Savere helps Dockers retain second spot

By ROBINSON LEKA
A LATE goal from Luke Savere Jr saw Dockers retain second spot in the Port Moresby Australian Football League competition with a (4.4) 28-(2.4) 16 win over Koboni at the Colts Oval on Saturday.
The main clash of round seven saw Koboni get on the front foot with Papua New Guinea international Brendon Beno scoring for a 7-1 lead in the opening quarter.
The Dockers struck back with Savere Jr and Amos Wartovo dominating in the forwards for three goals for a 19-9 lead at halftime.
The match spun into an even tussle with Koboni staying in the contest as ruckman Andrew Lai won crucial possession for them to advance with only one goal and a behind to their tally in the third quarter narrowing the lead to 16-21.
The Dockers’ control in the centres with John Girali and Peter Lavong in the backs saw them keep Koboni scoreless with only a single behind getting them in front by six points (22-16).
But a late break from Savere helped seal the game with a 12-point lead one minute from fulltime.
“We knew this was going to be hard game so we made sure to fill our best 18 against a quality side like Koboni,” assistant coach Desmond Kaumu said.
“All we wanted from our players was to control the ball and create more opportunities on goal.
“John Gilari was perfect in all areas of the game along with the players in the centre led by Kelly Kaugla.
“Everyone stood out in the game, we were up by one goal for most of the game, so we played our defensive tactics which I think won the game for us.”