Tarangau edge Hawks in women’s semifinal

By SULI SULI
PORT Moresby Rugby League minor premiers Hanuabada Hawks fell short in the women’s major semifinals after going down 14-16 at the hands of Tarangau last weekend.
Tarangau’s pack, led by national women’s team forward Carol Humeu, dominated the reigning premiers in a thriller to earn a spot in the grand final next week.
Hawks started slow and could not contain Tarangau who had the upper hand with their speedy backs at the Santos National Football Stadium.
Tarangau halfback Elly Kapa stepped her way through and opened the scoring near the uprights and converted her own try for a 6-0 lead.
Humeu was assisted by Bessy Peter, Waiks John, Kensila Nomane and Christina Etape who worked through the middle to create space for their backs.
Winger Josephine Agiru scored Tarangau’s second try and extended the lead to 10-0.
Arua Ben Moide-coached Hawks tried hard, but solid Tarangau defence kept them scoreless at halftime.
Hawks re-grouped and responded minutes into the second half with a try through hooker Mary Kohu.
The Hanuabada side gained confidence and their Lila Malabag-led attack led to fullback Joyce Hobert crossing over for Hawks’ second try. But Lila failed to convert the try as the scores were locked at 10-10.
Hawks continued to struggle against Tarangau’s inroads. Kapa restored Tarangau’s lead with a penalty goal to bring the scores to 12-10.
The game was not over for Hawks who sent in Rose Malabag for a corner try to take a 14-12 lead.
The match went down to the wire in the remaining minutes when Tarangau outmuscled Hawks through John who bulldozed her way through for the winning try.
Hawks will now face Gulf West in the preliminary final this weekend with the winner meeting Tarangau in the grand final.