Storm and Dobo bow out of title contention

KONE Storm and Dobo Warriors bowed out of the Port Moresby Rugby Football League finals following losses to the Hohola Flies and Souths over the weekend.
A lone try from centre Mathew Pakana saw Souths grab back-to-back A-grade wins on Sunday after eliminating Dobo Warriors with a 4-2 victory.
The second semifinal was a fiery encounter with Dobo determined to bounce to back from a 4-6 loss to Brothers last week with Alwin Kevaru and Eric Batia leading their charges in the forwards.
Dobo was met with steep opposition in defence from Souths under the guidance of skipper Clyde Name and utility back William Mone with both sides trapped in a stalemate in the opening half.
A penalty against Souths saw Dobo take two points through centre Bobby Lagani for a 2-0 lead at halftime.
The second half turned into an even tussle with both sides unable to find points until the 60th minute with Pakana finishing off on the right edge for the only try of the game.
Souths defended their lead resolutely for the remainder of the match and now face a rested Brothers side for this weekend’s semifinal.
Meanwhile, the Flies will face Tarangau in the other semifinal after they beat Kone Storm 18-12 on Saturday.
Flies coach Jezreel Oyekana said his side was determined to claim the major title too.