will be played earlier at 12.30pm, minor premiers Enga Mioks will face Lae Tigers with the winner to secure the first spot for the Sept 3 grand final while the loser will face the winner of the minor semifinal in the preliminary final on Aug 27.
The Lahanis have been building up nicely in ominous signs as they look to ride a wave similar to the one that took them to a title in 2018 where captain Brandon Nima led the Bintangor-backed side on an 11-even game winning streak that ended with him lifting the Digicel Cup.
Survivors from that title-winning effort are Amos Kafare, Chris Urakusie and captain Charlie Buka who are hoping to repeat history and last week’s 14-8 win over defending champions Hela Wigmen in the elimination final proved the Eastern Highlanders have their finals hats on.
Lahanis also have legends Charlie Wabo as coach and Thompson Teteh in the 17 influencing, settling the side and giving it confidence in the tense and unforgiving atmosphere of inter-city finals.
“This season was tough and we had a lot of ups and downs but we really found our rhythm two weeks leading into the finals,” Wabo said.
“Our target is the grand final, we have a quality side who can deliver, we have our game plan and obviously we want to win the cup.”
Gurias coach Francis Ray said last week that his men would be ready to take on the Lahanis and that they would use the week to fix their defence.
The Gurias will attack will be led by veteran halfback Ase Boas and five-eighth Wesley Batari with Nathan Tente at dummy-half Gurias have one of the biggest forward packs in the competition with experienced players like Jordan Pat, Daniel Pai, Nickson Waki, Koso Bandi and Steven Bruno to lead the charge. Lahanis halves in Roger Kenny and Israel Balio and hooker Buka’s combination was crucial in the elimination final win over Wigmen last week and they will look to maintain that momentum.
The forwards of the Eastern Highlands flagship side were disciplined and focused last week with lock Teteh, Urakusie, Philip Iveke and Ake Paluse needing to find another gear against the Gurias.