Nova force 5-5 draw

MONI Plus Nova forced a 5-5 draw with Valley Hunters in round six of the Capital Rugby Union competition at Bava Park in Port Moresby on Saturday.
Nova started on the front foot with PNG sevens international Emmanuel Guise and former University flyhalf Kilori Lote leading in the backs against Valley’s Junias Sabbatha and Samuel Malambes.
Valley’s edge defence proved effective as they denied two try-scoring opportunities for a scoreless first half.
Valley regrouped and sent fullback Brendon Yenmoro over for an unconverted try 10 minutes into the second half.
But Nova continued their momentum through the forwards with Elipema Kini and Steven Kodana setting the pace to send substitute Rudika Mati over for the equaliser.
Despite being satisfied with the draw, Valley coach Max Katal said they needed to get the basics right in order to win games.
“We just wanted our guys to knuckle down and do the small things properly,” he said.
“I thought we did that but we lost our way when Nova hit back.
“We gained a lot of turnovers but Nova played very well to put us under pressure.
“They pinned us in our territory for quite a while and capitalised well our mistakes.”
The draw sees Valley maintain fourth spot while Nova remain at the bottom of the ladder.
Results: Sat, Oct 17 — University 14 Wanderers 7, Nova 5 Valley Hunters 5, Harlequins 11 Juggernauts 6, Brothers 22 Crusaders 8.