Nokondis edge Tumbe by 2

 By ZACHERY PER

GOROKA Nokondis beat Jiwaka Tumbe 8-6 in a one-off friendly rugby league match at the Sir Danny Leahy ground in Goroka on Sunday.

Lahanis reject and Nokondi captain Steven Supa was named man-of-the-match. He was presented a cash price by Goroka Rugby League president Maxie Roida.

Roida described the game as “a very tough display of modern rugby league skills and talents by rising rugby league players”.

“I am pleased with the classic display of the two sides as I am creating inter-provincial challenges to give our local players exposure to build confidence and strength to play at representative level,” Roida said.

He thanked the Jiwaka Tumbe players and management led by former Goroka Lahanis player Joe McOnnor for providing  good compettion for Nokondi,  the Goroka select side.

Tumbe gave the game away in the first half when they failed to score tries and kick points while Nokondi scored two unconverted tries through hooker Joe Paluse and half back Aimon Ian.

Nokondi led 8-0 at halftime.

The hosts tried hard through utility player Gilmiester Maima, captain Supa and a bunch of young talented players but their efforts were held up by an equally-determined Tumbe side.

At the start of the second half, Tumbe winger Jim Frank broke the spell to step into Nokoni in-goal area to score.Five-eighth Junior Menau converted to close the gap to two points.