Tarangau on top

HEKARI Tarangau continued their winning run in the Port Moresby rugby league premier division after round eight thrashing reigning premiers UMW Brothers 14-0 to become outright leaders of the competition.
The match, dubbed, the clash of the round at the Lloyd Robson oval yesterday, did not favour the players from the two sides, with the slippery conditions making ball control much more difficult.
But, it was inform Tarangau who walked away smiling under the guidance of captain and five-eighth Charles Onguglo, who controlled his boys to keep to their game plan and minimise on ball-handling errors.
Forova brothers, fullback Jojo and winger Puti, were both committed to the game for Tarangau, adding valuable contributions, Jojo scoring in the 28th minute, while Puti touched down in the second half.
The match was so physical in the first 40 minutes as Brothers’ veteran forwards Solomon Hui, Andrew Norman and centre Wilfred Henry marched onto the field to upset the warders in the competition.
However, the old horses failed to stop the young Tarangau forwards, led by John Giru, Supa Kokote, Mark Alibu and Emanuel Agua, exchanging blows at the fringe of the ruck.
Brothers hope of a strong fight back in the second half were dashed when they lost ball control and were playing out of their game plan, resulting in Tarangau capitalising on their opponents’ misfortune to send through their consistent centre Barry Pakae to score the winning try in the corner to march out 14-0 winners.
In the other matches, Souths defeated Magani 22-14, Dobo Warriors belted Maiari Eagles 32-10, Hawks shocked Kone Storms 18-12, Kone Tigers were forfeited by Royals.
Defence drew Butterflies 22-22 in the opening round of the weekend clashes on Friday.