Tatsim stars in Lahanis win over Isapea

By ZACHERY PER 

YOUNG Bintangor Lahanis lock forward Bernard Tatsim Junior showed promise, scoring two tries in his team’s 24-16 Digicel Cup win over the Prima Goods Gulf Ispea in Goroka yesterday.

Tatsim Jnr was among other promising Lahanis youngsters who proved their worth before a parochial home crowd at the National Sport Institute ground.

Veteran George Abba showed he still has the fire as he crossed the line for another four-pointer for the hosts.

Abba is an ageless Lahanis in the mould of Nicko Ubile and captain, Glen Nami.

The game was scrappy as there was too many dropped balls.

New Isapea coach Nigel Hukula refused to comment, while his Lahanis opposite Peter Warlock said he was content with his players’ execution of his game plan but there was still room for improvement.

Warlock singled out Tatsim, who scored two tries and had a hand in two other tries, as his best player.

Halves Casey Frank and skipper Joseph Peter stood out as well.

The Lahanis forwards led by Kumul props Gonzella Urakusie and Wesley Mohokule, John Arme, rugged Supa Kokote and Tatsim were superb against the Isapea, who were tipped to improve from last year. 

But captain Moore Evara, Andrew Luke, Dickson Wallen, Zachery Simbai, Barry Pakea and Mark Kerowa did not fire as expected.

Lahanis opened the scoring two minutes into the game when Tatsim powered through for his first try. 

Centre Ishmael Awute raised the flags Stanley Korowa replied for the visitors but his centre partner Joe Pipi Koivi failed to covert. 

Half way into the first round, Tatsim dummied, then ran 70m before scoring under the posts.