University edge Defence

UNIVERSITY edged Defence 10-9 to claim their first Capital Rugby Union title at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium on Saturday.
In a low-scoring but taut and entertaining decider for the CRU’s premier grade premiership, the Piggies, through tries by burly second  five-eighth and former Hunters squad member Jayjay Garrison and centre Dean Manale, who scored the match-winner late in the second half, scored the game’s only five-pointers while the barracks men scored their points off three penalties.
The score at halftime was 0-0 in front of an estimated crowd of more than 1500 at the Konedobu venue.
In a tough and bruising encounter, both teams put in determined efforts in defence, though both teams were guilty of squandering their opportunities with handling errors.
The first points of the game came from two penalty kicks to Defence which enabled them to take a 6-0 lead mid-way into the second 40.
Defence seemed to be in the ascendency as they shut out the Piggies forwards and backs from making inroads into their half of the field and continued to threaten the University tryline.
Through it all, the Piggies gave as good as they got, holding out Defence, who were unable to break the University line.  The Piggies’ persistence was rewarded with a try to former PNG Hunters forward Garrison.
The conversion was unsuccessful and University trailed Defence 6-5.
With 15 minutes left on the clock University conceded a penalty 12-metres in front of the uprights, the successful conversion giving Defence a four-point buffer leading Uni 9-5.
University kept their composure, as both forwards and backs carried the ball forward with purpose.
A break down the sideline by the Piggies led to Manale diving over for the match-winner and the premiership for the men in sky blue.