Torea brace helps Nova beat Harlies

 OVERLOOKED Pukpuk Billy Torea led from the front for Nova as they inflicted a first loss on competition leaders Trukai Harlequins in the Capital Rugby Union (CRU) at Monier Park on Saturday. 

Only recently returning from in­jury from the development squad tour of the Gold Coast, Torea was hungry to impress as he scored two tries in their 41-16 win.

Torea, returning to the club after a stint with Wanderers, looks to have settled in well, especially since he has been handed the captain’s role as well.

He teamed up well with Elipema Kini and Moses Guise to give their forwards a fiery look as they put the reigning champs on their backs for the first time this season.

In the backs, Emmanuel Guise, Anthony Kamburi and Titi Gigimat featured strongly with decisive runs against a depleted Harlies line-up.

Harlies Avosa Kaipu, as usual put his body on the line, but they could not get their usual roll-on.

Nova player-coach Dougie Guise said it was a much needed win and they were impressed with their junior players rising to premier grade level.

“La’a Kiri was a particular stand­out who came across from the Chiefs junior grades,” he said.

The other try-scorers in the morale boosting win were Titi Gigimat (2), Mack Goa, Elipema Kini and Ambos Gena.

Guise thanked club sponsors Gogo Cola, Total Waste Management and Gore Accountants and Business Advisors.

In other matches, Spartans beat Motuan Warriors 12-5, Kramer Ausenco Brothers powered over LaSallians 43-12 and PNG Ports Wanderers continued their great form, edging out Juggernauts 17-15.

The premier grade points table: Harlequins 30, Defence 28, Wanderers 22, Juggernauts 20, Nova 17, Brothers 17, Kemele University 15, Spartans 11, LaSallians 9, Motuan Warriors 1.