Top sides fight to draw in Konedobu

The much-anticipated top of the table clash between the Hanuabada Hawks and the Kone Storm ended in an 8-8 draw on Saturday.
The Port Moresby Rugby League round 18 fixture featured a pitched battle on a great track at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium, Konedobu, with neither side giving an inch in a contest of finals intensity.
The Lalokau FM-sponsored Hawks kept their top spot on the ladder despite being on the same number of points as their Paladin-backed opponents on 26 points with a superiors points differential.
It was a day for families and supporters as flocked to the SHMS to see the local teams in action. Both sides are assured finals berths with two rounds left. In the day’s other match at the National Football Stadium 2, Paga Panthers belted Souths 36-16 to claim third spot.
Results: Panthers 36 Souths 16, Royals 4 Butterflies 4, Warriors 26 Defence 10, Flies 10 Tarangau 6, Tigers 12, Magani 10.
Standings: Hawks 26, Storms 26, Panthers 22, Flies 21, Tarangau 21, Royals 21, Warriors 20, Brothers 19, Tigers 18, Magani 15, Souths 14, Defence 14, Butterflies 13, West 12.