Tumbe win fourth on the trot

By PARKER TAMBUA
WAGHI Tumbe recorded their fourth win on the trot with a 34-16 victory against Central Dabaris in round nine of the Digicel Cup at Jonah Ambane Oval in Minj on Sunday.
The Jiwaka Government-sponsored side are third on the 12-team adder with only two points separating them from the top-two teams, Lae Tigers and Mendi Muruks.
However, Tumbe chairman Paul Tumun told The National yesterday that his team still had a lot of areas to work on for their remaining two games of the regular round.
He said Dabaris were on the front foot in the first half, but they managed to contain the visitors.
“We led 14-12 at half time but the Dabaris were all over us and they played some high-quality rugby league,” Tumun said.
“Our players were under pressure and we needed a big second half to win the game. It was our home ground and we knew had to win.
“We scored three second-half tries in 10 minutes which won us the game.
“I think there’s still room for improvement and we have to get it right before the finals.
“The team should have had their day-off on Monday, but I told them to return to training right away to prepare for our next game which is against Goroka Lahanis in Minj this weekend.” Tumun said his team knew what it took to make the finals and they were prepared for the challenge.
“We know it will not be easy as we’ve been there in the past,” he said.
“But this time, we want to finish better than previous campaigns where we only reached semifinals.”