Star-studded Gurias beat Eagles in opener

THE Rabaul Gurias got their Digicel Cup campaign off to a winning start with a 30-10 victory against the Mt Hagen Eagles in Port Moresby on Saturday.
Led by skipper Watson Boas, Kumul half sliced through the Eagles defence before putting in a grubber kick for new recruit and halves partner Allan Simbiri to score between the uprights in the fifth minute.
The Eagles responded with an unconverted try through halfback Bernard Noel but poor handling and penalties broke their momentum as the Gurias capitalised with two more tries through Kumuls rake Wartovo Puara Jr and John Ragi Jr for an 18-4 halftime lead.
Eagles skipper Henry Wan and lock Joshua Nani were brave up front but a poor halves combinations saw more errors and possession lost in crucial moments of the second half.
The Gurias continued their momentum with a try through Jordan Pat but Eagles winger Moses Tali reduced the margin to 24-10.
The Gurias were far from done with Stanley Olo coming on for Puara and providing the impetus for the Agmark sponsored-side to send SP Hunters fullback Terry Wapi for the final points of the match at Sir John Guise Stadium.
Gurias co-coach Marcus Kaugla was happy with the win.
“The win meant lot to the team,” he said
“We’ve dedicated the entire season to late our late Papa Guria (Late John Nightingale) who passed away earlier this year.
“A win is a win and we’re happy but we’ve still got some areas to work on.”