Mozzies thrash SA, make final against NZ

BACK-to-back AFL International Cups await the PNG Mosquitoes if they can defeat New Zealand on Saturday at the MCG, after a dramatic final day of pool games yesterday at Royal Park put the Mozzies through to the grand final.
After the Mozzies thumped South Africa 16.17 (113) 0.4 (4), they needed the Kiwis to beat Ireland to advance to the final.
Ireland led by two points late in the last quarter when NZ booted the ball inside forward 50 with just seconds left, and as the pack of players leapt for the ball, an Irish defender caught the NZ full forward high.
The umpire signaled a free kick just before the siren sounded. The NZ full forward calmly slotted the goal, breaking Irish hearts while the PNG boys erupted in elation on the sidelines.
The Mozzies were able to start in barnstorming fashion against South Africa, with a goal in the first minute to Full forward John Ikupu, and then again shortly after.
The team knew they had to record a big score, while keeping the South Africans to a low score, to give themselves the best chance to advance to the final.
The Mozzies were on top all over the ground but seemed to be lacking their killer edge that is such a weapon when they are switched on and putting sides away.  Mozzies were up 23-2 as the players ran in for quarter time.
Coach David Lake implored his players to “play the PNG way, share the ball to use players on the run, and pressure the opposition into mistakes.”
The Mozzies responded with six goals for the quarter.
Dynamic forwards Emmaus Wartovo, Hewago Oea, and Scott Johnson were capitalising on the midfield dominance of ruck Clyde Pulah, and rovers Paul Phillip and Jason So’ong.
The dominant performance of the back six of PNG cannot be underestimated as they proved virtually impenetrable throughout the entire game.
PNG were up 61-3 at halftime and Lake was full of praise for the players stepping up to the level required.
In the third term the Mozzies picked up where they left off, keeping South Africa scoreless.
Captain JJ Lavai and Laurie Logo rebounded from defence with ease, scything through opponents to deliver the ball forward.
Scott Johnson flew high for a massive specky in the fourth quarter as PNG peppered their goals in an effort to post the biggest score possible.
The team were electric and entertained their PNG supporters watching and applauding.
Coach Lake was pleased with the overall win: “I was impressed with our back six and their organisation, and our midfield was able to dominate, with our two ruckman exceptional in working over their opposite number.” – WorldFootyNews