Pirates disarm Defence in Lae rugby

 By LARRY ANDREW

THE Bismark Maritime Pirates thrashed the Chemcare Defence 36-10 on Saturday in the SCRUM Oval in Lae to keep their finals hopes alive.

In the other matches, Consort Royals have secured the grand final spot after beating arch rivals NGI Hornibrooks Harlequins in both premier and “A” grade divisions.

Pirates were the first to put points on the scoreboard when inside centre Jackson Pato raced over to score an unconverted try from a good passage of play inside the Defence territory. But the lead change moments later when a Defence player scored near the uprights which was converted by Joseph Wamapiri for them to trail 7-5.

Pirates then regrouped after the try and mounted pressure on the Defence forwards, thus creating and an opening to put Pato through for his second try.

Joel Wimbi converted the try to take over the lead 12-7.

Wimbi later extended the lead further to 15-7 when his side were awarded a penalty right in front of the uprights.

The score line was cut down to 10-15 when Wamapiri slotted a penalty goal minutes before halftime to put his side in contention. 

In the second half, Pirate forwards put their body on the line and paved the way up in front. Their efforts were rewarded when veteran Ashley Ephraim scored a converted try after making a clean a break to widen the score line to 22-10.

The try scoring fever by the Pirates continued when Robert and Wimbi scored a try each which were converted by Wimbi to eventually win the matchf 36-10.

Pirates will meet Harlies this weekend to see who will have a grandfinal showdown with Royals.

Pirates 36 (J.Pato-2, A.Ephraim, Robert, J.Wimbi tries; Wimbi 4 con, 1 pen) Defence 10 (S.Pennington try; J.Wamapiri 1con, 1 pen) HT: 15-10 Pirates