Tigers win Goroka title in extra time

By ZACHARY PER
GOROKA Tigers centre Kova Iga got his side into extra time with a try that levelled the scores 16-16 in the Goroka Rugby League grand final against Norths.
Tigers back-rower Kenneth David then sealed the result for the Labels-sponsored side to give them a 20-16 win and earn the K5000 winner’s prize plus the 2018 premiers shield.
A Norths mistake in the first half of extra time proved fatal for the CPL-sponsored side.
After David’s try, the Tigers still had to hold out a desperate Norths side for several minutes. In the opening half, the Tigers posted the first try through second-rower Alphonse Kare, who stepped through the line for his team to take a 4-0 lead.
Norths fullback Jacob Kepea was put through a hole by captain/coach Bafinu Ilai, and ran 40-metres to score under the posts for the Northerners to take a 6-4 lead.
Norths halfback Josh Heri chased his own kick to score an unconverted try for his side take a 10-4 lead. Tigers narrowed the gap to 8-10 after Jonjon Dickson crossed.
Fullback Jordan Millie set up centre Pope Pupune to give the Tigers a 12-10 lead at the halftime.
Norths Akuke Satifa scored a four-pointer that got his side back into the lead and Heri converted to put them 16-12 in front.
The final 20 minutes became a hard slog as rain fell.
With three minutes to go, Norths looked to be on their way to victory but Tigers’ Iga scored the equaliser and they could have won the game in regular time if five-eighth Ferah Omate’s kick had not hit the crossbar.
Tigers then went on to post the winner through Kenneth in the first period of extra time.
In the women’s grand final, Goroka Automotive Mobile Clinic Gama Gusave defeated Uncles Cottage Pride 6-0 while in the Under-20s final, Coffee Connections West beat BOC Bullets 18-8.
President Koko thanked Goroka MP Henry Ame for his support of K20,000 and his presence at the field during the grand final.