Souths fight back in second half to snatch win from Butterflies

By ROBINSON LEKA
A STRONG second half from Souths saw them snatch an 18-8 comeback win over last year’s A-grade runners-up Butterflies in the Port Moresby Rugby Football League competition on Sunday.
Ninth-placed Butterflies dominated early with halves Maune John and Trevor Solu finding space for their forwards, including lock Maya Clark, to penetrate the opposition defence.
But Souths held them out on several occasions with skipper and second-rower Clyde Name leading their defence at the Oil Search National Football Stadium.
Unfortunately, a loose carry by Souths saw Butterflies substitute Jack Kuman cross over to open the scoring with an unconverted try.
Souths were quick to respond with fullback Robert Kunai finishing off a set play for an unconverted try to trail 4-6.
A penalty against Souths saw Solu claim an extra two points for an 8-4 lead at halftime.
Souths came back strong in the second half as front-rowers Rodwell John and Daniel Pai marched up the middle with ease.
Kunai finished off a set at the left edge for Souths claim their second unconverted try to level the scores.
Poor ball security from the Butterflies proved costly as Souths’ William Maku crossed over for another unconverted try. A costly penalty against the Butterflies saw No.7 Tom Peter kick Souths out to a 14-8 lead before substitute Max Wai sealed the win with another unconverted try.
Meanwhile, league board member Manu Lofena told The National that the start of the second round of matches would see tougher penalties on teams and players not meeting registration requirements.