Rapatona beat Yamaros

 By HENRY MORABANG

TWO goals by striker Alwin Komolong and midfielder Michael Foster propelled Rapatona to the number one spot on the Port Moresby Super League soccer challenge competition ladder.

After a halftime pep talk from coach Robert Popat, Rapatona came firing on all cylinders to score twogoals against VAT Yamaros in the main fixture yesterday at Bisini Soccer ground.

Both teams fought out a goal-less first half but the Manusian came back strong in the final half net the two crucial goals to grab the number one spot from Maclaren.

Popat was playing mind game to reshuffle his regular starting team to bring in Richard “Doc” Sios to play with Komolong in the starting 11, but later he replaced him with Richard “Pelpel” Auram who add a bit of firepower upfront.

Foster and Roniel Igens continued to control the midfield which made a big difference especially by playing wide on the flanks.

Solomon Islander Lawrence Diou, who still has not lost his touch continued to supply good ball from flanks for his strikers. 

In fact, he orchestrated Komolong’s opening goal to put Rapatona in front before Foster sealed the match with a classic placment to find the back of the net to romp home with three competition points.

Yamaros was ordinary on the day.

Their most dangerous player, striker Tommy Sammy was the marked man all afternoon. Despite receiving some good service from midfielder Jacob Sabua and Gerard Makein, Sammy could do little as Rapatona’s defence was all over  him.

Rapatona’s score could have gone higher but thanks to Yamaros goalkeeper Benjamin Wilbert for his safe hands.

In the other matches played yesterday, Defence and Momase fought out a 2-2 draw while the youngsters from Badili, Mungkas upset Cosmos 1-0.

On Saturday, Maclaren thrashed Hard Rock 4-1 while PS Ruts drew with Blue Kumuls 1-1.