Lahanis victory

THE Bintangor Goroka Lahanis game against Chimbu Warriors on Sunday, May 6, in Goroka was a yardstick for rugby league followers in Eastern Highlands.
Yes, the team may not have performed to the best of its ability between 2014 and 2016, but the present team is, however, the result of a steady improvement since 2017 and one that Eastern Highlanders can be proud of.
We may have fielded smaller-sized players over the years, but this is compensated by clear-thinking football by players recruited into the team each year.
This time around the Lahanis forwards, who usually are the smallest in size in any competition, looked towering against their opponents starting from the bulky physical form of Wemin Aure.
The biggest and heaviest Lahanis forward ever assembled was in 2009 when Nigel Hukula was the captain.
The team then had Junior Ropra, John Milba, Tony Dai, Niko Ubile, Glen Nami, the late John Markam and others.
The Lahanis’ win in round three against Mendi Muruks should remind rugby followers in Eastern Highlands and around the country is a good omen.
Experience since 1992 have always pointed to a Lahanis’ domination when they win in round three of the competition.
The Lahanis has always been a team with representatives from all provinces.
There were names like Mark Mom of Madang and Gulf, Nigel Hukula of East Sepik to Ipisa Wanega of Western.
The present Lahanis’ line-up is no different.
We wish the Bintangor Goroka Lahanis a wonderful 2018 session.

Gerard Saleu
Goroka