Pirates raid Royals’ stockade

Normal, Sports
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The National, Wednesday July 3rd, 2013

 THE Pirates sailed past Royals 13-5 in Morobe rugby over the weekend in a game that was played on a damp surface at the SCRUM Oval in Lae.

The red-and-blacks, after claiming an easy forfeit win over the Unitech Reds last week had to put their bodies on the line for this win.

The halves combination of Lloyd Renikam and Joel Wembi created head aches for the opposition when the ball went to winger Robert Sydney who scored to put his team in front 7-0 in front.

The boys in blue hit back with their tight five winning the forward battle to create space for thier backline but handling errors stopped them from breaching the Pirates’ tryline.

Royals Elias Labi and Laho Posu led strongly from the front and were rewarded with a try to Posu for the blue brigade to trail by two 7-5.

A ruck infringement by an enthusiastic Royals defence gifted a penalty to Wembi who calmly slotted the kick for a 10-5 lead at the break.

The second stanza was down to the wire as both sides had an even amount of possession but could not create opportunities until penalty against Royals allowed Wembi to put his side 13-5 ahead. 

The Pirates defended grimly for the last quarter of the match as Royals attacked from everywhere on the park.

Pirates 13 (R.Sydney try, J.Wimbi 1 con, 2 Pen) Royals 5 (L.Posu try) HT: 10-5 at SCRUM Oval, Lae.