Tigers put to test but hold on to beat visiting Waghi Tumbe

THE Tigers were put to the test by the visiting Waghi Tumbe in yesterday’s Digicel Cup match but the Lae-based side held on to win 34-26.
The match, controlled by referee Paul Wani, went down to the wire with both teams scoring tries.
The home side were the first to touch down under the uprights when Papua New Guinea Hunters utility Charlie Simon created an inside pass for Joe Joshua to score with Noel Joel converting for a 6-0 lead at the 11th minute.
But the lead did not last long as Tumbe responded with a try three minutes later. Five-eighth Saki Peter converted from sideline to equalise 6-6.
The visitors scored another try in the 24 minute, with Peter re-gathering his kick to score out wide. He converted his own try for Tumbe to take the lead 12-6.
Not to be pushed over, the Tigers brought play into Tumbe’s territory and were rewarded with atry through Simon. Hooker Joel failed to convert the try, leaving the score at 12-10 in favour of the visitors at halftime.
After some halftime talk from coach Stanley Tepend, the Lae Biscuit Company-sponsored franchise resume the second half with an unconverted try through Casey Dickson to give the Tigers the lead 14-12.
The Tigers clicked into gear and scored another unconverted try through winger Kafare Amos to increase the lead to 18-12.
Tumbe regrouped and replied with a try to prop Harvey Tul but Peter failed to add the extras to trail 18-16.
The Tigers were the next to score a try, with Simon adding the extras.
Ten minutes later, Tumbe crossed over for their fourth try with Peter kicking the two points to narrow the scoreline to 24-22.
The visitors quickly added another four points through right winger Menson Wamdi to take the lead 26-24 despite Peter failing to convert the try.
With 10 minutes remaining, the Tigers were put to the test as Tumbe’s game management kicked in. But the Tigers had the last laugh, scoring two quick tries to win the match 34-26.