Lights sink Royals in MRU final

A STRONG defensive display by City Lights in the second half saw them earn a hard fought 11-8 win over Royals to claim the Morobe Rugby Union title on Saturday.
The Lae City Authority-sponsored competition ended its season at the Sir Ignatius Kilage stadium with East Taraka Vikings edging Royals 11-10 in the A grade final while Hornibrooks Harlequins kept Unitech Reds scoreless to claim the women’s title with a 10-0 vitory.
The premier division final was controlled by Paul Joseph of the Papua New Guinea Rugby Union.
Lights were first to register points through a Travis Maguna penalty for a 3-0 lead.
The Lights were pinged for a ruck infringement allowing Royals James Anthon to slot the equaliser for a 3-3 scoreline.
The Tent City men adjusted their game to out-play their bigger Royals pack with a more attack-oriented approach and this resulted in a penalty which saw them edge ahead 6-3 before capping off a disciplined effort with a try to winger Junior Maragau.
Lights spent most of the second half on the defensive repelling Royals whose captain Laho Posu led from the front with support from Felix Mato, Steven Kilala, Kipi Sam, Lionel Kamiak and Elias Labi.
Lights captain Lindsay Yohane, Edgar Mongoru and James Navuana shone in an impressive defensive effort that was equal parts intelligent, committed and gritty.
Royals fly-half Joel Wimbi created an opening for his team by setting up a try late in the match but it was too little too late as Lights held on for a well-deserved 11-8 win.
Yohane said his team played open football to control tempo of the game and purposely tire the Royals big men.
“We played around with the ball, using our advantage but we had faith in each other as we’ve shown throughout the season,” he said.
Yohane said his side made things a little harder with unnecessary penalties but he praised his side’s resilience.
“Luckily we hung in there keeping Royals at bay for most of the second half. I didn’t expect this kind of result but to get a win like this is great.”