Tigers beat Gurias 18-16, secure final

By ISAAC LIRI
LAE Tigers secured a spot in the Digicel Cup grand final after beating Rabaul Gurias 18-16 in a replay of the 2016 final.
Tigers coach Stanley Tepend said the win resembled all their hard efforts during the season but it wasn’t easy coming away with a win over the Gurias.
The defending champions looked sharp in the opening minutes with a try from five-eighth Edwin Ipape in the third minute.
Tigers managed to extend their lead in the 15th minute with a try from centre Enoch Sine but this time Joel failed to add the extras.
The Gurias bounced back before the break with two unanswered converted tries taking them into the lead at half time.
Second rower Tuvi Lepan scored in the 29th minute while Hooker Brian Gispe scored in the 34th minute. Gurias five-eighth Jason Missian converted both tries.
Tigers came out firing in the second half as Joe Wallamas broke the Gurias defence to score in the 45th minute. Joel failed to convert and the Tigers were in front by two.
Some brilliance attack got the Gurias back in front in the 59th minute when Gispe scored his second. Missian failed to add the extras and the Gurias led by two with the final 20 minutes of the game remaining.
Great defence from both sides saw the game tight until the 75th minute when Pasu Awene caught the ball from a set play to send the Tigers roaring. Joel failed to convert but the Tigers held on to win the match by two points.