Lahanis show class in win over Isapeas

By KEITH PUARIA
GOROKA Lahanis coated yesterday’s second appearance at the Port Moresby Rugby League ground this season with a touch of class in their 38-16 win over hosts Gulf Isapeas in round 13 of the Digicel Cup.
Coach Peter Danga, who didn’t make the trip was ecstatic when informed about the win.
“Lahanis is the provincial pride of the Eastern Highlands, the win is for everyone before they go to the polls this week,” Danga said from Goroka.
“To everybody in Goroka, you are a winner so vote wisely as a winner.”
The reigning champions were slow settling into the match, letting the Isapeas in for the first try after three minutes. But it was obvious from there that they had come to town on a mission.
“This was a must-win game for us. I think we lost the confidence of our supporters after inconsistent performances.
This is for them,” assistant coach Peter Warlock said.
Warlock brought the team to the nation’s capital in place of Danga.
Team owner Simon Sia was among his players celebrating the win at fulltime.
Lahanis chanced their arm at open attack and reaped the rewards, piling on four tries in the first half through electric centre Thompson Teteh, his partner Joseph Peter, winger Spiro Mikaive and second rower Elvis Dick.
Isapeas’ first half try was scored by wing Makara Hura who finished off a backline move.
Lahanis returned in the second and added three tries to substitute dummy hooker Danny Holle, student winger Felix Tatsim and forward Micah Soboni who got his start after Nicko Ubile was suspended last week for six weeks.
Isapeas got their second try in the 72nd minute through winger Pipi Kilori who ran on to a Lawrence Tuiu chip 5m out of the Lahanis’ line.
 “Besides the win for our supporters, the performance sets us up for next week against Gurias,” Warlock added.
Isapeas coach Chris Enara admitted that key injuries from the previous week had affected his side’s performance.
“I think we missed (prop) Aaron Mulunga (elbow) and (prop) George Aba (knee) today.
“We lost a little bit of leadership to go forward.”
Second rower Pheonix Puri again worked tirelessly all day in a losing side.
In other matches, Mendi Muruks continued their strong surge to the finals with a 32-12 win over TNA Lions in Kundiawa.
The “rumble in the jungle” in Wabag turned more into a “welcome to the jungle” affair for the Vipers who lost 37-24 to Enga Mioks at the Johnson Siki Oval.