Tarangau edge Flies to reach semi-finals

By SULI SULI
TARANGAU secured their semifinal spot of the Port Moresby Rugby Football League after defeating Hohola Flies 9-6 in their quarterfinal clash at the Santos National Football Stadium oval two yesterday.
Tarangau were trailing 4-6 at halftime but a huge second-half effort saw them defeat the young Flies outfit for a semifinal berth next week.
The Tarangau opened the scoring through Junior Maul but halfback Quinton Gele failed to convert the goal in the 9th minute.
Forwards Newman Timothy, Raymond Peter, Alu John, Lexcy Mark and Johnson Malopa were consistent with their runs and set the platform for the halves Wayne James and Gele to create opportunities.
Flies responded with a try to centre Larry Horope on the left edge but failed to convert the goal.
But a penalty kick by fullback Joe Eka before halftime gave Flies the two-point lead.
The Flies maintained their defensive effort until Tarangau added an extra two points through a penalty and the scores were leveled at 6-6.
Playmaker Gele produced a field-goal and put the Tarangau ahead. Flies were kept scoreless in the second stanza despite showing persistent plays in their attack.
The Anton Forova-coached Tarangau continued their strong attack and maintained the one-point lead.
Two minutes before fulltime, Gele converted another penalty goal and sealed the game for Tarangau.
Forova said the efforts by Tarangau were a sign of a committed defence in the dying stages.
“We held on to the lead despite not having enough possession of the ball,” Forova told The National.
“Our game was bit messy but we’re happy to get the win.”