Paniu grabs a double as Gurias win

 GURIAS scoring-machine and inside centre Francis Paniu scored a double to beat the Tigers 24-6 in round three of the Digicel Cup at the Kalabond yesterday. 

The Gurias opened scoring through fullback Albert Patak and skipper Ase Boas converted to lead 6-0 three minutes into the game.

Seven minutes later Paniu dived over the Tigers try line for another try to lead to 10-0.

Gurias right wing Emmanuel To­ide then slipped in for another try on 22 minutes to lead 14-0 at halftime. 

Gurias interchange forward Brad­ley Simon increased the lead to 18-0 in the second half.

Then Paniu, in a man of the match performance, easily danced over the try line for his second. Boas converted to put the defending champions 24-0 ahead.

A bulky Lae Snax Tigers proved to be a handful for the Gurias forwards.

The Tigers were lead by captain Sydney Fred, Petero Sunavalu and prop Magi Wei Junior. 

A penalty five metres from the Gurias try line saw Tiger Elvis Dick darting his way in for the only try for the visitors.

Halfback Bine Wabo then converted.

The Gurias halves combination of five-eighth Dion Aiye and Boas was the obvious pivot in the crunching win that keeps their winning streak intact.

The match saw former Tiger Mark Mexico keeping the crowding baying with a mighty tackle on the bulky Magi Wei of Tigers. 

On the flanks, Gurias Chris Jerry had the crowd booing his Tigers opponent George Benson. 

Benson stood out on the field with his strong runs. 

Gurias recruit; Quinton Ragi made his debut at centre in place of the sidelined Jacky Markus. 

The next two weekends see the Gurias play away.