Paga women secure first POMRFL grand final spot

PAGA Panthers women’s A-grade team secured the first grand final berth after defeating Hanuabada Hawks 16-10 in the major semifinal of the Port Moresby Rugby League competition on Saturday.
It was the Hawks who registered first points on the score board with a try under the posts to fullback Aero Maso as halfback Lila Malabag slotted the conversion for 6-0 lead to the Motuans.
The Panthers hit back with an unconverted try to second-rower Myra Kakarere.
Hanuabada demonstrated an ability to shift the ball to both sides of the ruck which saw winger Susan Koruwa crash over in the corner for a four-pointer to edge her side 10-4 in front heading into the interval.
After halftime, the Panthers came out with more determination and it showed with an urgency in their play on both defence and attack.
Their representative players then stood up with centre Shirley Luke bagging a try and five-eight Roswita Kapo guiding the ball through the uprights to level the scores 10-10.
With the game heading into its crucial final minutes, Panthers’ rushing defence pressured the Hawks into an error and Paga No.7 Benitha John put lock Leila Kerowa into a hole to cross under the uprights for the match-winning try.
Kapo added the extras for the final score.
Despite the win, Panthers coach Kaim Mai said that the team really needed to be better in their defence, set completions and following the game plan.