Tigers upset Hawks in POMRFL

 KONE Tigers stopped Hanuabada Hawks 14-10 in Round 9 of Port Moresby rugby league competition on Saturday. 

The Hawks were co-ladder leaders with Brothers on 10 points heading into the weekend but that counted for nothing as a determined Tigers outfit showed held  their own against the competition  leaders.

The Bishop Brothers-sponsored Hawks led 10-6 at halftime with tries to outside center Chris Vani and No.9 Vaieke Vani and a penalty goal to fullback Jack Victor.

For the Tigers, their six points came from a try to right wing Fred Oroga converted by Anderson Karape.

Teams officials appealed to referees boss Guma Opi to replace the referee Joe Kaufa for the final 40, however, this request was refused. 

Tigers scored both their second half tries in similar style and at the same locations. The tries came on the back of long range sweeping raids from deep within their own territory.

Nippy half Kapi James scored the first, Oroga completed his double. Karape missed both conversions.

In doing so, they lifted the intensity in defence to repel the hawkies raids time and again in the crucial stages. 

For the winners, Steven Joel, Billy Johns, Karape and Oroga stood out in a team effort while for the Hawks, Victor, Vani, Jerry Kare and Joe Boe did not stop trying.

Results: Souths 16 Royals 16, Hohola Flies 18 Kone Storms 4, Tarangau 30 Maiari Eagles 6, Pumas 26 Paga Panthers 8, Brothers 36 West 12, Butterflies 22 Defence 4.